The Shelter

By RAJAN V KOKKURI

The Nagarkovil Express left Bangalore City later than usual. The atmosphere was cold due to rain and wind. Maria took her seat well in advance and it was comfortable since the train was commencing from the Bangalore City. Maria enjoyed her work in a smaller township in the outskirts of Bangalore and was heading to her native village in Kerala to take up the job of Postmaster.

The train was about to reach Cantonment Station in Bangalore. Because the bogie was outside the platform area, an elderly lady was having difficulty getting inside the compartment. While returning from the restroom, Maria had a glance around. Maria extended her hand to an elderly lady after noticing her situation.

The elderly lady was having difficulty carrying her luggage. Maria helped her carry her big bag to the designated seat on the ticket. The seat was just across from Maria's seat. Maria assisted with the storage of the bags on the upper berth and advised the lady to choose a seat near the window.

There was a light drizzle outside, and Maria was cold, so she tried to cover her hand with the hand towel. Suddenly, the lady offered her jacket. She expressed her gratitude and saw the initial on the jacket's. The initial 'DJ' was on it. She was ecstatic when she saw the initial; how did this lady get the jacket?

Maria was transported a few years back by the wind through the train window. Maria had a classmate named Daniel. They used to walk 4 Kilometres to school every day, through rice fields and mud roads. It rained one day on my way home from school. To avoid getting soaked, they hid beneath a tree. Daniel took off his jacket and handed it to Maria. The initial 'DJ' on the garment was discovered by Maria. They both got wet. They ran to their house. Aunty was waiting outside the gate of Maria’s house. Aunty thanked Daniel for bringing Maria safe home.

Days passed soon. Maria did not see Daniel during annual holidays. School opened after summer holidays. Maria couldn’t see Daniel on the 1^st day. Upon enquiry Maria came to know Daniel's father was transferred from the small post office to another remote hamlet in Kerala. Maria had no news from Daniel after that. Maria couldn’t express her hidden love to Daniel anytime. Maria thought. She should have told him about her love during that rainy day when they were standing so close. Maria was afraid of the situation and kept quiet.

A jerk and sound of train awoke Maria. It was middle of the night, unable to sleep, she was rolling both sides on the berth. Maria waited for the Sun to rise. She wanted to inquire about Daniel with the elderly lady. The train arrived at Palaghat station. The elderly lady descended from her berth and inquired of Maria.

'Which station is this?' 'I need to get to Shoranur.' Maria was certain that this lady knew something about Daniel.

'Aunty, here is Palaghat, the train will take another hour to reach Shoranur, and I'm getting down there,' Maria explained. The elderly lady responded. 'Oh, that's wonderful, my little one.' Maria couldn't wait to inquire about the Jacket any longer.

'Aunty, do you happen to know Daniel?' The elderly lady's face flushed. 'Daniel is my son; he lost one leg in a terrorist attack while serving in the Indian army,' she said. I'm going to meet Daniel, who works at an old age home.'

Aunty, 'Do you recall his classmate Maria from when you lived in Cheruthuruthy?'

The elderly lady responded. 'I remember the cute girl who used to walk to school with Daniel,' said the lady.

Maria didn't waste any time and rushed over to the lady and hugged her.

'It's wonderful to see you again, Aunty.' The elderly lady felt overjoyed and began rubbing Maria's head and face’ 'Oh, my little darling, you are so lovely and attractive.' Maria gave a kind smile. Maria's hand was swiftly grasped by the old lady, who said. 'Do you have a spouse?' Maria dried her tears and said, "I can't control my feelings." 'Yes, aunty, but he is no longer with me; I am now alone.' got

Maria's hand was grasped by the old lady, who murmured in her ear. 'Please come with me if you have no objections.' 'Yes aunty, I want to see Daniel,' Maria answered.

Maria and her aunt arrived at Daniel's front gate. On the entrance steps, a middle-aged man with a lengthy beard was sitting. When he saw them, he stood up with the help of a walking stick. Maria was unfamiliar to Daniel. Daniel gave her a friendly grin and took aunt’s hand in his. 'Mom, who is this?' Daniel inquired. Aunty stood smiling. Daniel began staring at Maria without even flinching. 'Maria?' he asked after a few moments.

Even after twenty years, Daniel recalls her. She pondered in her head. 'Thank God,' They had a long chat, it was time for Maria to leave. When Maria stood up to depart, Daniel also got up struggling with his hand stick.

Daniel clasped Maria's hand in his and told her what had happened. 'I didn't have the courage to tell you I loved you when we were together when we were in our school.' Daniel took her hand in his and kissed her on the lips, as if he had read her mind. Daniel whispered slowly in her ear. 'I am a handicapped man who requires constant assistance; might you be my life partner?'

For a few moments, Maria was amazed. Maria, like her classmates, adored Daniel and wished to be in his arms for years. Maria gently yanked her hand away from Daniel's clasp and kissed him on the cheek.

'Sure, sweetie, I've been waiting for these words for years.' Maria hugged Daniel walked towards her hostel.

THE END