In the peak hours of the morning Churchgate station reminds
one of a dam in spate. Local trains, carrying commuters come to a halt at
Churchgate station which is the ultimate destination point. Commuters after getting
down there, are in a hurry to rush out of the station and countless numbers of
them walk down the streets with their brief-cases to their work places. A few
walking alone, a few walking with their friends cracking jokes, often trying to
jump the traffic signals without waiting for the red to turn green to cross
over to other side, the flow of traffic is such that in the city of Mumbai, the
traffic signals are a must.
Soon after walking out of the station holding his brief-case
he crossed the road and entered the Hotel Salkar adjacent to the station which
is almost houseful. Every morning on working days in the peak hours of the
morning and evening, the hotel does a brisk business.
Usually office-goers and students of the Govt Law college
which is just in front rush inside and take seats and sit around the tables not
only for steamy cups of tea or coffee but to spend time discussing some lighter
topics. With much difficulty he too got a seat, thank goodness.
The waiter - both familiar to each other, came by his side
and smiled.
‘Hot tea sir?’ – He inquired with his trademark smile. He
shook his head smiling.
He, a regular visitor there since ten years and hence though
unfamiliar faces are there, familiar ones outnumber the former. Still he cared
not to get in touch with any of them and getting friendly with anyone.
Sitting alone in the hotel her face always appears before
him and recalls the joyous moments with her sipping hot tea together. Each
morning they used to frequent the hotel and engaged in sweet talks spending at
least ten to fifteen minutes. After her marriage she had to fly abroad with her
better-half. Once in a while especially on the eve of festivals she never
forgets to send him greeting cards, sometime long letters in which she poured
out her feelings all tinged with sadness. He never forgot to write to her
consoling her often expressing his apologies and repentance as he was responsible
for the break-up of their affair midway.
She was the only sister of four brothers for whom she was
their apple of their eyes and they wanted to marry her off to a handsome Muslim
boy from an aristocratic orthodox Muslim family.
And being a Christian he knew well that her family members
wouldn’t agree to her making a Christian youth, her life-partner. But she stood
like a rock and was always willing to live with him, come what may. He didn’t
like to create noisy scenes in the peaceful Muslim family and prevailed upon
her to go by the wishes of her parents and brothers. It was a heart-breaking
moment for both of them and she with tears filling her eyes and he too on the
verge of a nervous breakdown got separated for ever. Still she wanted to have
contacts with him even while abroad and the communication still goes on
unabated.
After having a tea, he came outside and walked along the
pavement to his office. A cool breeze blowing from the sea caressed him as if
she was comforting him while he went gloomy thinking about the shape of things
to come. It was unimaginable for both of them getting separated. But one day it
was going to be a certainty he knew… and that a gnawing pain was unendurable.
He walked briskly to his office trying to forget those days
when both walked down the streets enjoying the beauty of the sea, enjoying the
cool breeze flowing from the sea, the mischief played by the sea-breeze by
dishevelling their hairs…..
Suddenly a car screeched to a halt by his side. He stood
speechless for a few moments like a statue. She was smiling at him, a pensive
smile it was, words failed him.
She opened the backdoor and with all seriousness gestured
him to be seated in the back-seat. He hesitated for a moment.
‘Get in’ – she was serious, he saw her eyes turning misty,
even her words failing her.
He obeyed like a child, got inside and with brief-case
resting in his lap, and was glancing outside. Both were speechless - where to
begin, what to inquire – both were in the dark.
The car sped along.
The destination…?
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