Karaikal, Pondicherry U.T.
04:15 AM.
A blue SETC bus came to a halt. A rug sack was thrown on the ground. A lean boy got down from the bus. He took out his Nokia 2690 and dialed someone. On the other end, a sleepy voice answered,
"hello".
"Hello, Mahesh anna, this is Subh. I have reached Karaikal bus stand".
"Oh! Subh, just wait there, I'm coming in 20 mins"
"ok, Mahesh anna".
It was still dark. Subh picked up his luggage and started walking towards the main road. His eyes fell on an urchin sleeping on the footpath. He kept looking at him. The urchin was alone in this new city and so was Subh...
..."Are you sure about your decision of studying in karakal?"
"Yes, dad! I am pretty sure. Moreover it's a government college, fees are less and most importantly I am getting this college on my merit."
"You are correct, but there are so many private colleges in Kolkata. You can study here, What is the need to go so far from home? I have heard that this year even HCE is giving admission to students in Mechanical Engineering if they are give 4 lacks as donation. Again I am asking, are u sure about your decision? Are you sure you don't want to stay in Kolkata?"
(I just want to go as far as possible from this freaking city dad.)"Yes dad, I'm damn sure about my decision. I am going to be fine, and i am grown enough to take care of myself. Don't worry dad! Now its time for you and mom to start worring about riku. And I know you'll convince mom ."
"Ok son! Do as you wish, We are always there with you. And don't worry about mom, I'l convince her. And one more thing, never feel Lonely"...
... But now Subh was alone, and the loneliness started creeping inside him slowly. A feeling of sadness began in his chest and moved up to his throat. He was all chocked up, His heart hurt. His eyes were moist. He slowly walked up to the urchin. From his wallet he took out a 10 rupees note and tucked it slowly below the urchin's blanket. He then picked up his bag and started walking towards the bus stand.
"Hey Subh! How are you? How was your journey? Wel"
"It was a smooth journey Mahesh anna."
"Didn't have any problem communicating with the bus conductor?"
"Ya! a abit difficulty explaining my destination to him in english, but rest all was fine."
"You better learn tamil fast Subh! It will be beneficial for you."
"Yes Mahesh anna."
"Come lets go home, take some rest and then later i'll show you my city.
And ya Subh! I forgot to tell, Welcome To Karaikal."
