divya

[కుమార్]

‎ After one hour, the train slowed down because of heavy rain. Tracks wet, visibility low, so speed kam ho gayi.

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‎Raindrops pattering hard on roof and windows. Coach mein thandi hawa aa rahi thi door se.

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‎Ranjith stood at the open door of the coach. Hands on side bars. Looking out at rain-soaked fields. Wind blowing his shirt.

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‎Lalla came back slowly, samosa bucket in hand. Beedi in mouth.

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‎Wet lungi sticking to legs. He saw Ranjith. Smiled small, respectful.

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‎Stood there near door, not too close.

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‎Ranjith looked at him. Asked calm, “Are you alone?”

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‎Lalla nodded. Took beedi out. Spat paan juice outside.

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‎“Haan saab. Meri biwi buddhi ho gayi. Beti-damaad, unke bacche sab gaon mein hain. Main akela hi ghoomta hoon train mein.”

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‎His eyes again went to Divya.

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‎She was sitting twenty feet away, near window. Yellow saree glowing in dim coach light.

‎ Tight blouse wet little from rain spray. Pallu slightly slipped.

‎Breasts rising-falling as she talked to Monu.

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‎Lalla stared openly. Eyes hungry.

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‎Ranjith noticed. Asked direct, low voice.

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‎“Why are you looking at her?”

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‎Lalla became shy. Looked down. Beedi trembling in fingers.

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‎“Kitni khoobsurat hai woh ladki, saab. Dekh ke dil khush ho jata hai.”

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‎Ranjith smiled small. No anger in face.

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‎“Uska pati nahi hai train mein. Lekin beta hai.”

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‎Lalla smiled wider. Dirty smile.

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‎“Uske pati nahi hai toh… acha hai. Usko dekh ke mera lauda bada ho gaya.”

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‎He adjusted lungi front. Bulge visible now.

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‎Ranjith looked at it. Then at Lalla face. Smiled again.

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‎“Sirf dekhoge ya kuch karoge?”

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‎Lalla kuch nahi bola. Just smiled shy. Beedi jalaya phir se.

‎Smoke blew out in rain.

‎

‎Divya observed their talking from far. Saw husband and old man talking.

‎ Saw Lalla adjusting himself.

‎ Saw Ranjith smile.

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‎ he went to his seat.

‎ lalla gone back.

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‎ after two minutes lalla again  stand there.

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‎ She looked at Monu. Said soft, “Mummy ko darwaze pe khada hona hai.”

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‎Ranjith understood. Lalla is there.

‎ he said nothing.

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‎Divya stood up. Walked to door slowly. Just to tease her husband.

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‎