The second-class sleeper coupe is hot, the lights and buzz of conversation around her make Sheila’s head ache. She settles back on the side lower berth and sips her juice. Across her, Vinay is busy looking at his phone.
Sheila looks at the people in the coupe, the usual suspects on this route, and then she spots them.
The couple sitting way too close to each other at the corner of the coupe are obviously newly in love.
They giggle, and talk and seem oblivious of everybody except themselves. Sheila tries to look away but it’s like a guilty pleasure, she can’t seem to stop staring.
At night when the berths are laid, the girl lies in the lower berth, and the boy in the middle. Sheila sees the girl extend her hand up and the boy kisses it.
It reminds her of the time it was all new for her and Vinay. Of stolen kisses and sweet longing.
Instinctively she turns to Vinay with a smile on her face, and sees her thoughts expressed in his eyes and smile. He has been thinking the same thing.
And for that moment they are young and falling in love again for the first time.
Sruti Sagaram 