Trains

It was the first time I was traveling by train, alone. I spent the first five minutes worrying about whether or not I got on the right train. I was arriving from my hostel to spend the vacation with my family. My heavy bag packed tight with only a few clothes, my five five-subject notebooks, and other knick-knacks and essentials, I held firmly in my lap. 

A girl my age plopped down beside me and my face brightened hopefully for I wanted to strike up a conversation. I tried to think of a "small talk" question. Or you could just say 'Hey' first, you know. But that could come out weird. As my inner monologue ran thus, that girl beside me pulled out her phone from her side-bag and plugged in her earphones. Alas! I was just about to ask her her destination! Everyone around looked too lost in themselves for small talk. I settled back and pulled out my own smartphone to finish the unfinished crossword on the app I had downloaded to improve my vocabulary. 

One hour passed. One and a half hour passed. Sitting could be so uncomfortable sometimes. I slumped forward. I restlessly awaited the arrival of Thane station for now I was done with three lengthy crosswords and was bored. I shifted in my seat. Crossed my right ankle over my left knee. I could not stay still. I slid forward on the seat. Arched my back, stretched my shoulders... Hugged my bag. Tried to sleep. 

***

Two weeks later.

I was back again in the same train returning to the hostel, a soft smile on my lips, having shared goodbyes with my family members at the station. 

I noticed a girl staring at me with enquiring eyes. I looked at her, unconsciously raising my eyebrows. She looked familiar.

"Have we met?" I asked.



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