Crossing the Mirage:Passing Through Youth

“Well, the railway fare could become a farce at times,” said Ashok. “Better we gulp it before it gets worse.”

As the vendor came to collect the fare, the friends indulged in one-upmanship for footing the bill. In the jostling that followed, the dregs of Chandra‟s cup fell on Ashok's trousers.

“It's time I washed myself,” Ashok pre-empted an apology from Chandra. “Let's treat it as a reminder.”

As the friends resumed their tête-à-tête, the topic turned to Chandra's upkeep in Bombay.

“Do you have someone in Bombay?” Ashok said.

“Not anyone remotely related even.”

“Where are you planning to put up then?”

“I've no idea whatsoever,” said Chandra seizing the opening. “Can you suggest a place for me?”

“Don't worry, I'll show you a way,” said Ashok assuredly. “Once you get a foothold, the rest is up to Bombay.”

“How can I thank you?” said Chandra clasping Ashok's hand.

Being assured thus, Chandra began to relax.

When the man opposite had finished with The Times of India, Ashok borrowed it. As his newfound friend got immersed in the metro news, Chandra began contemplating about him.

"What a helping nature he has,‟ he thought, looking at Ashok. "How lucky, I've met him. And doesn't he appear handsome in spite of his bulk! Looks like, it's when we see the soul of a man only then we discern the man in him. Oh, how even our outlook changes then towards him! It's as if his inner beauty acquires a bodily charm before our very eyes.‟

Struck by his discovery, Chandra saw a ray of hope for himself

"Am I not getting bogged down with my physicality?‟ he thought. "Can one improve his looks anyway? And how silly it is to go to lengths to seem better cosmetically! Why not I strive to excel at something to seem handsome? Then, who knows, I might find a dame who would see me for what I am worth.‟

When the train halted at Kalyan, the honeymooners alighted to an overwhelming welcome of their relatives.

"How mystifying is marriage, even to the family!‟ felt Chandra, seeing the way the couple was fussed about by their folk. "If only Vasavi got married! Oh, what all we miss for her being still a miss.‟

"Has he chickened out after all?‟ Ashok thought, misreading the change in Chandra‟s demeanor. "Why, it's tough venturing out alone into the unknown. It's as if freedom places burden on the soul. But once he gets his moorings in Bombay, he will find life exhilarating. Doesn't it seem he has some inner force? And Rashid would be the right foil for him.‟