Part 1
The train had reached Kalyan station and slowed down to a halt. He looked out of his first class compartment window, disinterestedly scanning the people on the platform who rushed to get into their respective compartments when suddenly his eye caught a sight of a young lady in a bright red lehenga, with loads of jewellery on her person and an air bag slung on her shoulder. He could not see her face clearly as she was frantically turning her head from side to side apparently looking for someone in one of the many compartments of the train. Just as the train was pulling out of the station, he saw her jump into his compartment. He turned his attention back to the magazine he held in his hand as the train gained momentum and sped along. A few minutes later he put aside the magazine and went to wash his hands so that he can have his breakfast which his aunt had painstakingly packed for him as he had left early that morning to catch the train from VT station, a good 60 kilometers away from her place at Virar. As he walked up to the wash basin, he felt a strong gust of wind blowing through the open door of the compartment. Turning his head he saw the back of the young woman in lehenga who he had noticed earlier on the platform. She was standing close to the open door. Presuming her to be standing there to get some breeze, he proceeded to the basin and pressed the tap open to wash his hands when he noticed from the corner of his eye that the young woman was leaning out of the compartment and was preparing to jump out. Jerking his head in her direction in alarm, he sprung to her side in a fraction of a second and catching her by her wrist he pulled her in forcefully. Just then the train pulled into a tunnel, so he could not see her face. Gritting his teeth he lashed out at the unknown woman in pitch darkness.
Once they reached Pune, he got up and pulled his suitcase from under the seat and was about to leave when he noticed that the young woman was still seated, her head dropping to one side as she had dozed off. Shaking her awake he asked her where she had to go. She looked at him in confusion. He realised she had nowhere to go and was apprehensive that she might resort to suicide again if left to herself. Making up his mind in a split second, he caught hold of her wrist and pulled her up. Taking the airbag which lay next to her, he slung it on his shoulder, picked up his suitcase with the other hand and still holding her wrist he said that he was taking her with him to his house. She tried to protest but seeing his angry glare she bit back her words. He dragged her to the door where there were only a couple of other passengers ahead of them.
Getting off the train he made his way out of the station with the young woman in tow. His driver came running towards him and took the suitcase and airbag from him. He then turned to look at the young woman next to his master and looked quizzically at him. His master, however, was in no mood to answer his silent query. Proceeding to the car, he opened the back door for her and waited till she got in before going over to the other side to take his own seat next to her.
When they reached his palatial house, he got off his car and opened the door of the car for her to step out. He then escorted her to the front door and rang the bell. The door was opened by an old gentleman who enveloped him in his arms.
"Welcome home, beta", he said warmly and turning to his side he looked at the vision in red in shock.
"Who is this?" he asked.
Before his son could respond he continued, "So SHE is my bahu. How come you did not tell me you were bringing her home?"
Even as his son looked in shock, the old man took hold of the hand of the young woman and gladly led her into the house. "Come in beti, this is your house from today. How long I have been waiting for this day," he said in relief and contentment. He followed his father, wringing his hands, wondering what to say and how to explain.
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