I was a young and bright student, always busy with my books, lectures and exams. As a young girl in a hostel, I had never given importance to life away from the challenge of studies. It was a bright Sunday morning with greenery and the rustle of birds around.

I had finished my mid term exams and was in a hurry to reach home. I got into the train and occupied my seat. As I began settling down, I noticed a group of people sitting together rather formally. I noticed a young couple sitting in their midst and realized that they were newly weds on their way home. Here in India there is a tradition where a bride comes to the bridegroom's house after marriage and this occasion of marriage is celebrated with bright dresses, sweets and songs. I have always loved this function.

As the train started, two men entered the train and joined the group. Initially I thought they belonged to the same group but then I heard them asking the bridegroom if they could sit in the same compartment. They mentioned that they would get down in the next stop that was just two hrs away. The bridegroom offered them a seat in front of him. Soon the train was on its way and I started digging in my luggage to find my favorite author's book, my friend in a long and plain journey.

As I got deeply lost in the book, I heard one of the 2 men conversing with the bridegroom. I became a little distracted with their talks. The man was telling him that the next stop is the small town, Diktar, which the bridegroom corrected by pointing out that the next stop is not Diktar but Sainal.

Soon the talk led to an argument with both men looking confident on the next stop names that they mentioned. The man went ahead and placed a bet with the bridegroom and told him that he would give the diamond ring that he was wearing on his finger to the latter's bride if he loses. I felt incredulous to see his level of confidence and spirit to win the bet.

The group went quiet after this bet and waited patiently for the next stop. The curiosity grew in each one of us more and more with the passing of time. I could hardly concentrate on my book. As the train arrived at the station, I heard a loud shrill voice from the bridegroom declaring that he had won the bet. The man slowly removed the diamond ring from his finger, conceded to the bridegroom offering him to give it to his bride, and politely walked out the train. I was amazed to see the man's reaction and behavior.

The train was on halt at the station for about 10mins. I got off the train for a cup of coffee still dazed at what had happened.

To my surprise, I saw those two men in the coffee shop. My curiosity got the better of me and I rushed forward to talk to the man. As I approached them, little did I realize that I would overhear something that would change my belief in love... His voice rings in my ears even until this moment. The man confessed to his friend saying, "I've lost my love to someone else but at least I could give a sign of my love to her"

I was dumbstruck on hearing that and realized that the bride was his love and that she had his ring on her finger now. I can never forget the pain in his eyes I saw that day. His heart beats for her today and always. Love is so pure that it cannot hurt others but concedes within.

Learn more about this author, Hajira Mohseen.
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