(The pressure project is almost over and I am enjoying the festive season now. Also have some plans to go to Munnar-Alleppy during the year-end. Thought I will delurk today to share an event. Trivial, but have to get started anyway.)
I and Kuhoo used to take short trips to Delhi from Dehradun. We were enjoying our first year of marriage. Our trips were hardly planned, most of times, we used to dump few t-shirts, jeans and a towel and head started for any place within an hour.
Dehradun Shatabdi express used to leave New Delhi around 7’o clock in the morning. Around the same time, from same platform number, another Shatabdi (Swarna Shatabdi) used to leave for Amritsar. The two trains used to stand in line, Dehradun Shatabdi ahead of Swarna Shatabdi.
As usual we reached during the last minute and jumped into the train. It was a little less crowded though. We threw ourselves on the chairs and tried to catch breath.
“I am coming in few minutes,” Kuhoo went towards the rest room. I waited for the train to start.
Even after 15 minutes, train did not start and, Kuhoo did not return.
A little worried, I went up to check. I checked all the rest rooms in adjacent bogeys, there was no sign of her. I got anxious.
I approached a TTC standing nearby. He directed me towards one Mr Sharma, a fat and aged looking person who worked for railway protection force.
By that time, I had lost my bearings; I spoke, “My Kuhoo is missing. Can you help?” (I spelled Kuhoo instead of wife. Mr Sharma thought she is my daughter.)
“Relax. Train is delayed for an hour. Have you checked everywhere?”
“Yes. No sign”.
“What is she wearing?”
“I am not sure. I red or pink top and blue or black jeans perhaps”.
“Come on, you should pay attention to these things”.
“I am sorry”. (I was trying to remember. She has a dozen of similar looking tops. It’s humanly impossible to figure out the difference. )
“I will get this announced right away. What’s her age?”
“26”.
“Is she? Oh. Your wife? Your wife is missing?” Mr Sharma suddenly appeared a little relaxed.
“Yes.”
“Have you called on her mobile?”
“I did. It is switched off”.
“See I don’t think one can kidnap her here. Please don’t mind my asking. “Were you in good terms with her? Any possibility of her running away?”
I ridiculed the question. “We love each other, and she will never run away”. (I am not that lucky anyways till today)
“I understand it’s difficult for you to search in this crowd, but keep looking. I will get this announced”.
As he turned towards the gate, I saw Kuhoo coming. I called back Mr Sharma.
“Where were you?” I almost shouted.
Kuhoo was smiling, “I heard train is delayed for an hour. I saw Komal in Amritsar Shatabdi. I sat with her inside. I was seeing you from there. What happened?”
“Yaar you didn’t tell me. How will I know?. I can’t see you in hundreds of people here”.
“But I can”. Kuhoo blinked.
Mr Sharma too smiled, “See you can’t find your wife in crowd, but she can”.
Kuhoo started towards the train. Mr Sharma came again. “Well this also means she always keeps an eye on you”. (She still does. But that's life. Isn't it ?)
