A Serene Bliss

Travelling is my passion. A window seat accomplished by a travelogue extends the content of cloud nine. I gazed out of the window with an obsession with the fast cryptic colour change of land. The reflexive changes of the mountain to the river, to fields to jungles, have added charms to the eyes and mind. The lucrative greenery all around is zealous. The meek voice of chai..chai..pakodes of pantry car staff got amplified every now and then. Suddenly the train reduced its speed to greet the next station.

As it stopped, a lot of chaos and anarchy took their role. People were jostling into the train. I kept myself busy with my travelogue.

“ Can I sit here?” A shabbily dressed lady in her late 40s wearing a white coloured saree asked me.

“Yes...yes...why not?” I arranged my scattered magazines and made space for her. She had a serene face but seemed to be disturbed and apprehend. I could read her eyes which were struggling within to behold the tears which were flushing to overflow with puddled emotions.

She sat next to me. I understood something avert and fatuous is battling within.

“ Chai..chai....” a vendor‘s voice echoed.

“ Aunty..do you want tea?” I tried to mend the broken heart with my menial effort. She nodded in agreement. I got two cups of tea. She started gulping without uttering a word. I understood she needs some time for herself. The train took its full momentum and was running more swiftly than before amidst jungles. After a moment I took my cookies out.

“ Aunty Ji.. cookies..?” I extended them towards her. She couldn’t deny me. We both started eating cookies without any conversation.

“Hai... Sekhar... such a nice surprise man...!” a familiar voice distracted me. I was amazed to see my classmate Rahul.

“Hey, Rahul..it has been a long since we met.” I expressed my pleasant surprise at meeting him.

“ Namaste aunty...” Rahul bowed to the strange woman to which she responded with a smile. I understood that Rahul is mistaken and had thought this strange lady was my mother. I didn’t pay any attention to her notions.

“ Where are you both going.” Rahul shot the query at once. I looked into her eyes. Should I express my dissention? Her eyes spoke very numbly.

“Tomorrow is my cousin’s marriage at Varanasi,” I replied without resenting her.

“ Aunty Ji, we all are very fond of your besan ke laddoo. Shekhar used to bring them to the hostel after vacations. We all would jump and devour them. Super delicacy...!! We missed it after our college days.” Rahul praised the woman for the unremunerable efforts my mother took while packing the best delicacies for my hostel mates.

Rahul continued “ My sister is having exams at Lucknow. So we both are going there. How about your doctorate program?” Rahul kept on speaking with excitement.

I realised that the lady is enjoying being my mother in disguise. After some usual talks, Rahul left with a promise to meet during the next reunion which is scheduled for next month.

“ Auntie Ji.. please do send our favourite besan ke laddoo when Sekhar will be coming for the reunion,” Rahul demanded pleadingly

“Sure...” she said enthusiastically with a sweet smile. Rahul left and I stared deep into her eyes. Her polite, soft and gentle words caressed like a lily flower. Her gestures compelled me to stay numb.

Amidst all these, I noticed that the train has approached the next station. The lady in the white saree got up to get down. I kept on gazing at her. She kept her hands on my head and said “ God bless you, my child.” She left without waiting for my response or answer.

I saw the most serene and pure blissful affection radiating from her eyes. In her white attire, she was reflecting peace and calmness around me as if goddess Durga has intentionally come into my life to bless me. I felt contented and rejoiced at the most unexpected meeting with a stranger who bestowed me with prayers that perhaps no money or doctoral degree can ever buy.

Still, during travelling, my eyes search for the lady in white attire who could sanctify me unconditionally.

#whiteserene#