As they say whatever is destined to happen, happens (and what a way it did). One evening I was late from college due to some last-minute assignment. As I rushed towards the station only one emotion was running high and that was disappointment. I knew I would not be seeing Rahul that evening because he would have already left long back. But to my pleasant surprise (and shock) he was waiting outside the station. It seemed he had been waiting for a long time.
On seeing him standing there my disappointment gave way to a huge smile across my face. My feelings were so obvious that I could not hide them anymore. I felt revived, happy and excited seeing him there. What astonished me most was the reflection of my emotions with a hint of worry and anger shining on his face as well. At that moment everything around just lost meaning, the hustle bustle ceased to exist, the running crowd, the vendors shouting, people calling out to each other, some people pushing in their rush to get to their platforms, everything just vanished, for me 17
it was just him. While I continued to stare at him with such intensity, I decided to take matters in my hands and make the first move to talk to him (to hell with norms and platitudes).
While I was contemplating my next course of action I got distracted by some very rowdy looking guys behind Rahul walking over, not liking their aura and attitude I quickly walked down the platform for my train. There was a group of girls, some girls were even from my college, waiting for the train. I quietly went to stand with the few girls I knew from college. But despite the huge group of girls hurdled together it did not stop the rascals coming on to us. They started whistling and passing some very vulgar comments at us even though it was a busy hour and a crowded platform. They were fearless, and their behaviour was horrendous. Their presence was making all of us uncomfortable and angry but with the train running a little late there wasn’t much we could do but tolerate those rascals.
We all came a little closer to each other and continued to ignore them.
I kept looking around for help and for Rahul to do something, but I couldn’t see him anywhere, which just made me madder. I was surprised that he was not around because I had not thought of him as a guy who would chicken out of a tough situation. But maybe I was wrong, and I began to feel disappointed. I was now losing patience as these guys were getting more horrid and way too bold with every second.
One of them was now manhandling the girl next to me while another was whispering crude suggestions in the other girl’s ears. I just couldn’t take any more shit especially when the girl near me shouted in pain. I had just picked my heavy, 18
book-laden bag to whack the guy closest to me when warm solid hands stopped me.
I turned around with full force and anger to whack the guy who had the audacity to hold my hand. To my surprise I realised it was Rahul holding my hand tight. He pointed towards the entrance where I could now see cops coming with the station authorities towards us. I calmed down and waited for the cops to do their job. We all made our statements against the guys and had them arrested. But the real hero of the day was my Rahul (My Rahul huh, since when I don’t know but that is how it felt now). He had called the cops as well as warned the station authorities the moment he saw the rascals move towards us (handsome, smart, intelligent and quick, WOW! I was totally in love! Shoot).
All the girls surrounded him thanking him for his vigilance and thoughtfulness shaking his hand in appreciation. I just stood there still with my bag hanging between us all the while gazing at him dumbstruck but enjoying the feel of his hand on me, he hadn’t let go of my hand.
He softly acknowledged everyone’s thank you and even shook hands with some but he did not give anyone a second look nor encourage any further conversations. Even though there were some gorgeous girls surrounding us trying to get his attention, his hold on me did not slacken nor did he stop looking at me.
Hey, when I say some gorgeous girls surrounded us it does not mean that I am ugly, I know I am pretty good looking too (not bragging or being vain here). I am 5 feet 7