Thanks to each and every one of you!

I am starting with  a small vignette

PART 5 7 B

Borivili to Vapi

Mumbai Ahmedabad Shatabdi

May 24^th  Tuesday!

She settled comfortably in her seat. There was nobody in the seat in front. It was a window seat, she took her jooti off and lifted up her feet and slid it thru the crack between the seat and the window. The blue curtain was cold. She  adjusted her back to a comfortable position. The blue seats were covered with circular embossing with the letters “Bhartiya Rail-Indian Railways” in English and Hindi.

She smiled and touched a sign. It had been her friend for 8 years now, since she left home for architecture school.

He wore  tan six pocket trousers and a maroon tee with some UMASS lettering on it. He hadn’t shaved she noticed. She was at her door at  4: 52 AM. Ritu got the door when he knocked softly. Like he knew the teens might be asleep.

Kaki and khanak were in the back room, Kaki was doing pooja and the whole house permeated with the scent of agarbattis, there was also a soft ring of the hand held bell. Ritu smiled and hugged him

Shaan: Kya hua? Still sleepy? (rubbing her head)

Ritu: Nahi
Shaan: Is it Khanak?
Ritu: Ugghh I am supposed to hate you right now
Shaan smiles
Ritu: Not funny!
Shaan: You could move in with us if you like!