A local-train travel chronicle
So crowded that i felt breathless; people standing all around me squeezed me to the maximum my body can contract. i had people's hair on my faces, in my eyes, mouth eeeww! and what a stink! Mumbai Summer and pollution. i held my head up and facing towards the roof of the train to catch some fresh air.
We travelled in the same train some times and we got acquainted.
"He never calls me", she said. I excused myself and asked if she was talking to me. "Yes. He always says he is going to call me back in a bit or in the evening, or whatever, but he never calls"
“We were each other’s betterhalves. We were almost perfect for one another. We brought out the best in us when together. We had a rocking time. Together we solved each other’s problems – career, personal, emotional, family, anything.I was just settling with what I had and content but happy with mediocre, simple but not boring, nothing special about it kind of life when I met him. He was his usual self; ambitious, busy with big ideas, busy executing those ideas, just out of relationship that had to break because his family did not approve. We were colleagues but I never cared about him. Actually avoided him, he seemed like an egoistic, Casanova! Once I started to get to know him I can tell he is not a bad guy. Actually he is all I can ask for in “my guy” but of course he is no exception when it comes to a couple of weaknesses which I hate about him very much. But I’d do anything for the strengths that I found in him.” She said and started sobbing uncontrollably. The other nearby passengers asked what happened and If she was okay. I was a little nervous, later consoled her.
I asked if they broke up now and if she is unable to get over it. She nodded in approval. I suggested she talk to a therapist or take a meditation/ yoga class, if this was bothering her as much and disturbing her routine. She said, “Can I tell you?” and I was surprised. “You almost told me all the story. But no! why do you want to tell me. I am a stranger. You can’t trust strangers. Or I may not be of help that you need. All I can say is try to get busy, talk to a family/close friend you can confide in, I am sure whatever happens for reason. We only realize later or sooner!” She smiled and apologized. I was relieved .
Then just before getting down at her destination, she said, “I’ll tell you everything, my story if we meet the next time. May be it is for a reason! I never got to share this part of my life with anyone so far.”
I didn’t know what to say. I was puzzled. “Sure, the next time we meet, let’s sit down for a coffee or snack somewhere. Take care. Don’t think too much. Get out for some fun outdoor activities or simply count numbers backwards from 83 and minus 13 for every number(a colleague told me . worked for me as a de-stresser). Have fun” I said.
I wish I had some more time to cheer her up with a little pep talk, but the train won’t stop for more than a couple of minutes.
It has been more than 2 weeks now since I saw her in the train. Hope all is well.
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