Chapter 4

As Arjun and Banishree sat on the railway platform, their eyes fixed on the tracks, waiting for their turn to board, Banishree broke the heavy silence.

Bani: "Sab humko ekau ajnabi ke saath bhej diye. Koi humare baare mein nahi socha. Aap humko maar diye toh? Ya kahi gandi jagah le jaake bech diye toh? Kaa karenge hum?" (They sent me away with a stranger. Did anyone think about me? What if you harm me? Or take me to a bad place and sell me? What will I do?)

A tear rolled down her cheeks, capturing the vulnerability and fear that lingered in the uncertainty of their journey. Arjun, witnessing her distress, grappled with the weight of responsibility that now rested on both of them.

As Arjun observed Banishree's tear-stained face, he tenderly raised his hand, wiping away the traces of distress. A comforting smile played on his lips as he assured her, "Arrey, hum aisa kuch nahi karenge tumhare saath. Hum doctor hain, nahi koi gunda ya badmaash." (Hey, I won't do anything to harm you. I'm a doctor, not a goon or a troublemaker.)

His gentle touch extended to tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, conveying both reassurance and care. "Hum abhi New Delhi jayenge, udhar se mere college. Wahan mai boys PG hostel mai rehta hoon. Wahi rahenge hum." (We will go to New Delhi. I stay in a boys' PG hostel near my college. We'll stay there.)

As the train pulled into the station, Arjun efficiently gathered their luggage and boarded the train. Banishree, animated with excitement, observed the first-class cabin with wide-eyed wonder.

"Oh Teri, ee toh kamra jaisan hai. Train wa Aisa bhi hota hai." (Oh my, this is like a room. I didn't know trains could be like this.) She exclaimed in amazement, expressing surprise at the luxurious setup of the first-class coach.

Climbing up to the upper berth, she eagerly touched the roof, marvelling at the cool breeze that greeted her.

"Areee, idhar se toh thandi hawa aa rhi hai. Doctor Babu, ee kaise mumkin hai? Humka toh... wo kya bolte hai... haan AC ka dabba nahi dikh raha." (Hey, there's cool air coming from here. Doctor, how is this possible? I don't see the AC box.) She said with a childlike smile, resembling a kid who had just discovered a delightful treat.

Arjun leaned against the door of the cabin, smiling at her infectious enthusiasm.

Seeing Banishree's fascination, he decided to explain the cooling system in as simple words as he could.

Arjun began , "Bani, yeh train ka AC system hai. Yahan se thanda hawa chalta rehta hai. AC ka dabba nahi dikh raha kyunki yeh modern design hai." (Bani, this is the train's AC system. Cool air comes from here. You don't see a separate AC box because it's a modern design.)

He pointed to the vent, trying to make her understand the concept.

Banishree nodded and said, "Ohhh, samjhe doctor babu. Humko toh laga AC ka dabba upar lagega, jaise hamare gaon ke cooler ke saath hota hai." (Ohhh, I understand, Doctor. I thought the AC box would be placed above, like it is with the cooler in our village.)

Arjun chuckled at her innocence, appreciating her simplicity. "Nahi Bani, yeh kuch alag hai. Ab thoda aram se bhaitho, journey shuru hone wali hai." (No, Bani, this is something different. Now sit comfortably, the journey is about to start.)

She settled down, still fascinated by the modern amenities of the train.

Banishree's eyes sparkled with anticipation as the train attendant gracefully served their breakfast. Arjun had opted for a continental meal, while Banishree eagerly awaited her vegetarian breakfast. Arjun, taking charge of spreading butter over Banishree's bread,

As Banishree nibbled on her breadsticks, she couldn't help but voice her curiosity. "Doctor Babu, iss train mein jaane ke liye toh bahut paisa laga hoga na." (Doctor, it must have cost a lot of money to travel on this train.)

Arjun, focused on the task, responded with a contemplative hum. Pouring hot water from the thermos, he skillfully prepared tea for both himself and Banishree.

Banishree made a face and said, "isssh, ee ka hai, chai hai ya Pani." (Ugh, what's this, is it tea or water?)

Arjun chuckled, "Abhi esi se kaam chalao. Hum PG jaake tumko achhi chai pilayenge. Thik hai?" Bani nodded, looking outside. (For now, let's manage with this. Once we reach the PG, I'll make you a good cup of tea. Okay?)

Banishree nodded and continued looking outside. "Hum sone jaa rahe hain. Washroom gate ke pass hi hai," he said, climbing up on the upper berth. As he stared at the vented roof above him, the weight of the events from the past day sank in. His life had taken an unexpected turn, and he pondered how he would explain it all to his parents. Thoughts of Alia crossed his mind, and he wondered how she would react - perhaps with anger or even a torrent of questions. Pulling on his hair in frustration, he slipped into sleep.( I am going to sleep. The washroom is near the gate.)

He woke up to the sound of his phone ringing, looking around to find the cabin empty. Bani must have gone to the washroom. Glancing at his phone, he noticed it was his mother calling. They talked, but Arjun couldn't bring himself to tell his mother about Bani, keeping the complexities of the situation hidden for the time being.

Arjun waited for a few minutes, but Banishree still didn't come back. Concern crept into his thoughts. "Where did she go?" he wondered, and with that question lingering in his mind, he climbed down from the upper berth.

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