Hey I keep dreaming of this scene …
People rushing by the platform, enquiring in the IC ( Information Center ) Some seated and listening to the advertisement on the radio, while some listening to the announcer about the next Train.
The ‘I can’t be late’ and ‘Before anyone sees’ people running on the tracks and hopping on to the platform. That poor boy looking at the crowd and silently praying if his life could be different. That chai wala who sets his tea canister by the window and serves his customer. The TTRs’ who are confirming the passenger manifest and then helps a family sort out a seat so they could travel together. Travellers who look down on the train from the bridge.
And in the middle of all this, me standing with an A2 size canvas sketch framed in simpleness. I could feel a temptation devouring. And then ‘This could be a start, don’t mess up and Please Stay Positive’ thought inside my head.
I see the person on whom the sketch is based on and head towards them. I call them by the name which they would only prefer their friends call by. They look at me and
“Yes, how do you know me?”
Me : Ma’am. Well …
” Wait you just called my name… and now ma’am?”
Me : I just wanted to give this to you..
“ What’s this? ”
Me : Ummm… ( My lips were. trembling and I guess if my anxiety level shot up I would have swallowed my tongue by then ) It’s a sketch I made of you !
It’s wrapped.
i hope you’ll like it …
“Umm.. Okay “
Getting into the train and seated. They look at me through the window, then at the wrapped sketch in their hand and just smiled.