Friendship - Nagpur to Jamesdhpur

Date: 15th January 2009,

Place: Nagpur Railway station, Time: 9:25 PM. Station was jam packed with both crowds and cacophony but anyone can easily figure out the silence between Ronit and Shaloni (Ronit’s girlfriend). Ronit was upset and 1000 thoughts were bombarding him why he got two backlogs in 7th semester exam of Engineering which announced two days back. He was thinking whether it happened because of his girlfriend, boozing, hanging with friends late night or overconfidence. All these thoughts were going in his mind. He got backlogs in almost every semester but ‘Was backlogs only thing that made him down and low? ‘. No and the reason was ‘Shaloni topped 7th semester and friends who were his backlog partners till 6th semester scored very well ’. All these thoughts were going on in his mind, suddenly he heard two voices. First by station announcer: Gitanjali express is on platform number 1. Second one by Shaloni : Janu say my Hello to uncle and aunt and call me every day and do miss me. He nodded with a kiss on her hand and boarded the train. Ronit was going to his home (Kolkata) to make him comfortable for a week as he needs to attend the practical’s exam next week.

His reservation was in S6 berth number 42 (middle berth). The way to berth was quite packed with people and by the time he reached his berth, train already started. So, he could not say final bye to Shaloni from window and that made him bit frustrated. He saw so many people were standing in front of his berth as T.T.E was examining the tickets. Added more frustration and anger was also started cropping up. Out of all cacophony, a sweet voice came ( hindi) ‘Sir Kya aap muje koi aur berth denge jahan koi ladki ho, yahan muje comfortable nahi lag raha’ (Can you please change my berth as I am not feeling comfortable as all are male in this compartment). T.T.E in his heavy tone: No mam I cannot help you as no more seats are available. Ronit could not see the face of that sweet voice girl and waiting to adjust once T.T.E will leave the compartment. Once T.T.E left everyone adjusted in the compartment. Light was dim and only half of the face he can hardly see of the girl who requested for seat change. She was wearing light yellow T-shirt (top) and blue denim jeans (bottom). She was of fair complexion, light thin eyebrows, pink lips and dimple on both cheeks. He mesmerized by her beauty and keeps looking at her as she was looking outside the window. (Hindi song) ‘Tuje dekha to ye jana sanam pyar hota hai deewana sanam’. He was wandering; wow this song really suited this ambience.

Suddenly, He got a sharp and hard pat on his back. Brother, hello brother. Ronit came out of the hypnotism and looked back. Person in the side berth: Brother your phone is ringing. Then, he realized that song coming from his own phone, not from the back ground as he was wandering which usually happens in Hindi movies .The tone was set on at station by Shaloni and that was the reason he couldn’t figure out easily. He picked up his phone:’ Jaanu did you take your meal, it’s already 10 PM’. ‘I am going to have in few minutes’ he replied. Conservation lasted for 10 minutes only as network also vanished like lights from sideways. Ordered meal came by that time and all started taking their meal. Voice came from the side berth ‘Mam would like to have some pickles’ to the same girl. He was the same person who gave a pat on Ronit back few minutes before. He was assuming himself very handsome and smart among the lot. Ronit entire attention went to the girl and eagerly waiting to hear girl’s reply. Girl said: ’No thank you’ in irritated tone. Ronit felt huge sigh of relief. After dinner all were on their respective berth to make their body straight.

Cool breeze and swing of Indian train made him in deep sleep. It’s just been a while, he woke up and found train reached Bilaspur . ‘Welcome to Bilaspur’ announcer voice was coming from the platform. He got up for nature call. While coming back he saw that sweet voice girl was in deep sleep and her innocent face started hypnotizing him again. While getting up to his Berth he saw girl’s bed sheet which she took to cover herself from cold wind was on the floor. Being a nice guy he took the bed sheet and about to put it back on her then suddenly girl woke up and saw this. Blushing immediately vanished from his face and turned to fear. He thought girl is going to shout now and 6 heavy personalities in the compartment going to screw him up badly. But nothing happened. Sweet voice girl said thank you with smile on her face and that was quite a valid reason for him to have sound sleep.

Morning started with cacophony which is usual in Indian trains. Train caterers were already started their business. ‘Tea, coffee, samosa, sandwich’ all were in different tone reaching to Ronit ears. He was going through the magazines he bought at the station and prospectus of MBA collage which he was planning to join after his degree. Sweet voice again ‘Can I see the prospectus? Ronit looked at her and gave it with a smile.

Girl: Are you from this collage?

Ronit: No I a pursuing my Engineering from M.I.E.T collage in Nagpur. I am in final year. I am planning to join after my degree.

Girl: Hi, I am Shreya and I am also pursuing B.E from D.Y.B College from Bhusaval.

Within no time they indulge into deep conversation and became center of attraction among others. Introductory part almost got over. They shared their breakfast and talking more in amicable way. Ronit was just taking it as a time pass and enjoying every moment but he couldn’t realize that he already explored an enemy in the compartment. The same person who offered pickles to Shreya . In between the person was staring at Ronit and making all different gestures. But Ronit was not bothered much.

Shreya: Do you have any girl friend?

Ronit: Yes, She is my class mate.

Shreya : Great.

Ronit : What about you?

Shreya: No. I did not find anyone of my type. My father is in army. So, never been in same place for more than 2 years and I was all busy with my studies.

The chemistry was really gelling well between the two. Ronit was doing all different activities (palmistry, jokes etc.), to make Shreya interested. Train is about to reach Jamshedpur where Shreya going to end her journey. Departure always gives pain. Again silence between the two.

Shreya : Okay, I got to go now. It’s been wonderful time with you.

Ronit: Same here

Shreya departed with full-fledged smile on her face.

Train was about to start. Sweet voice came from the window (outside) ‘Can I have your phone number please ‘? They already exchange their email ids.

Shreya : Please be fast. Train started moving.

Ronit was in shock but came out of it immediately and gave his cell phone number.

Shreya: I will give you a call. Bye.

Ronit found two mails from Shreya in his mailbox after coming back from home. But he did not find any interest in replying those as he was busy with Shaloni and final semester exam preparation. Time changed so the people. Shaloni placed in a MNC during college placement and started her professional career in Bangalore and picked up someone else as new partner. Ronit also passed out with average scores and got job in Noida. One day Ronit was interacting with a couple (office colleagues) in office and they were telling to him how they first met on train and relationship started. This incident reminds Ronit about Shreya. He immediately logged on his old email id which he had given to Shreya. He went through all the mails and found that Shreya even called him two three times but as he was so busy with Shaloni that he did not even bother to call back on that unknown number. Last mail Ronit found from Shreya was on 2nd August 2009 (Friendship day).

Mail:

Hey Ronit,

How are you? Hope you are doing well.

I am in Gurgaon. I got placed in Siemens via collage last month. I called you two three times but no response. May be you were busy in day to day work.

Wish you very Happy Friendship Day.

I have nothing much to say now. I will be looking for your reply. By the way my cell phone number changed. Here is the new number: 9800001229

Take care

Bye

Shreya.

Ronit: Can I talk to Shreya? This is Ronit.

Receiver: How do you know Sherya?

Ronit : Explained everything to the receiver.

Receiver(low tone) : Sorry. You won’t be able to talk to Shreya.

Ronit: May I ask why?

Receiver : I am Shreya’s brother .

She died on 2nd August while coming back from office in an accident.

Receiver started crying on the phone and hanged up.

'Bye' was the last word Ronit heard from Shreya. He never ever thought that would be the final bye from her ever.

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