ECHOES

I saw you on my first day of college. 

You were sitting in the forth row 

from the front,

and I heard you shut a boy, with an answer

that was blunt. 

Your top was white with green leaves 

drawn over it. 

All my efforts to sit next to you

went down the pit.

Finally at 1 we were two seats away

from each other. 

I saw you go out to take a call,

maybe it was your mother. 

I was called to another room 

to verify my documents.

I saw you sitting on the other end and

boy I was eager to pass a compliment. 

Next day I saw you in the auditorium and

you were wearing an orange t shirt. 

And I looked at my self and 

found my shoes full of dirt. 

It was hot outside and 

you had your hair tied.

I was a few rows away from you,

I could feel my heart swell and 

I swear it is true. 

I was sure it was fate

When I saw you walk into the class late. 

Our classes were bang opposite,

She studied journalism and

I was learning about alcoholic composite. 

One fine day I gathered enough courage

to say Hi

My heart was beating faster than the bullet train and only I know why. 

We bonded over art

and your glares were sure like dart

piercing right into my heart.

Waiting for you at the bus stop was a daily chore,

My friends would laugh at me and call me a bore.

Handing you the chocolate on our way to the class,

That smile could make diamonds out of sheer glass.

How can I forget that first kiss,

it was completely bliss.

Taking you out on my friends bike,

Where you told me you don’t like spikes.

The way you hugged me on your graduation,

I knew I had to start my preparation,

for a life without you.

You marching into my class and 

asking my professor to see me was real bad ass.

My friends envy you till date, for that gate crash.

I am sorry that things didn't work out 

as we expected amongst our religions.

I think that love still has to fight against these legions.

But we shall meet once we rise above these differences.

And hope that love brings down these fences.

Until then I will reside in the palace 

of rapture.

We shall meet again in solace.

I saw you on the first day of my college.

Who boarded the train ?

                     It was more than ten minutes now since the train had halted at the station. Everyone was becoming restless, especially the passengers from the AC coach. You see the AC was turned off and the temperature in the compartments started rising. I saw a couple of passengers walking on the platform and asking about the halt, as this station is not a regular halt. I heard a tea seller yelling that the rail line is broken and it may take indefinite time to repair. 

While I was looking out of the window, a man lying under the tree shade caught my eye. He was lying there as a carefree soul. I have envied to be in that state since I hit adulthood. I was drawn towards to the man and in no time I found my self under that tree shade. I took out my pack of cigarette and was about to light it, when the man next to me was awaken at the sound of my mobile ringtone.

I disconnected the call and apologised to him. These gadgets have got you addicted, he said. He was conversing in english to my surprise. Before we could start talking, he asked me for a cigarette. Then he borrowed a light. Then he went quiet and started looking at the fields. I too struck my gaze at the fields. He continued, son can you hear the wind blowing by us. Yes, I said. That is mother nature speaking to you, he continued. I was a senior manager in Bangalore. I could not handle the fast pace any longer and moved here. I manage an outlet at the station and make a living out of it. But I have time for myself and appreciate the gods green earth to the fullest. And then he went silent and went back to gazing the fields.

The silence was broken by the air horn of the engine. It started puffing smoke. I got up haphazardly to rush towards the train so that I don't miss it. I was physically present in the train but something was missing.

Have you ever been on a train? At times the train stops at a station waiting for  line man to direct it towards the correct direction. You are in your coach and you look out of the window and notice a man lying under the shade of a tree. You can hear and feel the breeze. You think of a happy and carefree life you would have if you were that man. But then the train puffs smoke and you run to catch the train. Is it you who boarded the train or you were left at the station? 

background picture courtesy https://www.instagram.com/streets.of.india/