STAR TO MY MOON - A SHORT STORY

The Echoes of Yesterday

The ethereal strains of Bob Marley’s voice crooned through the dimly lit room, “Could you be loved, and be loved?” The melody floated gently on the air, mingling with the shadows and memories that danced about. It had been a year since the fateful day that forever altered Sanvi's existence, yet it felt as if time had folded back upon itself, making that day seem as fresh and vivid as the morning dew.

It was monsoon season, July's ceaseless rain tapping against the windows like a thousand tiny drumbeats. The rain drummed out a melancholy rhythm, the sort that could stir the soul, and tonight, it was summoning a distant memory for Sanvi. As the rain cascaded in silver streams down the glass, she found herself adrift in recollection, her mind wandering back to that pivotal night when everything changed.

The memory was a emotional rollercoster with vibrant threads of anticipation and anxiety, a night that promised new beginnings but also harbored the shadows of uncertainty. She remembered the urgency of that night as if it were an echo of some ancient song, a prelude to a chapter in her life that she would come to treasure and lament in equal measure.

The Journey Begins

In the quiet chaos of a bustling bus station, the excitement of the journey was palpable, but for Sanvi, it was shadowed by a distressing anxiety. She had just finished checking her train ticket for what felt like the hundredth time, only to find that all seats were booked. Her heart sank as she grappled with her own limitations—her illness had rendered travel a precarious venture. “Why now?” she thought, feeling the weight of her condition pressing down upon her with an almost tangible force. The disease had woven itself into her life like an unwelcome intruder, complicating her every move.

Her sister, ever the beacon of calm, had reassured her: “it’s not the first time you’ve faced this. Don’t worry.” Even so, the unease gnawed at her, a constant, insistent whisper in the back of her mind. In a futile attempt to distract herself, she chuckled at her sister’s suggestion that a movie like Kung Fu Panda might be a remedy for her anxiety.

Sanvi’s bus ticket had been secured, and the anxious anticipation was punctuated by the ticking of the clock. At precisely 10:30 PM, she boarded the bus, her heart racing with both excitement and dread. Her seat, number 07 on the upper deck, had seemed like a good choice at first, but the cramped and uncomfortable space quickly proved otherwise. With a sigh of relief, she managed to switch to the lower deck, a move that offered a slight reprieve from her mounting discomfort.

Wrapped in a blanket, Sanvi tried to cocoon herself in a semblance of comfort. Her thoughts meandered through the labyrinth of her fears, and she found herself praying for solace. “Please, God, help me,” she murmured, “I’m not Seetha, but if there’s any justice in this world, let this journey be smooth.” In her mind, she likened herself to Seetha, hoping for divine intervention to guard her against the metaphorical Ravana that might lurk in the shadows.

A Chance Encounter

Meanwhile, in a different part of the bus station, Arjun and his friend Manish waited with a mix of impatience and anticipation. Arjun had come to visit his grandmother’s quaint village, a place that lacked the urban luxuries he was accustomed to. As he and Manish waited for their bus, they found solace in the late-night buzz of bakery shops and wine stores still open.

When the bus finally arrived, it was a chaotic scramble to find their seats amid the confusion of fellow passengers. The bus, which rocked and swayed like a vessel lost at sea, was far from the comfort of the city’s transportation system. Arjun, ever the romantic at heart, gazed wistfully at the moon, wishing it could accompany him on his travels.

Arjun’s thoughts were interrupted when he realized he and Manish had forgotten to buy snacks. “Let’s grab some at the next stop,” he suggested. The bus’s uncomfortable sway made the ride feel interminable, but Arjun’s spirits were awake by the idea of a late-night snack run.

Conversations and Connections

The bus’s next stop was a brief respite from the relentless motion. Arjun and Manish disembarked to purchase snacks, and as they reboarded, Arjun’s gaze fell upon Sanvi. She was seated across from him, and her presence seemed to cast a soft glow against the harsh bus lights. Arjun noticed her, wrapped in a track suit and sweater, looking somewhat out of place yet intriguingly approachable.

Sanvi, feeling the weight of her journey, was nervously scanning the bus for reassurance. Despite her hesitance, mustered the courage to ask him about their destination. Arjun, though caught off guard, offered to check with the driver. Their brief exchange was polite, but Sanvi’s vulnerability seemed to draw him in.

As they continued their journey, Sanvi and Arjun found themselves sharing their interests and passions. Sanvi introduced herself as an assistant professor of philosophy with a keen interest in literature, while Arjun revealed his work as a psychologist. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, a mutual exchange of intellectual curiosity that bridged the gap between strangers.

Their discussion about philosophical works and literature created a bond that grew stronger with each passing mile. The bus ride, once a mere inconvenience, transformed into a shared space of discovery and connection. They debated, laughed, and explored each other's thoughts with a depth that was both exhilarating and comforting.

Intimacies and Revelations

As the bus journey continued, the night grew colder, and Sanvi found herself seeking warmth. She noticed Arjun’s unease about the chill and offered him her shawl, an act of kindness that spoke volumes. Their conversation, now more intimate, allowed them to delve into personal stories and vulnerabilities. Arjun’s request to rest his arm around Sanvi’s shoulder was met with initial surprise but was soon accepted. The physical closeness added a new layer to their connection, a tangible manifestation of the bond they had been forming.

As the bus rocked gently along its route, Sanvi rested her head on Arjun’s shoulder. It was a moment of shared solace, a quiet pause in the midst of their vibrant conversation. Arjun’s gentle touch and the warmth of his presence created a cocoon of intimacy that neither wanted to break.

The night seemed to stretch on forever, an endless loop of time that they wished would never end. They began to imagine the lights outside as stars, their conversations blending with the gentle hum of the bus. Arjun, feeling a surge of affection, gently tucked Sanvi’s hair behind her ear, a gesture that spoke of deepening feelings and unspoken promises.

The Dawn of Departure

As the journey neared its end, the bittersweet realization of their impending separation loomed. The bus’s headlights pierced through the early morning fog, and Sanvi and Arjun’s time together was drawing to a close. Despite their desire for the moment to last forever, they both knew that reality awaited beyond the bus’s doors.

Sanvi, reflecting on the brief but profound connection they had shared, felt a pang of regret mixed with gratitude. As she prepared to disembark, she cast one last glance at Arjun, her thoughts echoing with the sentiment that he was like a “fleeting dream—a beautiful, transient vision that would remain in her heart long after the journey ended”.

The bus station, now bathed in the soft light of dawn, marked the end of their shared adventure. As they parted ways, Sanvi and Arjun carried with them the memory of a night that had woven their lives together in the most unexpected and magical way.