THE HALF TICKET

THE HALF TICKET

“Can you please be quick “, she said to the rickshaw wala (cycle rickshaw driver). In India we have those tricycle carriage, drawn by poor people who struggle for their living. Amita had to catch the train at 3:00 pm and I was already 2:15 pm by her watch. She used to panic and started behaving in a clumsy manner, which catches the attention of nearby people.

She reached the railway ticket counters by 2:30 pm and went to take the ticket to Mumbai. She stood in a queue and waited for her turn. She managed to get at the counter by 2:45 pm. “One ticket to Mumbai please”, she exasperated to the clerk.

 As she used to panic in these type of situations, while giving the money to the clerk, her bag fell down. Sudeep was standing behind him, also wanted to go Mumbai. So he took that same ticket and started to leave. When Amita got up to take her ticket, the clerk told that unfortunately it was the last ticket and told that the man standing him has taken that. She became furious and started to quarrel with the clerk. The man had courtesy so he asked the woman to calm down.

It was important and necessary as well for both of them to reach Mumbai. She was adamant that it was her ticket but Sudeep also told that she was late receiving the ticket. It was not the time to argue as it was already 2:50 pm. However Sudeep had his wit and unlike Amita, he responded to the situation well.  “Well you can come along with me, I’m ready for sharing half the seat, but you need to pay half ticket’s price”. She had no choice but to accept .

She accepted the offer.The journey started to be uncomfortable for both of them. As middle-classed Indians it is tough for a single boy or a girl to interact with each other straight-away. Amita took the window seat and started looking outside the window. After complimentary exchanges and introduction she took a magazine out of her bag and started reading. A man can only adore the beauty of woman’s face when she curls her hair over her ears, making it too good for men.

Lunch Time, probably for Amita. When she opened her tiffin she had that little humanity to offer some of her food to him, after-all she was travelling on his ticket (half of it to be precise). Even he was hungry, he in courtesy told no fist but at second time he agreed. Both ate from the same tiffin in silence, he spoke “So why are going to Mumbai”. “Does it bother you?” seeming to be still angry with him considering the ticket issue. After some bites he pretended his stomach to be full and soon he dozed for his nap.

They reached Mumbai in evening. The woman without any farewell left. But the man saw a piece of paper which she left. It had an address. Don’t think she left any address of her home for the man to chase, it contained a hospital’s address. The man called out for her but she was nowhere visible.

In Mumbai after finishing his work, it struck to his mind about the hospital’s address. He knew he won't get her bu still he followed his intuition and went there. He entered the hospital and was about go to reception. There he sees the same girl but was not fully sure. But somehow girl exclaimed,” Sudeep!!” He was astonished she remembered his name, but he was more surprised to see her in a wheelchair. He requested doctor to take her in the hospital lawn, which he was granted so.

“What happened to you?” he seemed to be worried. “I’m a cancer patient being detected two years ago. My parents cannot come this time so I had to travel alone and saving every penny I can” she looked dejected. She continued” I’m from a middle class family, and my parents have arranged for the financial needs it will require but I can see the pain in their eyes, what struggles they make to get these installments done.” Sudeep gathered courage and patted her back. “The only thing that was going right is I’m improving on my health”. “You will be alright, I know you are strong and I have seen that in the journey. You cannot be let down with such thing. Here’s my number, take this, whenever you will feel free or low, just call me. I am having weekdays work in Mumbai, I’ll be here every week.” She thanked him. “I’ll do as much as I can and remember I’ll not do this for free, you have to return it after you do well and don’t forget to add the price of THE HALF TICKET in that journey”.

Her moist eyes and sadden face burst out in a giggle which made him happy and smile back in return.

THE END

I’m very sorry about the length of the story. But please give it a reading and put up your valuable reviews 

Author's Note

My second story always welcome for your comments, reviews and critcism.
Probably it may feel very lengthy to you but please read it and feel it. Thankyou