Story Of Love And Journey….
-By Kshitij Gharat
Chapter- 1- The Coincidence
This is the story of a boy named Rahul, a college student. He is average in academics and other activities, but he has no friends, so he spends most of his time alone in college. Rahul lives in Mumbai, a lively and friendly city, but he feels lonely. He dislikes going to college because he envies the friend groups he sees there, wishing he had someone with whom he could share every moment.
As his exams finished, Rahul decided to go on a solo trip to refresh himself. He planned to go to Manali alone but told his parents he was going to Lonavala with friends to get their permission. With everything ready, Rahul was both excited and anxious since this was his first solo trip.
The next day, he boarded the train from CSMT Mumbai, having booked a premium four-person cabin on the Delhi Express for privacy. However, he didn’t know that this solo trip would turn out to be the best trip of his life. In his cabin, apart from him, there was an older couple and a girl about his age.
The journey began. Initially, Rahul was excited, but he soon got bored. Observing the couple, he noticed how they were enjoying themselves. Then he looked at the girl, who was immersed in her music, listening through her headphones. Rahul wanted to talk to her but was hesitant. A few hours later, the couple left the cabin, leaving just Rahul and the girl. Finally, he mustered the courage to ask her for water. It was awkward, but he just wanted to start a conversation.
Rahul asked her name, and she replied, "Reena."
The conversation began:
Rahul: "Wow, look at the beautiful scenery through the window."
Reena: "Yes, it’s stunning. What’s your name?"
Rahul: "Rahul. Nice to meet you!"
Reena: "Same here."
Initially, Reena didn’t seem very interested in talking, and she mostly ignored Rahul’s attempts at conversation. When the train reached Delhi station, Rahul felt disappointed because she hadn’t shown much interest in him.
The next day, a fresh morning awaited Rahul, as he had to catch a bus to Manali. He had booked a private bus seat, and to his surprise, Reena was also on the same bus. Seeing her, Rahul initially ignored her but secretly hoped to befriend her.
Reena noticed him and smiled, saying, "Oh, hello! Nice to see you again. Are you heading to Manali too?
Rahul: "Yes!"
It was a coincidence, but Rahul felt lucky. He had a seat at the back, and Reena was sitting in the front row. The journey was about eight hours long. Rahul decided to sit beside her and struck up a conversation:
Rahul: "Hi, Reena! How are you?"
Reena: "Hey, Rahul! What a surprise! You’re going to Manali too?"
Rahul: "Yes, but I’m on a solo trip."
Reena: "Me too. I’m traveling solo."
They began to bond, and Rahul’s new journey started.
As they travelled, their friendship grew. Since Manali was still far, they discussed their trip plans. They decided to explore Manali together for three days and return home on the fourth day. Reena had already booked a room for herself, but Rahul hadn’t. He booked a room next to hers at the same hotel.
During those three days, they did many things together—snow games, horse riding, trekking, and enjoying local delicacies. They became good friends.
The fourth day arrived—the day to return. They travelled back to Delhi together. Finally, it was time to say goodbye.
Rahul: "It’s time to say goodbye…"
Reena: "Yes… I had a great time with you. Thanks."
Rahul: "When will we meet again? I’ll miss you!"
Reena: "Hmm, I don’t know, but hopefully soon… I have to go now. Okay, bye!"
Rahul returned home. He was ecstatic and felt completely changed.
Next Day Rahul receives a suspicious message from an unknown Number………….
"Sometimes, a solo journey leads to unexpected fellowship,
teaching us that the most beautiful connections often arise when we least anticipate them."
Stay tuned for
Chapter 2- The Begninning