She sat in the window of the train they were travelling in. Catching the window seat was her routine, and she’d manage to get it by the buy-beg-borrow-steal strategies. Only after getting one, she’d be willing to settle down.

He made sure she was comfortable, arranged the luggage, and sat besides her. Finally they were off to their dream journey. A random road-trip to random places.

A trip she’d always dreamt of. A trip he promised her to accompany with. With willingness to live with minimum expenses, almost no communication beyond the two of them, they set out on this journey. To explore the world. To enjoy each other’s company. To savour the simplicity of the world. To simply be happy together.

The journey was of almost a day. It was afternoon, and the sun shone brightly. Even though he wanted to close the window, she insisted to leave it open. He anticipated the same. With a smile, he sat down and looked at her. He always loved the child in her, the curiosity, eagerness, and willingness to try out anything new. And mainly, making her wants known loud n clear!

She eyed him eagerly as he went down to fetch some hot brewed tea for the two. The halt was brief, and each moment she turned all the more anxious!

The whistle was blown and he was nowhere to be seen. In a moment he disappeared from her sight. She hurried towards the door of the bogie she was sitting in. Within no time the train gained speed. She couldn’t get off, and stood there looking at the passing by posts.

Her eyesight blurred. Hastily she took out her mobile phone, dialled his number. No one answered the phone. She became all the more tensed. She regretted asking for the tea at the platform, when it was very much served inside the bogie. A feeling of helplessness numbed her. The sun was nearing the horizon, and so was her hopes of finding him.

She tried calling him yet again, and could hear the ring nearby. She traced the ring eagerly, only to find it kept in his bag. Her heart sank. The crowded train seemed barren. She thought of pulling the chain, but refrained from doing so.

Soon the train came to another halt. She rose and got off the train. Looked around. Her mobile beeped.

She read the text message, “Get back to your seat!”

Obviously bemused by this message, she got back on her seat. Only to find him smiling at her, and a tea cup kept on the pane!