She sat upon a bench on the platform. The train was yet to arrive. It was a routine to receive them every year during the winter holidays. Aunty, Uncle and his brother would be there any moment. She held her breath as the train showed up with mild tremor on to the platform. Her legs would shake equally with the thought of facing his parents each time.

It was surely not their first meet, but his absence that day made her feel all the more responsible. She stood up, and waited till the train came to a halt. The very sight of the three of them made her jump with joy! It was almost after an year they had decided to visit them in this strange city. She was happy about having them over, and making their home more homely.

She bent n touched their feet as soon as they got off the train. They certainly looked pleased to have her in their son’s life! Some heart warming lines were exchanged between them, as she helped them with their luggage, out of the station.

The driver was ready with the car. Soon they left for home. On their way, aunty being the most expressive one, told random stories during their journey. She had this amazing ability to glue people to her stories! Anamika, being rather the quiet one, simply loved her style of talking.

Reminded Anamika, of the very first time she met aunty.

It was a lazy Saturday afternoon. Rain drizzled outside as Anami stepped into their house, the very first time. Taking utmost care of her looks, she had put on semi traditional clothes n hair left open. Accompanied by her best friend, just in case of moral support.

The duo walked in, in awe having the first glimpse of aunty and their house. Both of them complemented each other. We were made to feel at ‘home’, and aunty went in to get some water for them. Meanwhile, they both eyed everything around. Each decorative piece was well selected and neatly placed. It had pictures of him at a few places. She felt a sudden warm feeling inside the house. And felt comfortable. His absence certainly made her nervous, but her friend took care to keep Anamika going.

Aunty turned out to be the most friendly of all, and spent endless hours chit chatting with them. Her body quivered with excitement, as she talked about her son, her words falling over each other. The duo eagerly listened. Delicious snacks and the rain outside added to the bonding. Every sip of the coffee was savoured. Perfectly the way Anami liked it, light and sweet.

The first tryst lasted more than four hours, and time seemed to flow by. They promised to come back again, and walked off with a broad smile on each face!

A sudden break jolted her back to reality. Which had turned far more beautiful than the time, when the first encounter, which was replaced by aunty sitting by her in their car.

They stepped out into a dreamland.