First Meet

As the train left the station Sweta rested back on her pillow with a deep breathe. After Covid pandemic and lockdown it’s 1st time she is travelling. Last one year had been a curse for all. For Sweta it was little longer. She got divorced 5 years back. Struggled with health thereafter. Quit from job in lockdown. And lost her parents in this pandemic. She almost forgot that she is still alive. Then Sahil came in her life. Remembering his face Sweta closed her eyes. She met him in a whatsapp group just a year back. Generally Sweta speaks very less with unknown people. But somehow they became friends and then good friends. During the tough time when Sweta was serving her ill parents madly, Sahil was there always with his moral support and friendship over the phone.  Sweta took another deep breathe! It was Sahil’s idea only to go for a vacation, a complete rest. It’s first time Sweta will be meeting Sahil at Delhi. Actually, Sweta wanted to visit Haridwar, a calm spiritual place beside the Ganga. Sahil insisted to come to Delhi first to meet Sahil. Sweta had to get up on ticket checker’s call. She finished her home made dinner paratha, paneer and sweet. Co passengers were chatting among themselves.Train was running and swaying, Sweta played music in ear set.

Everyone is in search of life. A stable life with peace, security and respect. Sweta is also in search of the same. After parents, she finds no meaning to survive. Sahil’s friendship is very important to her. How Sahil will be ! How will be the meet!! Whether Sweta will be able to recognize him at the station!! With all such thoughts she slept. Morning tea wakes her up. Sweta looked outside from the window, asked “ which station?” The Tea seller replied reaching Delhi in 30 minute madam, have your tea. Sweta gets up fast holding the cup. Finished her tea and rushed to wash room. Had a look on herself in the mirror, hairs to tie or leave free!! Somehow refreshing own look when she returned on her seat, other passengers are getting ready. With the slow pace of the train approaching the station Sweta’s heart beat started increasing.

                Sahil was waiting at the station. Seeing her he approached with a blushing smile. Extended his hand for hand shake and Sweta  gave her bag in his hand “Hi Sahil, waiting long time?” Sahil took the bag and replied “no, not much. How was the journey?” By that time it knocked her that Sahil wanted to shake hand but she extended the bag instead her own hand,oops!!” To manage Sweta says “why don’t you call a coolie to carry my luggage?” Sahil also had to show his fitness and strength and thus refusing the coolie he lifted 2 bags in both hands. As they started walking ahead, Sahil felt bags are heavy enough and it was a bad idea to impress Sweta by carrying her bags. Sahil’s friend was waiting outside with his car. As they reached he helped to get boarded. Sahil sat in front seat with his friend and Sweta at the back. The car headed towards the hotel. Sahil stays in Gurgaon. He reached Delhi in friend’s house to meet Sweta. Slow conversation was going on among three. Sweta felt to see Sahil once how he looks , so she looked up at the side mirror at the same time Sahil also turned his eyes there just to get a glance of Sweta. Immediately Sweta changed her sight with a  smile. Sahil checked whether his friend noticed. Reaching the hotel they both checked in and got fresh. Then they met at the dining hall for lunch rather late lunch. Sweta preferred dal fry and rice  and Sahil Veg Polau with paneer. Sitting infront of each other they were haunting for words. Speaking over the phone was so easier. Sahil started “you look as you were in the photo.”

 “yes you too. I was thinking whether I would recognize you, but you resemble”. Sweta replied.

“You told me that you are not like the photo, you look very different and dangerously odd practically. I remembered those while driving for station and was bit nervous actually” Sahil said.

And they both laughed a loud.