STORY-TRAIN

I WAS COMING FROM Delhi.

 There was a boy of four, whom I am to hand over to his uncle, at Palakad railways station. I wanted to go further to Ernakulam.  My coach number etc. have been informed. An unexpected worry was caused by a block in the track. A goods train, carrying a slimy chemical derailed, spilling the chemical everywhere. Unless it is removed, running of trains cannot be resumed.

My companion, a girl in tight pants and shirt, was more worried. We got acquainted during the journey. She is  a Bengali, coming to Keralam for the first time:”My parents live in Calcutta. Their forefathers were from Kerala. I want to meet a very old aunt, whose address I have. Could you kindly help me?,” she had asked. “With pleasure,” I said sincerely;  a beautiful companion is always welcome.

The time was 8 AM, we were al hungry. A man came and asked:”Do you want tender coconuts?” My friend Aarathy asked:”Where are the coconuts?” He pointed out to a house and we followed him. After five minutes, we reached there. Seeing us coming, the Lady of the house came out:”You must be hungry; he will pluck the coconuts, do eat something .” She ushered us in and served idlis. Aarathy began to eat hungrily.

“You look like a married couple; where are you  going?” “Thiruvanthapuram,” she answered promptly.

We purchased twenty fruits. “We can finish it, by the time we reach TVM.” “So you have already decided? Why didn’t  you contradict it, when she said  we are married couple?”

“Because I like you. I have freedom to choose. You are not married?””No”

At long last the train started. It reached Palakad at midnight.  We could not find anyone. We got it announced three times. The smart girl went from one waiting room, to another. She woke up a person sleeping soundly and brought to me. I showed him the boy. He was really glad and took him with him. We proceeded by the next train

Luckily, we got a coupe compartment. She pulled me and we slept in the same berth.  She woke up only at ten in the morning.

The scenery enlivened her.”Oh, wonderful.” She went on talking and eating all the way to TVM. “What is the secret of your being so slim?” I stroked her flat belly, with a joy I never experienced before. “Why not marry this mad girl?” I asked myself.

At TVM, we hired a prepaid taxi, which took us to the interior. An old lady welcomed us. I explained the purpose of our visit. “You are Aarathy, come let me see you properly.” She spoke good English.

“They want to sell this ancestral house; I objected  . I called you, so that you may buy it. I want to live here and die here. Who is this gentleman? Your husband?” I went near her. She kissed my cheek.