THE SPINDLE BUSHES

“When will you come back?” she asked him as the rickshaw pulled up at the railway station.

“I do not know for sure, it might take a month” he said it as he smiled nervously. She smiled too, not realizing that the smile on her part was unnecessary.

“Is it important for you to go now?” she asked again

“I have told you a million times before, I should go” said the boring man.

The girl could say nothing and she could never go with him, at least presently, she was not willing to forgo her education for the man especially after what had happened. This had indeed startled the man, unlike the ladies of the period she was independent. He knew she would fend for herself, he also knew that she was more intelligent and beautiful during all practical comparisons.

The girl on her part knew that he would never be coming back, especially after what had happened. She knew it was up to her to keep their secret and his image was in her hands. But she never wanted to be with him, she disliked him thoroughly after incident in the spindle bushes. She had lost all of what was left of the good impression he had on her.

They had been walking through the platform all along, finding the right compartment for the man, it was already late and both of them did not wish to say anymore farewells, Indifference on the part of the girl and reluctance from the man.

If only he had been wiser during the incident in the spindle bushes, he got on the train bound towards the city but did not proceed to his seat but stood at the entrance watching her. She was smiling, if only knew why she was smiling. Was she hiding her fears or was she really brave. Would she tell somebody he thought or should he write to her father. "Oh how foolish I had been."

The girl was still smiling, that smile which had made him make these Herculean promises, promises which he could never keep up in life, he only hope she would understand his situation. He then again smiled in return as the train began its journey, slowly out of the station. The girl in all her agility moved forward and handed over to him a small bit of paper which was folded to make it look even smaller. "So she had been prepared", thought the man.

The girl stood at the spot from where she gave the slip and watched the train pass by.

The man waited till the train left the station and in his immediate curiosity open the piece of paper.

It read, “Oi, I won’t tell anyone that you are afraid of dragonflies”

He looked back in the direction of the station, she was gone and he had nothing but gratitude to show on his face.

Satyeki