A WEEK AGO 

╰┈➤ Author’s POV 

Churchgate Station- it's like a beehive that's been kicked- buzzing, chaotic and full of people moving in all the directions. 

The sun was setting. The sky looked like a canvas- painted with the hues of orange, pink and slight purple but everyone around was too busy to notice its beauty. The people were too busy to catch their trains, dodging and cutting through the crowd like some stunt experts. 

A train screeches into the platform and before it even stops, people are already running and jumping in and out of the train.

The loud speakers blared with the train announcements but everyone around was too busy to notice them. 

Vendors wander around in the crowd of the commuters yelling, “Garam chai!” and ‘Pani bottle!” at a speed faster than the train itself. 

The office workers drag themselves along with their faces saying, “Why do I have to do this every day?” with a tired expression. 

College kids were laughing amongst themselves in their groups, probably making fun of their professors. 

A panicked man sprinted across the platform towards a train with his bag flapping behind him like a superhero’s cape. 

A mom held her kid’s hand tightly so as to not let them lose into this ocean of commuters. 

On a bench, an old uncle sat peacefully, probably wondering if he should just miss his train and take a nap instead. 

A labourer wipes his sweat off his forehead as he joked with one of his co-workers. 

A stray dog lingered near a Vadapav and tea stall, pretending to not care but hoping for a sweet treat. 

The lights flicker on. The trains keep coming and going and Mumbai's madness rolls on- because this city never takes a break! 

Hush. 

But amidst this never ending chaos, a flicker of peace caught Rahul’s attention. 

Peace- everyone craves, very few find. 

Amidst the crowd, his gaze lingered on a certain someone. 

Her. 

She sat on a bench, totally engrossed in whatever book she was reading. Her face- almost covered by her silky black hair cascading down her shoulders. 

A cold breeze blew her hair away from her face revealing her angelic, bright face. Her face- devoid of any lines unlike the other people around her. Her face- it was…a blank canvas that reflected nothing but peace. 

He could tell she had lost herself in the book. The chaos, the bustle, everything around her was a blur and the only focus was- her book. He could tell she was into a completely different dimension to even notice anything around her. 

And then, he saw her face twitch, for the first time- into a smile. The most serene and beautiful and peaceful smile he had seen in a while. 

Unbeknownst to him, a smile crept up on his face by itself. 

His eerie of thoughts was broken as the train arrived with a loud screech. 

But it didn't disturb her, she was still in her own zone. Until, a friend of hers shook her and she realised that it was time to board the train. 

She shoved the book inside her bag and as she looked up- and their eyes met. Those brown, kohl rimmed eyes.

And a fraction of a second later, she disappeared into the crowd. 

And he stood there wondering only one thing- who is she? 

──── ୨୧ ────

After fighting for his life for an hour and half in the train- Rahul finally got back home. 

Home? Not really. It’s been two days since he had moved to Mumbai- the city of dreams but he was here without any dreams of his own.

He did have one- to become a photographer. But in the household that he grew up, photography was just an expensive hobby and not a stable career. Being the elder son of the family, he had always been mature and understanding. So understanding that he buried the only dream he ever had deep inside his heart and locked it up. 

As per his father's expectations- he took up commerce and after clearing the banking exams, he was offered a job in the State Bank of India. His parents were on cloud nine because for them- bagging a government job was the biggest achievement. 

Rahul was happy seeing his parents and family’s joy. And for the job, he moved to Mumbai. 

Currently, he had been staying over at his relative’s house. 

He entered the house that gave off a homely vibe but it was still not good enough for him. He missed his home back in Punjab. He missed his family and friends. 

“Rahul bhaiya aa gaye,” a kid chirped as he made a run towards Rahul. 

(Translation: Rahul has arrived.)

Rahul smiled at the kid and ruffled his hair as he took a seat on the sofa. Rahul’s chacha who was busy reading a newspaper nodded at him while his chachi came out with a glass of water for him. 

“Thank you, chachi,” he said, accepting the glass of water. 

“Kyu baat baat pe thank you bolta rehta hai?” his chachi scolded him playfully. 

(Translation: Why do you keep saying thank you all the time?) 

Rahul gave her a sheepish smile and went to the bedroom to change. 

He freshened up and returned for dinner. The food was delicious but he still somewhat missed the food made by his Maa. 

“Chachi, the food was delicious,” he appreciated the food made by his chachi. 

“Waise, mujhe aap dono se baat karni thi,” Rahul said. 

(Translation: By the way, I wanted to talk to you two.) 

“I’ve decided to move out. Don't get me wrong, you treat me so well, just like your own son. But commuting to the office from here gets very difficult for me. And I don't want to be a burden to you when you already have a lot to deal with,” Rahul explained. 

“Rahul beta, you are not a burden to us. But it's fine if you want to move out. After all, you should get your share of exposure to life and this new city. It's a great decision. But have you decided on a place to stay?” His chacha asked. 

“Haa chacha, one of my colleagues stays in Dadar. He lives in his uncle's house on rent and he needs a roommate. I’m going to move there.” 

“Okay but waha sab thik toh hai na? Aur khane ka kya?” Chachi asked, her voice laced with concern. 

(Translation: But is everything fine there? And what about food?) 

“Don't worry chachi. My friend knows a lady who runs a tiffin service. She stays in the same society and makes tiffins for the ones staying alone.” 

“Okay, that's great. When are you moving out then?” 

“In a week chacha ji,” Rahul answered. 

“Alright but take care of yourself. And keep visiting us whenever you get time.” 

Rahul thanked his chacha-chachi for being so understanding and retired to the room to sleep. 

He lay down in the bed quietly and closed his eyes but all he could see was- her.

Those eyes and that gaze. 

“Damn.” he sighed and tried to sleep. 

──── ୨୧ ────

“C’mon Rahul…” a soft whisper escaped from Manjiri’s mouth as she sat in front of the television in its dim lit glow. 

“Rahul….Rahul….” the crowd chanted. India was on the verge of winning the match and Rahul Dravid- Manjiri’s favourite Indian batsman was at the striker’s end. And with a smashing four hit by him, India won the match. 

Manjiri squealed in happiness. 

“Match mein Rahul Dravid ko dekhne se uske jaisa pati nahi milega. Uske liye khana banana sikhna hoga pehle,” came a taunt from Manjiri's mom. 

(Translation: Just by watching Rahul Dravid in the match, you won't find a husband like him. For that, you have to learn cooking first.) 

“Aai, don't say anything to her Rahul. Or she’ll sit with a sulky face all day,” Manjiri’s dada (older brother)- Abhijeet remarked. 

“Dada!”

“Waise bhi, agar mujhe Rahul Dravid nahi mila toh bhi mai shaadi kisi Rahul naam ke ladke se hi karungi!” Manjiri exclaimed, making Abhijeet laugh. 

(Translation: Even if I don't get Rahul Dravid, I will still get married to a guy whose name is Rahul.)

“Accha tell me, how was your first day at school, Manjiri teacher?” He teased her. 

“It was fine. I don't think the kids like me yet,” she let out a sigh. 

“Give them some time, I know you will win over them and become their favourite,” Abhijeet assured her. 

“Your baba called today. He’s coming back next week,” their mother informed. 

“Really?” Manjiri beamed with happiness. 

“Baba ki beti dekho kitni khush ho gayi,” Abhijeet teased her. 

(Translation: Look how happy dad’s princess has become.) 

“Okay now turn off the TV and go to sleep.” 

“Yes, goodnight Aai.” Manjiri went back to her room. 

She tidied up her bed and her desk. She was a cleanliness freak. She always insisted on having everything organized and clean. 

She lay down on the bed and began to recall her day. 

First day of school. Annoying kids. Not-so-helpful coworkers. Crowd at the railway station. Him.

Her eyes snapped open as a particular face danced in front of her eyes. 

That face- it was blank yet it held so many questions. And he looked at her as if he had found all the answers to his questions. 

Manjiri shrugged the thoughts in her mind and dozed off. 

The next morning was going to be a hectic one.