The Pahariya Express

It was the month of of autumn, the sky was bright and it was covered with the
pieces of white clouds. Everyone has been preparing for Durga Puja, but
Manojit seemed little upset. Manojits younger brother is going to be engaged,
so the whole family is going to new Jalpaiguri and because Manojit is the
president of there local club there are many responsibilities over him for Durga
Puja. The train will come today. He tried to convince his family but because
his father is an angry man, his plan did not work, At about 3:30 PM Manojit
arrived at Howrah station with his family. The station is full of crowd. Manojit is
not feeling well so he told her mother that he is going to drink tea they do not
need to wait for him, he will get into train timely. He is discussing about the train
timing with the tea vendor then someone patted him on the back. When he
turned around he saw a girl was looking at him very helplessly; hte told him that
she does not have the 500 rupee change and her train is about to come; the
taxi driver is waiting outside. Then Manojit assured the girl and went to the cab
driver and give him his rent. Manojit came to know that her name was Paro
and she is going to Rampurhat Junction for an job interview. He also came to
know that she is going through Pahariya Express. Then Manojit told Paro that he
is also going in Pahariya Express. When both of them reached to the platform;
he found that the Pahariya Express is already passing in front of them. They
both tried to get into it but the train already gained speed. Manojit became
very angry and he blamed Paro for missing his train. At the same time Paro also
blamed Manojit for the same reason. Then Manojit decided to go Burdwan by
road, so that he can catch the Pahariya Express when it reaches to Burdwan.
Paro told Manojit that it is his responsibility to take Paro with him and somehow
Manojit agreed. When both of them reaches Ura the car engine had stopped.
After repairing the car when they have reached Burdwan the Pahariya Express
was already left Burdwan and it heading towards Bolpur. After seeing that
situation Paro was very upset and she was started to crying. Then an idea
stroke to Manojits mind and he decided to left Paro because he can not bear
her company, so he left the station without telling her. Then he booked another
cab and drive away to Bolpur in order to catch the train. When the cab
reached to Bolpur Station he rushed towards the train and forgot to give the
rent to the cab driver. When he reached to the platform the Pahariya Express is
already in the platform, When he is about to get into the train the cab driver
pulled him from the train and he felled from the train because of his misfortune.
The cab driver asked Manojit for his rent, then somehow managed his anger
and pays off the rental charge. Then Manojit decided that he have to go to
Rampurhat Junction before the Pahariya Express reached to Rampurhat. Then
he somehow found a bus on the highway which is going to Rampurhat. After
getting into the bus he was shocked that Paro is his co passenger. After seeing
Manojit, Paro was very angry and she lied to the bus conductor that he is a
robber. Both of them unnecessarily quarreled rather they are forcibly dropped
out from the bus. In anger Manojit slaps Paro and yells at her that he needs to
reach New Jalpaiguri in time. Paro started to crying and she too responds
angry to Manojit that he too left her lonely on a deserted platform without any
mercy at midnight. Manojit then realized his did and apologized to Paro. Now
they both decided that they would never quarrel with each other. Now
Manojit checked his phone and told Paro that the Rampurhat Junction is not
very far from where they are at now; and because it is about midnight no cab
or bus is available now. So they both decided to walk. After some minutes Paro
felt thirsty. In the mean time when Manojit is bringing water for Paro; Paro was
kidnapped by some men. Manojit then rescued her and they found a bike is
standing over there. Finally they arrived at Rampurhat Junction on the morning
by taking the kidnappers bike. When they arrived at the platform Manojit
came to know that Pahariya Express will be late for one hours due to strike.
Manojit told Paro that she reached her destination so that she can leave if she
wants to. But Paro smiled and told Manojit that it will be okay, and she will wait
with Manojit until the arrival of the train. Now they both sited on a bench. Now
they both have feelings about each other but they could not tell each other.
Manojit told his story to Paro and Paro also told about her to Manojit. He also
invited Paro to attend his brothers engage ceremony, Paro smiled and
accepted it. Suddenly an announcement came that the Pahariya Express will
be arrived. Then Manojit helped Paro to book a cab. Actually they did not
want to go away from each other but they cant express there emotions. Finally
Manojit get into the train, he can see Paro through the window and he is
looking at her and Paro also looking at her through the cab window. The train
engine started and the train is moving slowly, the cab driver also started the
car. They both still staring at each other; the trees are blocking there vision,
and the story remained unfinished.

Wtitten by : Manojit Biswas