06-02-2025, 08:21 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-02-2025, 11:54 AM by Mortalbeast. Edited 2 times in total. Edited 2 times in total.)
Amma found her glory in a train journey
The story I’m about to narrate is one that unfolded in the most unexpected way, a series of coincidences so intricately woven that, at the time, it felt almost ordinary. Yet, as I reflect on it now, I am struck by a mix of emotions—amazement, shock, and even a deep, lingering pain. It’s strange how life works; sometimes, the most improbable chain of events can lead to outcomes that feel almost destined. But when you look back, you realize how fragile and flawed those moments truly were. What seemed beautiful and inevitable then now feels like a twist of fate that should never have occurred. And yet, despite the pain it brought, there’s a haunting beauty to it all, a reminder that life’s most profound moments often lie in the space between coincidence and consequence.
The title itself whispers of the unusual, a tale that veers from the ordinary. It is the story of a romantic affair, not between star-crossed lovers, but involving my homely Amma and a complete stranger. I, the silent observer, witnessed this unfolding drama through my eyes and ears, acting as both camera and microphone. This narrative, though real, is a beautiful yet deeply unsettling one, capturing emotions that swing between the charm of romance and the disturbance it stirs within me. As the son, recounting such an incident is undeniably troubling, yet it is a story that demands to be told, setting the stage for the events that are about to unfold.
It was during mid corona crisis. There were semi lockdown events going on. One day my mother informed that amamma (maternal grandmother) has fallen sick and is been admitted in hospital. She started crying to see her at any cost. My dad being a stoic person denied as he always had grudge on my mother’s family saying they cheated him in marriage.
Actually, my father is a government employee, so back in the days, he was in very demand for marriage. But he always tells he got cheated by my mother’s family as my mother has slight hearing problem from childhood. She can’t hear that properly without her hearing aid. Although my mother is a very kind, beautiful lady and always took care of the family without a second thought. still to this date my father occasionally mentions it.
However, coming back to story, my father instantly denied for any visit in this condition but in reality, he hated my maternal family. But my elder brother and I insisted on letting my mother visit them.
After a lot of hustles my father agreed and it was decided that me and mother will visit. My elder brother had to stay back as his online coaching were going for NEET. While being in college I didn’t have to worry much as government had announced relaxation on exams.
so, the day arrived of our journey. Amma was wearing a pink sari with matching blouse looking beautiful and elegant as always. we reached station in afternoon as our train was at 4pm. Our journey was more than 18 hours.
As it was corona time so most trains were cancelled and even people’s travelling was restricted. We had to mention our emergency situation during booking of our tickets.
As we boarded train it was completely empty. I sat comfortably near window while Amma sat on another empty seat since the whole compartment was empty. Like literally we were alone in that compartment.
Dad had come to drop us and informed me to wear mask and use sanitisers multiple times and many more rules like all strict father’s do. Actually, dad was quite uncomfortable as the AC boogie was completely empty so he asked train TC to look after us. TC was also a Telugu guy.
Train stopped at Visakhapatnam, I was really wishing for someone to come our train boogie, as I was scared of empty trains.
As the train was leaving suddenly a man came inside our boogie. By first look he was a good-looking young man with what seemed a disciplined life style he must have lived from his face. Even I could see Amma gazed at him. He was gasping, must have caught the train after a lot of running. He kept looking at all the seat, so I told to sit anywhere as train is empty. He passed a smile towards me and sat opposite to us.
The man initiated the conversation with me asking about my studies and friends. Then I got to know that he is a merchant navy and going to his hometown for holidays.
I noticed he was frequently looking at Amma and whenever she looked or I catch him ogling he would instantly look other way.
Let me describe you all about my mother, whom I call Amma (Telugu). Amma is not much educated but a very compassionate person. She is very friendly but she is quite sensitive to her hearing problem. She always tries to hide her hearing aid fitted on her ear by wearing long ear rings.
Like a typical South Indian lady, Amma is slightly plump with dusky skin tone and long jet-black hair. She had those simple sober looks yet if anyone would watch the curvature of her face and especially her thin beautiful lips, they would not take their eyes off. Honestly Amma did quite resemble south actress Sneha or Suhasini Naidu.
![[Image: 487c336376f91a9d97ac15ffcba12e75.jpg]](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/48/7c/33/487c336376f91a9d97ac15ffcba12e75.jpg)
Now the reason I have briefly described my Amma here is because it is an important part of the story to have visualisation of the characters. Also to let you people realise as a son I always found it difficult to go around with Amma since as teenager it had affected me and given me a complex seeing men around giving her attention and she being the centre of it and I never wanted anywhere near such attention. And the feeling and eyes of other people letting you know look your beautiful mother is a treat for the eye of the men around.
Back to story, we both were having conversation like he was asking me about my studies and all and in between he diverted his attention towards Amma and they both started having conversation. Actually, to be honest I was bored to talk with him. Thank God he diverted his talks to Amma.
I took Amma’s phone started using it, but I was facing slight Internet issue so it kept buffering for a while before running a YouTube video. In between I would hear their conversation on family and stuffs.
Amma was having a conversation with him it was obvious she was feeling comfortable with him otherwise she was not the type to talk to any strange men.
Amma asked him” are you traveling alone” it was obvious he laughed and said “actually I left my wife in sea for good hahaha! Actually, I am on a holidays and planning to meet some girls, you know soul searching for my marriage”.
Amma with a laugh said “oh so your unmarried huh! For a moment I was scared that you left your wife in sea heheh”
Amma gave a small smile and they paused the conversation for a while looking straight, the swinging of train was pushing them each other, they were intermittently sharing glimpses of each other.
Next, I heard their conversation shift to TV serials and Amma was very delighted to know that this man loves TV serials too. It’s quite obvious in all men house we hated TV serials but strangely this man loved it. Anyways Amma had loosened her inhibition and was talking freely. Honestly, I was pleased to see her happy and smiling since she got news of grandmother’s illness.
Next, I heard him ask about her hearing aid. I instantly stopped my phone as I know Amma feels uncomfortable to talk about it. But for first time in my life, I saw someone say it’s not a disability. He began saying about his elder brother who too has hearing problem but doesn’t use hearing aid with family around. His brother only uses it when he is out. So, he asked her to remove it and be free with us.
Initially Amma resisted but she seemed confident and somewhat happy to hear that she isn’t alone and it’s not a bad thing to hide or be self-derogatory.
Then he himself removed Amma’s hearing aid and sat next to her saying she doesn’t need any aid to hear his voice and that she can hear him now as he is near.
Actually, I was so impressed that I became speechless. Never in my life I saw someone care about my mother’s problem. Everyone would curiously ask what’s it is? What it is used for? Since how long she is having this issue? How is she managing household with such disability? And what not. But for first time I heard someone telling her it’s not a problem; it’s not a disability rather it’s other’s disability to not speak loud enough.
I saw a drop of tear flow on her cheeks which he wiped with his finger and opened his phone playing her TV serial loudly.
For first time I felt there is someone who cared about Amma’s sensitive issue other than me. Seeing them watching together and talking about it a lot loudly, I sat across on other seat to let them be friends and watch their TV serial.
After a while trying to remove something from his pants side pocket, he accidentally brushed against Amma’s side navel.
Amma looked at him with a blank look, he said “sorry”; Amma said “it alright” and smiled back.
After a while train TC came for checking tickets. I immediately asked TC when will other people come. At which station they will be boarding. To which Tc said there is no more passengers for this boogie.
Actually, I was quite scared of those tales with thieves entering trains at night. So, I went to Amma and sat beside her.
The stranger man seeing me scared asked TC is any other compartment having more passengers. To which he denied saying people usually are travelling in sleeper compartment as they are afraid of AC compartment spreading corona viruses.
Suddenly the man asked about Ac tier1 or first class. TC said it’s very secure but will cost extra as we can’t go to first class AC with third class AC tickets. So, he began negotiating on price for all of us but Amma didn’t like the idea and denied saying it’s too expensive. But he however paid for all three of us and booked a cabin.
I was very happy as for first time in my life I will be travelling in first class. Although Amma showed she was upset but I could tell she too was very excited to travel in a first-class compartment.
Man – “I think we should start moving now to our new seats”
Amma – looking at our luggage with concerned look ‘it will not be easy. There is lot of luggage and it’s pretty heavy. My husband and son helped while boarding. We have to do few rounds’
Man - don’t worry, I only have this small backpack. Give me some heavy luggage of yours. you don’t have to carry anything in hand, and you will have to use your hands to keep balance.
Slowly we moved towards first class boogie. As we reached, I was overjoyed and began looking at every cabin. When I looked back, I saw Amma and the man were smiling looking at my excitement. Then we choose a cabin with seats for four passengers.
Amma and the man began setting our luggage but I was busy running around and looking at other cabins as it was completely empty. It felt as if I owned the whole train and I’m the master of it.
After a while I returned to see the man and Amma setting the seat with bed sheets. Suddenly Amma lost her balance and was about to fall. But the man Instantly holding her on both shoulders said “don’t worry I got you, you will not fall” with a smile. Amma turned back and smiled shyly at him. I saw an instant change in mom from what she was before we entered the journey, she had not smiled like that for a long time.
After all things were set, the man informed to have dinner. Amma nodded and went to washroom. The man began taking out his food parcel and gave me few snacks, which I happily accepted as I was feeling hungry. Then the man asked me take our eatables out of the bag. As I began removing and checking what Amma has packed for today’s dinner, the man excused himself and went to clean his hands.
Now I was alone in the cabin and I began checking and tasting the food. I was very happy to see sweets and ate few. Then I began watching video while having few snacks.
After a while video began buffering and I realised Amma hasn’t returned. I was feeling hungry but I didn’t want to come out of the cabin as I was lazy. So, I slightly opened the door and sitting on the edge of the seat, I peeped out.
Strangely I saw Amma seemed to be crying slightly with her head down on that stranger’s broad chest while the stranger man ran his hand all over her hair and back as if consoling her.
For a while the stranger man and Amma were almost in an embrace ,I could see from a distance his hand was on her waist holding her to comfort and her chest was on his lower chest there was no thin air between, I was stunned not only at what had happened but also about what was happening now , there was no concern on Amma to know where I was, she was in a tight embrace with a stranger, it was not intentional just a coincidence but still it was very unusual.
Slowly the man wiped all her tears and was saying something which I couldn’t hear a bit due to their distance and train noises. It seems he was explaining her something to which Amma was strangely shying. Then they again hugged but this time Amma was smiling and holding him with her arms around.
Maybe the stranger is consoling Amma on her hearing problem. But this looks quite odd and made me sweat. I shouldn’t be thinking all that. Amma can have friends like me. But my friends never hold me like this. Hm! Maybe adults hold their friends this way.
Suddenly Amma squealed and began giggling like a college girl. She was making very unusual noises like a mixture of whistle, laugh and scream. I couldn’t understand what was going on but it felt unusual as I have never seen Amma behave this way. Although she is calm person but she is very strict in nature.
Anyways feeling weird about it, I closed the cabin door but didn’t lock it. After a while Amma suddenly rushed in and sat beside me breathing hard and giggling while looking out of the cabin window and holding her chest.
I was worried seeing her behaving so strangely. So, with tear eyes I asked her ‘is she okay’? Amma instantly hugged me and this calmed me down.
Few seconds later, the man entered the cabin. As soon as he entered Amma left hugging me and began correcting her saree with an unusual smile on her face. Actually, she wasn’t correcting rather she was trying to hide herself while stealing glances at that man and giggling.
Amma slowly opened our dinner boxes and the man opened his. We all had our dinner but I noticed Amma was shying a lot with flushed face. While the man had a noticeable grin on his face like a confident smile.
After food, I washed my hand and went to washroom for toilet. When I came out, I saw Amma standing. She took my hand and cleaned my mouth with her saree pallu like she always does.
As we came inside cabin, the man asked Amma to show him where to throw the garbage. He asked her to leave me in cabin and come out to help him throw the garbage. Strangely Amma hugged me tightly and began giggling without saying a word.
The man with a grin crossed us and suddenly Amma squealed and hugged me even more tightly. I instantly asked what happened? But she with unusual smile said it’s nothing and that man had mistakenly stepped on her feet. The man let out a loud laugh and looking at Amma with grin left out of the cabin.
![[Image: tumblr_ncumfnF1CH1tlqk9xo1_500.gif]](https://64.media.tumblr.com/c9e9c316e4e644dbe1c4ee1964683e8a/tumblr_ncumfnF1CH1tlqk9xo1_500.gif)
I was worried by the noises she was making so I asked her again if she is hurt? But ignoring it she said she is all fine while giggling and looking at the door.
The story I’m about to narrate is one that unfolded in the most unexpected way, a series of coincidences so intricately woven that, at the time, it felt almost ordinary. Yet, as I reflect on it now, I am struck by a mix of emotions—amazement, shock, and even a deep, lingering pain. It’s strange how life works; sometimes, the most improbable chain of events can lead to outcomes that feel almost destined. But when you look back, you realize how fragile and flawed those moments truly were. What seemed beautiful and inevitable then now feels like a twist of fate that should never have occurred. And yet, despite the pain it brought, there’s a haunting beauty to it all, a reminder that life’s most profound moments often lie in the space between coincidence and consequence.
The title itself whispers of the unusual, a tale that veers from the ordinary. It is the story of a romantic affair, not between star-crossed lovers, but involving my homely Amma and a complete stranger. I, the silent observer, witnessed this unfolding drama through my eyes and ears, acting as both camera and microphone. This narrative, though real, is a beautiful yet deeply unsettling one, capturing emotions that swing between the charm of romance and the disturbance it stirs within me. As the son, recounting such an incident is undeniably troubling, yet it is a story that demands to be told, setting the stage for the events that are about to unfold.
It was during mid corona crisis. There were semi lockdown events going on. One day my mother informed that amamma (maternal grandmother) has fallen sick and is been admitted in hospital. She started crying to see her at any cost. My dad being a stoic person denied as he always had grudge on my mother’s family saying they cheated him in marriage.
Actually, my father is a government employee, so back in the days, he was in very demand for marriage. But he always tells he got cheated by my mother’s family as my mother has slight hearing problem from childhood. She can’t hear that properly without her hearing aid. Although my mother is a very kind, beautiful lady and always took care of the family without a second thought. still to this date my father occasionally mentions it.
However, coming back to story, my father instantly denied for any visit in this condition but in reality, he hated my maternal family. But my elder brother and I insisted on letting my mother visit them.
After a lot of hustles my father agreed and it was decided that me and mother will visit. My elder brother had to stay back as his online coaching were going for NEET. While being in college I didn’t have to worry much as government had announced relaxation on exams.
so, the day arrived of our journey. Amma was wearing a pink sari with matching blouse looking beautiful and elegant as always. we reached station in afternoon as our train was at 4pm. Our journey was more than 18 hours.
As it was corona time so most trains were cancelled and even people’s travelling was restricted. We had to mention our emergency situation during booking of our tickets.
As we boarded train it was completely empty. I sat comfortably near window while Amma sat on another empty seat since the whole compartment was empty. Like literally we were alone in that compartment.
Dad had come to drop us and informed me to wear mask and use sanitisers multiple times and many more rules like all strict father’s do. Actually, dad was quite uncomfortable as the AC boogie was completely empty so he asked train TC to look after us. TC was also a Telugu guy.
Train stopped at Visakhapatnam, I was really wishing for someone to come our train boogie, as I was scared of empty trains.
As the train was leaving suddenly a man came inside our boogie. By first look he was a good-looking young man with what seemed a disciplined life style he must have lived from his face. Even I could see Amma gazed at him. He was gasping, must have caught the train after a lot of running. He kept looking at all the seat, so I told to sit anywhere as train is empty. He passed a smile towards me and sat opposite to us.
The man initiated the conversation with me asking about my studies and friends. Then I got to know that he is a merchant navy and going to his hometown for holidays.
I noticed he was frequently looking at Amma and whenever she looked or I catch him ogling he would instantly look other way.
Let me describe you all about my mother, whom I call Amma (Telugu). Amma is not much educated but a very compassionate person. She is very friendly but she is quite sensitive to her hearing problem. She always tries to hide her hearing aid fitted on her ear by wearing long ear rings.
Like a typical South Indian lady, Amma is slightly plump with dusky skin tone and long jet-black hair. She had those simple sober looks yet if anyone would watch the curvature of her face and especially her thin beautiful lips, they would not take their eyes off. Honestly Amma did quite resemble south actress Sneha or Suhasini Naidu.
Now the reason I have briefly described my Amma here is because it is an important part of the story to have visualisation of the characters. Also to let you people realise as a son I always found it difficult to go around with Amma since as teenager it had affected me and given me a complex seeing men around giving her attention and she being the centre of it and I never wanted anywhere near such attention. And the feeling and eyes of other people letting you know look your beautiful mother is a treat for the eye of the men around.
Back to story, we both were having conversation like he was asking me about my studies and all and in between he diverted his attention towards Amma and they both started having conversation. Actually, to be honest I was bored to talk with him. Thank God he diverted his talks to Amma.
I took Amma’s phone started using it, but I was facing slight Internet issue so it kept buffering for a while before running a YouTube video. In between I would hear their conversation on family and stuffs.
Amma was having a conversation with him it was obvious she was feeling comfortable with him otherwise she was not the type to talk to any strange men.
Amma asked him” are you traveling alone” it was obvious he laughed and said “actually I left my wife in sea for good hahaha! Actually, I am on a holidays and planning to meet some girls, you know soul searching for my marriage”.
Amma with a laugh said “oh so your unmarried huh! For a moment I was scared that you left your wife in sea heheh”
Amma gave a small smile and they paused the conversation for a while looking straight, the swinging of train was pushing them each other, they were intermittently sharing glimpses of each other.
Next, I heard their conversation shift to TV serials and Amma was very delighted to know that this man loves TV serials too. It’s quite obvious in all men house we hated TV serials but strangely this man loved it. Anyways Amma had loosened her inhibition and was talking freely. Honestly, I was pleased to see her happy and smiling since she got news of grandmother’s illness.
Next, I heard him ask about her hearing aid. I instantly stopped my phone as I know Amma feels uncomfortable to talk about it. But for first time in my life, I saw someone say it’s not a disability. He began saying about his elder brother who too has hearing problem but doesn’t use hearing aid with family around. His brother only uses it when he is out. So, he asked her to remove it and be free with us.
Initially Amma resisted but she seemed confident and somewhat happy to hear that she isn’t alone and it’s not a bad thing to hide or be self-derogatory.
Then he himself removed Amma’s hearing aid and sat next to her saying she doesn’t need any aid to hear his voice and that she can hear him now as he is near.
Actually, I was so impressed that I became speechless. Never in my life I saw someone care about my mother’s problem. Everyone would curiously ask what’s it is? What it is used for? Since how long she is having this issue? How is she managing household with such disability? And what not. But for first time I heard someone telling her it’s not a problem; it’s not a disability rather it’s other’s disability to not speak loud enough.
I saw a drop of tear flow on her cheeks which he wiped with his finger and opened his phone playing her TV serial loudly.
For first time I felt there is someone who cared about Amma’s sensitive issue other than me. Seeing them watching together and talking about it a lot loudly, I sat across on other seat to let them be friends and watch their TV serial.
After a while trying to remove something from his pants side pocket, he accidentally brushed against Amma’s side navel.
Amma looked at him with a blank look, he said “sorry”; Amma said “it alright” and smiled back.
After a while train TC came for checking tickets. I immediately asked TC when will other people come. At which station they will be boarding. To which Tc said there is no more passengers for this boogie.
Actually, I was quite scared of those tales with thieves entering trains at night. So, I went to Amma and sat beside her.
The stranger man seeing me scared asked TC is any other compartment having more passengers. To which he denied saying people usually are travelling in sleeper compartment as they are afraid of AC compartment spreading corona viruses.
Suddenly the man asked about Ac tier1 or first class. TC said it’s very secure but will cost extra as we can’t go to first class AC with third class AC tickets. So, he began negotiating on price for all of us but Amma didn’t like the idea and denied saying it’s too expensive. But he however paid for all three of us and booked a cabin.
I was very happy as for first time in my life I will be travelling in first class. Although Amma showed she was upset but I could tell she too was very excited to travel in a first-class compartment.
Man – “I think we should start moving now to our new seats”
Amma – looking at our luggage with concerned look ‘it will not be easy. There is lot of luggage and it’s pretty heavy. My husband and son helped while boarding. We have to do few rounds’
Man - don’t worry, I only have this small backpack. Give me some heavy luggage of yours. you don’t have to carry anything in hand, and you will have to use your hands to keep balance.
Slowly we moved towards first class boogie. As we reached, I was overjoyed and began looking at every cabin. When I looked back, I saw Amma and the man were smiling looking at my excitement. Then we choose a cabin with seats for four passengers.
Amma and the man began setting our luggage but I was busy running around and looking at other cabins as it was completely empty. It felt as if I owned the whole train and I’m the master of it.
After a while I returned to see the man and Amma setting the seat with bed sheets. Suddenly Amma lost her balance and was about to fall. But the man Instantly holding her on both shoulders said “don’t worry I got you, you will not fall” with a smile. Amma turned back and smiled shyly at him. I saw an instant change in mom from what she was before we entered the journey, she had not smiled like that for a long time.
After all things were set, the man informed to have dinner. Amma nodded and went to washroom. The man began taking out his food parcel and gave me few snacks, which I happily accepted as I was feeling hungry. Then the man asked me take our eatables out of the bag. As I began removing and checking what Amma has packed for today’s dinner, the man excused himself and went to clean his hands.
Now I was alone in the cabin and I began checking and tasting the food. I was very happy to see sweets and ate few. Then I began watching video while having few snacks.
After a while video began buffering and I realised Amma hasn’t returned. I was feeling hungry but I didn’t want to come out of the cabin as I was lazy. So, I slightly opened the door and sitting on the edge of the seat, I peeped out.
Strangely I saw Amma seemed to be crying slightly with her head down on that stranger’s broad chest while the stranger man ran his hand all over her hair and back as if consoling her.
For a while the stranger man and Amma were almost in an embrace ,I could see from a distance his hand was on her waist holding her to comfort and her chest was on his lower chest there was no thin air between, I was stunned not only at what had happened but also about what was happening now , there was no concern on Amma to know where I was, she was in a tight embrace with a stranger, it was not intentional just a coincidence but still it was very unusual.
Slowly the man wiped all her tears and was saying something which I couldn’t hear a bit due to their distance and train noises. It seems he was explaining her something to which Amma was strangely shying. Then they again hugged but this time Amma was smiling and holding him with her arms around.
Maybe the stranger is consoling Amma on her hearing problem. But this looks quite odd and made me sweat. I shouldn’t be thinking all that. Amma can have friends like me. But my friends never hold me like this. Hm! Maybe adults hold their friends this way.
Suddenly Amma squealed and began giggling like a college girl. She was making very unusual noises like a mixture of whistle, laugh and scream. I couldn’t understand what was going on but it felt unusual as I have never seen Amma behave this way. Although she is calm person but she is very strict in nature.
Anyways feeling weird about it, I closed the cabin door but didn’t lock it. After a while Amma suddenly rushed in and sat beside me breathing hard and giggling while looking out of the cabin window and holding her chest.
I was worried seeing her behaving so strangely. So, with tear eyes I asked her ‘is she okay’? Amma instantly hugged me and this calmed me down.
Few seconds later, the man entered the cabin. As soon as he entered Amma left hugging me and began correcting her saree with an unusual smile on her face. Actually, she wasn’t correcting rather she was trying to hide herself while stealing glances at that man and giggling.
Amma slowly opened our dinner boxes and the man opened his. We all had our dinner but I noticed Amma was shying a lot with flushed face. While the man had a noticeable grin on his face like a confident smile.
After food, I washed my hand and went to washroom for toilet. When I came out, I saw Amma standing. She took my hand and cleaned my mouth with her saree pallu like she always does.
As we came inside cabin, the man asked Amma to show him where to throw the garbage. He asked her to leave me in cabin and come out to help him throw the garbage. Strangely Amma hugged me tightly and began giggling without saying a word.
The man with a grin crossed us and suddenly Amma squealed and hugged me even more tightly. I instantly asked what happened? But she with unusual smile said it’s nothing and that man had mistakenly stepped on her feet. The man let out a loud laugh and looking at Amma with grin left out of the cabin.
I was worried by the noises she was making so I asked her again if she is hurt? But ignoring it she said she is all fine while giggling and looking at the door.
![[+]](https://xossipy.com/themes/sharepoint/collapse_collapsed.png)