It was 2010 and I was about to board a train to Calicut. My train was late by an hour courtesy to Indian Railways and Lalu Ji. Waiting rooms were full and so were the cemented chairs on the platform so I decided to spread half of my newspaper beside a hawker and sat on it. I was going through the gossip column when I heard a squeamish voice saying “Bhaiya, ek water bottle.” I looked towards the voice.

She stood there waiting while I wholeheartedly wished we shared the same train. At last the train arrived and she began lifting her bags. It certainly felt as my lucky day. I followed her till B2 where she appeared to be waiting for someone anxiously. A boy came running with chips packets and they both entered B2. I looked at my seat number and walked towards it.

Some ‘hippy’ Uncle was sitting in my seat – I asked him to vacate and took the seat. A few minutes later the same guy came up to me asked if the seat opposite to me was vacant. Next thing I knew, she was sitting in front of me with a thick book in her hands. She read a book till 9 PM and then slept. At 12 AM sharp she received a call and shouted “Happy Valentines Day” with joy. That was it, I felt as if someone with bad sense of humour was playing tricks with me. For about an hour she talked about chocolates and flowers but then something unexpected happened. She said “Bhaiya, now you can talk to my babhi“. At first I smiled and then laughed out silently.

Things were quiet after that and I slept. I woke up next morning only to find her studying again with a sandwich in her hand. This made me feel hungry but I chose to stay wrapped inside my blanket for her to take a break from reading but she didn’t. Frustrated I was and decided to break the ice between us by asking about her book. It worked, her answer was long and detailed. We went on to discuss Indian politics, philosophy and finally love. I was so engrossed in her thoughts and smile that when she asked me for a cup of coffee, I said yes knowing well I hate hot beverages.

Time flew by and it was time for her to alight. I offered help and walked with her to the platform. An awkward silence followed till the train whistled and I somehow conjured enough strength to say “Happy Valentines Day.” She smiled and blushed while I stood at the gate till everything disappeared. I returned to my seat as I was feeling hungry; I looked up for my water bottle. What I found instead quenched my thirst instantly. There was a page from her notebook saying”Happy Valentines day , Neha.”