Kayal's POV

Here is the most awaited chapter.

Content Warning: Slightly sensitive content, in the paragraph which starts with *. Please don't read that paragraph, if you are a light hearted person.

I was dying to start my internship. Sara was mostly busy with John. I felt a little lonely without Jaanu. After a long period of anticipation and excitement, the day finally came when I could board the train to my dear Chennai. Mugilan Maama (Uncle, Mother's Brother) offered to pick me up from my college and drop me in Railway Station. Sadly Maama believes that there is no thrill in going early and waiting for the train. I constantly asked him to drive fast, but I was also afraid of his speed. Maama asked, "You know Kayal, if at all if I hadn't been a Doctor, Narain Karthikeyan (A Formula car racer from Tamil Nadu, India's First F1 Driver) would have quit racing long back."

"Maama, please be fast as well as careful. I am your cousin sister's only daughter."

"You don't have to worry about that. Your parents are still young. If they find it difficult, there are options like IVF(In Vitro Fertilization) etc."

"Maama, I am sure, Amma will kill you before that."

"I know. Your Appa is also nothing less. You are worried about your safety. You didn't think about me. I am also my wife's only husband."

I smirked and said, "Athai (Aunty) is very young and beautiful, she can easily get another young husband for herself."

"Adi paavi, (Can be roughly translated as you sinful woman), I always thought you to be innocent, but you are a cruel and wicked woman."

By then we reached the station, before replying to Maama, I ran to the back of the car to get my luggage. While jogging inside the station with him, I said, "I am a strong supporter of widow remarriage Maama. So, you please don't worry about Athai."

He smiled and said, "You first find a groom for yourself and then you can think about others. Who knows? There are people who find their life partners in trains."

"If I find a life partner in this train, I will definitely inform you. Bye now. Take care." The moment I boarded the train, train started moving. God is great. I boarded in S1, but my seat was in S5. So I walked till fifth compartment and found my seat in the second aisle Seat Number 11. I got the shock of my life to see Salim there. I think he was shocked too to see me there. I asked him, "How come you are travelling by train? I thought you must be leaving by flight."

He replied, "I have never experienced long train journeys, John told me that it would be really nice. So, I thought of taking this journey. Next time, I will be having a lot of luggage, so I will be leaving by flight then."

"Oh. Still you could have booked an AC ticket. Why did you book in Sleeper Class?"

"Why did you book in Sleeper class?"

"Umm, because this is off season. AC Compartments might not have full occupancy. The windows are always closed. Since I am travelling alone, I thought it would be safe to travel in Sleeper Class."

"John told me that we can't enjoy scenery in AC Compartments. That's why."

"He is right. Happy journey to you. Which Berth is yours? Lower Berth, Middle Berth or Upper Berth?"

"Thank you. Lower Berth."

"Great." Mine was Upper Berth, opposite to him.

There was an old couple in my seat. Next to him there were two young girls. As usual, I introduced myself to everybody. It seems that the girls were from Maharashtra, Soniya and Sheetal. The old couple was from Madhya Pradesh. Since this train is the most favored train for its cleanliness, punctuality etc, many people who have to get down in between also board these trains. In the side aisle, there was a newly married couple who were oblivious to their surroundings. I started chatting with the girls and Salim started reading from a book, 'Irai Nambikkai' (Faith in God). It had a picture of a mosque in its cover page. Good that he brought a book with him because we can't enjoy scenery when it gets dark. So a quiet person like him must have something for company. After some time, all of us had our dinner. The old couple had brought some Roti and Dal. My Athai had packed some Idli for me. The girls bought some veg rice from the Pantry Car Vendors. Salim had also bought some Idli. I shared my food with the old couple as well as the girls. In turn I had some Roti and some Veg rice. Aunty asked me, "How to get such soft Idlis?"

"It is very easy Aunty." I then went on to explain the recipe of Idli. She then asked me about the recipe for Rasam etc. I am sure Salim must be regretting his choice to board a train. Uncle who sat in the corner was also a quite person. He was reading Train Time Table as if he was preparing for X Standard Board Examination. I don't know how people find Train Time Table, Telephone Directory, Multiplication Tables, Dictionary, and Encyclopedia etc interesting. It seems my great grandfather used to work in Railways and he was aware about all the trains in Southern Railways. I have heard that he always used to carry a Railway Timetable book with him. One of my friend's Father used to be a great fan of Telephone Directory. He used to have a list of most popular names, less popular names etc. Some people are just quirky.

In between Sheetal tried to flirt with Salim, but since he didn't respond much, she left him to his book. After some time Aunty told me that she has to sleep. I wasn't feeling sleepy. We girls were chatting about Bollywood movies. Sheetal said, "Why don't you sit here?" She showed me the place next to Salim. The seat was long enough to accommodate four people but I was sure that Salim might feel uncomfortable. He was terrified. Agreed, we have sat next to each other in a flight, auto etc. But, we had a gap between us.

So, I asked him, "Can you please swap seat with me for some time? You can take my Upper Berth."

I could see a sigh of relief in his face. He said, "Sure." With that he removed his footwear and climbed to my berth.

Sheetal then asked me, "Does he have a girlfriend? He didn't encourage casual flirting as well."

I laughed and said, "Yeah, he is committed."

Sonia said, "I told you, good goods are always taken."

Sheetal replied "Yeah, very bad for us. But his girlfriend must be really lucky to have a guy who doesn't look at girls even when he is surrounded by beautiful girls." It reminded me of a saying which my Appa used to say often, 'There is nothing great if a Temple Priest doesn't smoke or drink. It is really great if an employee of a Bar doesn't touch alcohol.' It means a man is really great when he sticks to the right path even though he has all the opportunities to go in the wrong path. In spite of being surrounded by women, he didn't show any signs of temptation. He is really a Vishwamitra (A mythical sage who cursed the damsel who tried to seduce him) in Jeans. After an hour of nonstop chatting, we decided to call it a day. I then called Salim, "I am ready to sleep. You can come and claim your seat back."

He laughed and said, "Thank you so much for your kindness."

I grinned, "Any time."

He gave me his cute smile and said, "Good night Kayal."

"Good night Salim."

When I settled in my upper berth, I could smell his fragrance. Few months back he used to wear Attar (a strong perfume) which used to induce migraine for me. But somehow he stopped using it. This fragrance is really sweet and manly. I then texted my parents that I am safe and there are few girls with me. I then added that Salim is also with me. Both Amma and Appa replied, 'Take care, Good night.' After some time, I saw Salim waking up from his seat and taking a prayer mat from his bag. He then left somewhere and returned after some time. I then talked to my God and asked for Salim's prayers to be answered.

I woke up pretty early in the morning because I was not used to sleep in Sleeper class. Salim was not in his berth. Aunty and Uncle were ready with their luggage to get down in Bhopal. I saw Salim on my way to restroom. He was praying. I remember my Appa telling me the other day when Salim came to my Maama's place that 'Ali mugathula Arul iruku' ('There is a divine g in Ali's face). I didn't believe him then. But, today I could actually see that in his face. I went to the restroom brushed my teeth, combed my hair and came out fast. By then Salim was folding his prayer mat. He was wearing his skull cap. I said, "Good morning Salim".

He turned towards me and was surprised to see me. He didn't speak for a moment. I waved my hands in front of him. He then said, "Good morning Kayal. Sorry, I just didn't expect to see you this early in the morning."

"I am a morning person. I like early mornings. I mostly spend my day and night chatting. But this early morning is just for me. I enjoy solitude."

He smiled. Ravi Bhaiya then came towards us with his tea can. I called him for a cup of tea. I asked Salim, "Will you have some tea now? Ravi Bhaiya's tea will be really nice."

He said, "Okay."

When Salim took his wallet to pay, Ravi Bhaiya refused to get money from him saying, "Inkeliye hamesha free (It is always free for her)."

I said, "Thank you Bhaiya" and then Ravi Bhaiya left with a happy smile.

Salim then asked me in his amused voice, "What did you do to earn a free cup of tea?"

I smiled and said, "Some time back, he had hurt his leg. He is also diabetic. Since he told me that he couldn't spend money to go to some good Doctor because of his huge financial commitments, I gave him few thousand rupees for his treatment. From then on he gives me free tea."  

"Nas'al alllah 'an yubarak lak litfak (May Allah bless you for your kindness)." 

"Thank you for your wishes Salim."

He smiled and then turned towards the beautiful sunrise. That morning watching that sunrise with Salim was really amazing. We didn't talk after that. We were just enjoying our cup of tea and looking at that beautiful gold ball. Within some time the train reached Bhopal junction. I hugged good bye to Aunty. Salim gave his prayer mat to me and helped Uncle by keeping the luggage in the platform. Both of us then got a Newspaper to read. Since Sonia and Sheetal didn't wake up yet our aisle was very quiet. Salim was reading his newspaper and I was reading mine. 

When I finished reading everything and folded the Newspaper, I was surprised to hear a familiar voice. It was Pratap Anna. "Helloooooo Kayal, how are you?"

 "I am fine Anna. How are you?"

"I am fine too."

Just as I expected Kiran followed him, "Hello Kayal, Bagunnara?"I simply nodded my head and started asking some formal questions to Pratap Anna about his family. Not knowing what else to do, I introduced them to Salim, "He is Pratap Anna and he is Kiran Anna. They are my Paternal Cousin's, Maternal cousin's, Paternal Cousin. Anna, he is my classmate Salim Ali."

Salim smiled and said, "I understand."

It seems both of them had to attend some Sports meet in Nagpur. Thankfully, after chatting with me for some time they left. When I left out my breath, Salim asked me, "Aren't these guys with whom you played cricket in your childhood? Why did you feel uncomfortable with them?"

He is pretty observant. "You are correct. I don't mind Pratap Anna but with Kiran Anna I have recently unearthed my embarrassing past. It is really frustrating to see his face now."

"Embarrassing past? "

"Yeah, you know for every woman her first kiss is something really special. It seems Kiran Anna was the first one to kiss me. I mean a proper lip to lip kiss."

"What? You said he is your brother."

I could see the anger in his eyes, "He is my brother. But, it happened when I was two years or three years old and he must be around four or five years. It seems he used to treat me as his personal teddy bear. My parents told me that they had a tough time in separating me from him because he used to insist on hanging around with me only. Very recently one stupid cousin uploaded an old family photograph where he had actually kissed me. It was during a marriage function of some aunty. When the photographer had said, 'Smile please', he had pulled me and kissed me. My Amma taught me about 'Good touch' and 'Bad touch' in a very young age. So, my Aunty told me that I had hit him then, complained to my parents and made a big scene. Still, after seeing that photograph it is extremely embarrassing to talk to him. He said 'Sorry' and I bashed that stupid cousin who uploaded that picture in our WhatsApp group."

Salim didn't look like he was happy. He asked me, "Shall I find him and hit him for you? Will you feel better then?"

"Haa Salim, I know you are hero material. But that guy is not a villain. He is just a comedy piece. He is really innocent now."

He nodded his head but didn't look convinced. So I used his own technique and distracted him, "Salim, do you have a childhood sweet heart? Like in that movie 'Thattathin Marayathu' (A Malayalam movie), a beautiful hijabi girl with chubby cheeks?"

He gave me a weird look for a second and said, "No. I was told that all girls are my sisters."

I sighed and said, "Your childhood got wasted, just like mine."

He laughed and asked, "I don't mind. Anyway, what happened to yours?"

"Feroz happened. He used to keep all the guys away from me. It is not a nice feeling when your brother studies in the same class as you and hangs around your group of friends as well. In spite of that, whenever I used to tell him something like, 'Hey, he is a great guy' Feroz will immediately spoil his image in my mind. He used to tell me 'That guy is a stupid' or 'That guy is a dumbass' or worse case, 'Kayal, don't tell me you have such a bad taste in boys'. He kept attractive boys away from me, and me away from attractive boys. The same thing continued in college. He is the one who brain washed my parents as well as me to join in a Women's College where the only men were watch man, gardener etc. I do used to have many friendships with boys. But, it stopped there. No thanks to Feroz. When I grew up and started meeting men through my NGO etc, I suffered from Feroz complex. He influenced my thought process. It became impossible to see men as something other than friends. And at one point of time, I was a typical new age fire brand feminist and I used to hate relationships, love, marriage etc."

Salim gave me a hearty laugh, "Feroz is a typical Muslim Brother."

"Did you do the same thing to your sister as well?"

"There wasn't a need to. My sister studied in a Girl's School and then a Women's college. She was picked up and dropped daily by our family driver. But whenever she used to go out, she had to be accompanied by me or Umar."

"You guys are younger than her. Still, society treats you as a super hero, who could fight against people elder to you as well."

"May be because, we would never let anything wrong happening to our sister or our woman, till our last breath. We are extremely protective."

"A small correction. You are Super Over Protective."

He laughed and said, "Yeah, may be."

"No, I am telling you. I am sure about it."

He simply smiled. By then Sheetal and Sonia had woken up. All of us then had a simple breakfast of sandwich from the pantry car. After that I again started chatting with girls.

****************

In the afternoon when Sheetal and Sonia got down in Nagpur station, it got pretty boring. Salim was still absorbed in his book. The romantic couple in our side aisle was engrossed in themselves. After some time two guys came and sat near me. I didn't know where they had to get down. When they tried to flirt with me, I started to read a short story collection by Ki. Ra (Ki. Rajanarayanan) after inserting earphones in my ears. I wasn't listening to music because I didn't want to waste my mobile charge, but I acted like that to keep those guys away from me. Just when I was seriously reading the book, I heard a shriek, "Kayal Akka". 

It was Nayanthara, a young transgender. I immediately hugged her. I pulled my earphones out and asked her in Tamil, "How are you?"

"I am fine Ka. How are you?"

"I am fine. First tell me, what are you doing here?"

 I then saw Madhavi Akka coming from behind. Before Nayanthara could reply, I pounced on Madhavi Akka, "How many times have I told you, not to take Nayanthara to line with you?"

Madhavi Akka replied, "She was the one who insisted on coming because she wants to pay for some Computer course."

I then yelled at Nayanthara, "You could have asked me or Amma."

"How much can we burden you Ka? I tried many sources. Tomorrow is the last day to pay the fees. That is why I came to beg today."

"How much is the fees?"

"Akka, it is okay. I will manage."

"I asked you how much."

"Five Thousand Rupees Akka."

I then took my wallet, in addition to my expenses till tomorrow, I only had Rs2000 as extra. I can't transfer money to her account because she doesn't have a Bank Account. Money order may take few days to reach. I first gave money to her. After that, I was removing my ear rings which I had brought from my own money to give it to her, when Nayanthara stopped me, "Akka, it is okay. I will manage."

I said, "Keep quiet."

By then Salim stood up and said, "Kayal wait." When I turned towards him, he was taking money from his wallet. He extended his hand to give me Rs3000. 

I said, "I will get it from you as a loan. Is that fine with you? I will transfer the amount as soon as I reach Chennai."

He said, "I am not giving it to you. I am giving it to her."

"But.."

"No but. Take it."

"Okay, in that case, give it to her by yourself."

He then gave the money to Nayanthara. Nayanthara took the money from him with tears in her eyes. Madhavi Akka then came near me and whispered in my ears. "Is he your hero?"

I whispered in her ears, "No such luck in reality. He is just my dream hero."

She then blessed me by keeping her hands in my head. "May all your dreams come true."

After warning Nayanthara a few more times of not to go around begging I sent her with Madhavi Akka. When I settled down, Salim asked me. "How do you know them?"

"Three of their sisters work in our farm. They come and visit our farm every now and then. My Amma pays for Nayanthara's boarding expenses."

"Are you not worried that they may misuse your money?"

I smiled and said, "I know them. I am ninety nine percent sure that they will not misuse the money. Even if they misuse, what will they misuse for? Do you think they are planning to buy Villas and Cars with our money? Nobody even rents house to them. They mostly live in shambles. My Amma once tried to help them in starting a business, but not many people were interested in buying from transgender. Theirs is a very painful life Salim. Once I happened to hear the operation procedure for them to change to a transgender. I cried for two days. Most of them aren't educated much. They might have run from their homes at a very young age. Only recently, we have got a Transgender Sub Inspector in Chennai, Prithika Yashini. Living Smile Vidya is another popular media personality. But these people are very rare. Otherwise most transgender end up begging and sometimes when they are a little hard on money do prostitution as well. If our money can stop them from doing prostitution, I don't mind being cheated. There is no honor in begging. If they can stay away from begging for few weeks because of our money, I will be happy about it." 

Salim gave an understanding nod and said, "Nas'al alllah 'an yubarak lak litfak (May Allah bless you for your kindness)."

"Thank you Salim".

*After some time the train stopped in some non- descript place due to some technical fault. It took forever for the train to get started again. After that we had our dinner from the pantry car. The romantic couple got down. Now there were two guys sitting in that seat. The flirts who sat next to me left somewhere. After having dinner, Salim did his Isha Prayer and came back and started reading that book again. When I stood up to leave for the restroom I saw few men approaching our compartment with big rods, batons and knives. They were wearing Tilaks(A Vermillion mark, denoting Hindus) in their foreheads. Their eyes were blood shot red. They were wearing some yellow color towel with Hindu Motifs in their shoulders. They started asking the passengers in the first aisle, about their name etc. All of them were men. 

I slowly got into my aisle and snatched the book which Salim was reading and threw it in the Upper Berth. He asked me in his shocked voice, "What are you doing Kayal?"

I said, "Shhh. Please stay quiet for some time. Don't speak anything. I beg you. Please, please, please."

When he was still shocked, those men came to our aisle. After seeing Salim for one second, they said in Hindi, "He doesn't look like a Hindu. Hey, Pant Uthaar (Remove your pants)." 

Before Salim could respond, I stood up and said, "Bhaiya, aap kya keha rahe ho? (Brother what are you saying?) He is my husband Karthik Kumar."

They then turned towards me and asked me, "What is your name?"

"Kayal Karthik Kumar."

"Father's name?"

"Guhan"

 "What?"

"Guhan, it is another name of Lord Murugan."

"What is your Mother's name?""Ilakkiya Guhan."

"Doesn't sound like a Hindu name. Give me some other proof that you are a Hindu."

I quickly recited a verse from Bhagavad Gita(Holy Book of Hindus), "Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanirva Bhavathi Bharatha, Abhyuthanam Adharmaysya Tadatmanam Srijami Aham'( Whenever there is a decay of righteousness O Bharatha and a rise of unrighteousness then I manifest myself). Praritranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam dharamasansthapnaya Sambhavami Yuge-Yuge (For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked and for the establishment of righteousness I am born in each and every age).

They nodded their head. One guy again asked me, "You are telling me, he is your husband. Why is he not speaking?"

"He doesn't know Hindi Bhaiya."

He turned towards Salim and said, "Kaminey, Hindi nahin seek sakthe?(Can't you learn Hindi?)"

The other one asked, "What is the proof that he is your husband?"

I showed him the old chain I was wearing in my neck saying, "This is my Thaali (Mangalsutra, sacred thread or chain worn in marriage)."

They then left the aisle saying, "Jaldhi Hindi seek (Learn Hindi fast).The guys sitting in the side berth showed the sacred thread which they had tied around their wrist. They then moved to next aisle.*

This particular scene is inspired from the movie 'Mr and Mrs Iyer. I watched that movie ages back, sometime after Gujarat riots. It killed me to watch that particular scene. I was living in Gujarat at that time and I know that a part of me can never be healed. Even though, something like this doesn't happen on a daily basis, it is a bitter reality that people are sometimes harassed in the name of religion.

Salim's POV

Long back Imaam of our mosque had told us that he always used to feel insecure while travelling to North India. He sports a long beard and a skull cap clearly saying that he is a Muslim. But, I never thought that I will live to see this day in my life. I felt hurt. I felt very angry. I don't know what to do. Just then I heard a sound of some siren. Many Hindu thugs ran through our compartment. When I went near the window, I saw them jumping outside and running away from the train. Police had come up with heavy force. They were trying to disperse each and every one of them. They beat the guys pretty harshly. The few of them who got wounded also tried to run away. Few Police members then climbed in the compartments to check on the passengers. The guys who were sitting in the side berth ran away somewhere. Just then I heard a heavy breathing. When I turned to look towards the source I was shocked to see Kayal struggling to breathe. She had her eyes closed. She was gasping for air and was shivering. I went and kneeled down in front of her. I think she is having her panic attack due to her phobia for crowds. Her phobia for crowds stems from the fear of riots and personal space being invaded etc. Now that riots are happening in front of her eyes, I could understand her fear.

"Kayal, open your eyes. Look at me. We are fine. Nothing happened. All of them had left. We are safe now."

Neither did she open her eyes, nor did she give me any response. I yelled at her thinking that might make her listen, "Kayal, please relax. We are safe now. Breathe in, Breathe out. Please Kayal, open your eyes. Look at me. Kayal please open your eyes. Police have come. We are safe now. Kayal, please open your eyes."

It seems like she could not listen to me in this commotion. She was still gasping for breath. She started sweating profusely. On top of it, her whole body was shivering. She had tried to keep her fingers intertwined with each other, but they were literally shivering. I then went around the whole compartment in search of a woman because I know she needs to be hugged. But the compartment was empty save for a few middle aged men. Many of them got down. I then came back to her. She was still shivering. I yelled at her, "Kayal look at me." She was struggling very hard to breathe. She hadn't opened her eyes yet but tears were flowing through her eyes. I sprinkled some water in her eyes, it made her shiver more. She got more terrified. At last when I felt that I had no other resort to save her and make her breathe, I took her hand and held it in me tightly. But, it seems she didn't recognize me. She was trying to wriggle herself from my grip. She was about to fall back and hurt herself, when I caught her whole body, made her stand against me and hugged her. She was still fighting to get away from my grip, when I took my lips near her ears and said, "Kayal, please relax it is me Salim. Please breathe with me."

She continued her fight to get away from me. But, I was not a boxer for nothing. With one hand, I circled her waist and with my other hand I held her tightly by her shoulders and started patting her back. I continued with my whispering. "Kayal, this is Salim. Please calm down. Please breathe. We are safe now. Police have attacked all those thugs. Please breathe for me."

In between her gasps with great difficulty I heard her saying, "Ha ha hara aa m."

I yelled at her, "Kayal, it is not haraam because I am not trying to hug you for my lust. I am hugging you to save your life. Please breathe and please hug me. You always keep telling me that you trust me, please trust me now and let me save your life. I can't let you die in front of my eyes. Please Kayal."

It took few seconds for my words to sink in her. She slowly kept her hands in my chest. They were shivering. Only then I realized that I should be calm and polite with her. With one hand, I took them and let her hands circle my waist. I then gently stroked her back and spoke to her in Tamil. "Breathe in with me please ma."

She had held my t – shirt very tightly. She tried to breathe in. I whispered in her ears politely. "Kayal, Police have come and they have dispersed those thugs. I am safe. You are also safe. I swear that I will not let anybody touch even your little finger till I am alive. I promise you that I will be there for you. Please breathe now ma. Please ma." She tried to breathe, but she was still shivering and I could feel my t- shirt getting wet from her tears and sweat. I continued stroking her back for few more minutes and whispered in her ears.

She then tried to come out of my grip saying, "I I ..feel better now. Thank you Sa Salim."

I gave her a bottle of water to drink. I then said, "Come with me." I took her towel which was lying on the side table and led her to the restroom. "Go and wash your face." She came out after a minute. By then a Police Official who had a name tag which read as R. Khan had come to our compartment checking for us.

He asked me, "Are you all safe? Any problem?"

I said, "Yes Sir. No problem. But tell me, did those thugs kill any Muslim?"

The Police Official said, "No thankfully they didn't kill anybody but they had made them stand aside and kicked them around. If we had come a little late, something wrong might have happened."

I said, "Alhamdulillah."

He looked towards me and asked me, "You are a Muslim?"

"Yes."

"Good they weren't able to identify you."

I pointed to Kayal and said, "She saved me. I didn't lie that I was a Hindu. But I didn't stop her when she gave me a Hindu name and called me as her husband. I am not sure whether I should feel happy about being saved or sad about having to hide my identity."

"You know you are a Muslim. And Allah (SWT) knows that you are a Muslim. You didn't have to prove that to those thugs and get yourself killed. That is not martyrdom. Our lives are much much worthier than that. If hiding your identity had saved your life, I don't see anything wrong in it. These things happened, not because you wanted it to happen, but because Allah(SWT) willed it. He doesn't do anything without a reason. You and I cannot know them, but be assured that not even a single cell in your body can move without His will. You are young, you have a very long time left in front of you. Be grateful to this woman for saving you, and don't forget to thank Allah(SWT) for saving your life. Khuda hafiz."

I replied, "Shukran for making me see the other side. Khuda Hafiz."

When that Police Officer moved away, we heard the engine sound and many people had started coming inside. I signaled Kayal to follow me. As soon as we got in our aisle Kayal said, "Salim, please promise me."

I was baffled, what promise is she asking me for. "What promise???"

"That you will never think about extremism because of this bad experience."

I huffed. "I am extremely hurt Kayal. It is killing me to feel so insecure in my own country. But, Islam is a religion of peace. My weapon against terrorism is Prayer, my weapon against hatred is love. I was not taught to kill another person in the name of religion. My only consolation now is that even though many people in this compartment might have seen me doing my Namaaz, nobody revealed about me to those thugs. You saved me by calling me your husband. There were Police Officials who beat those thugs harshly. Everything isn't dark. I am trying to see the light. I am trying to see the good people here. Just like how all Muslims are not terrorists, all Hindus aren't fanatics. I am not going to opt for violence to kill those people. Rest assured about that."

She said, "Great. Thank you for saving my life and I am sorry for pulling you to Haraam zone."

"Few months back, you saved my life by giving me rescue breaths, if that isn't Haraam, this is also not Haraam. Go to sleep now."

I saw an immediate flash in her eyes when I said about rescue breaths. She nodded and said, "Good night."

"Good night." When she lied down in her berth, I recited Ayat Ul Kursi and blew over her.

I then lied down in my berth but it took a very long time for sleep to come. There were two guys who settled in the side berth. I remember just how last night I was cursing irctc (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation) for giving me a berth just opposite to her. I remember booking my ticket almost half an hour after her. I thought I might be getting my seat somewhere in the same compartment. But to sit just opposite to her and still maintain my sanity was a huge task. That is why I surrendered myself to a religious book. But everything happens for a reason. I am a boxer, I could have tackled few of those thugs. But, it wouldn't have ended at that. If at all if anything had happened to me, my Muslim brothers might have taken their revenge on few Hindus. As Jackie Chan said, Best Fights are the ones we avoid. Everything happened and happens because we human beings are ignorant souls and Allah (SWT) is a Master Planner.

We didn't switch off the lights for a long time. In that dim light, I could see Kayal's tears in the blanket which she had wrapped around herself. Is she missing me? I so wanted to pull her again and give her a hug and comfort her, but then no amount of 'Astaghfirullah' will help me in getting a pardon from my Creator. With a very heavy heart I went to sleep.

I woke up early in the morning for my Fajr prayers. After doing my Wudhu, I settled to do my Fajr. I opened my heart to my Creator. Allah(SWT), I believe that there is a reason behind your every deed. Please let me control my anger. Please show me your mercy. I finished my prayer after a very long time. Just like yesterday Kayal came out of the restroom after freshening up. She always looks beautiful in the early morning. Even though I could see that her eyes were puffed due to crying last night, she still looked breathtakingly beautiful. I said, "Good morning Kayal."

She smiled and said, "Good morning Salim."

Just like yesterday Ravi Bhaiya gave us tea free of cost. We were watching the sun rise without talking anything. We bought newspaper. Not many details were there about yesterday's riots. I was worried about train getting delayed a lot, but Alhamdulillah we got delayed by few hours only. I cancelled my bus ticket, which I had taken for Trichy. Instead I booked a cab because I may not be able to catch my bus.

In Chennai Central Station, Kayal's parents picked her up. After a formal pleasantry I left for my cab. It seems the cab driver was a fan of Raja Sir like Kayal. It already ached to be away from her. This song 'Yerikkarai poongatre' gave words to my pain.

When I reached my home in Trichy, John called me. "Are you safe? I just read about those riots."

I entered my room and placed my bag in the cupboard. I said, "Kayal saved me."

For a moment he went quiet and then asked me, "Isn't this the second time she is saving you?"

"Yes, Kayal saved my life for the second time."

After few more minutes I kept the phone down. Just then I noticed my parents and brother standing near the door of my room. My brother ran towards me and asked me, "Did you suffer from another heart attack?"

My parents were also behind him. It seems that they didn't see the news channels. I was worried, how they would take it. When I was hesitating to tell, Amma said, "Ali, please tell us the truth. What happened?"

I ended up saying everything about the riots to my family. After listening to everything my Amma just said one sentence, "I will do my Ishtikaara today." She came near me hugged me and kissed me in my forehead. I could see tears in her eyes. My Vappa and Umar also hugged me. Amma first left the room saying, "I will first talk to your grandparents. Insha Allah if I get a good sign from my Ishtikaara, we will proceed with the proposal at the earliest." 

Umar hugged me again and left saying "I will call Akka". I was standing with Vappa. I remember once Kayal telling us that if at all if we hide something from our parents, it means what we did was wrong. So, I talked to Vappa, "Vappa, there is one more thing which I want to tell you. I am telling you this assuming you have hundred percent trust in me." I then ended up saying everything about Kayal's phobia to how I hugged her. After listening to everything, my Vappa said, "You did what was right, you don't have to feel guilty for saving her life." He then ruffled my hair and said, "Take rest."

When Vappa also left the room, I fell down in Sujood (Prostrate to Allah (SWT).

Ma is a respectable way of calling a woman.

The song I have attached is from the movie, 'Thooral Ninnu Pocchu' (1982), Music by Ilaiyaraaja Sir, Lyrics by Chidambaranathan Sir, Singer – K.J.Yesudas Sir.

Hey sweet breeze, are you going towards South East?

Please pass my message to the Jasmine flower of SouthEast to come for me

Since your feet which are as soft as flowers might ache, I had spread flowers in your path

My heart is rocking like a boat, my age is also increasing

My heart is aching due to this design in fate, my golden memories are melting away in my tears

The clouds which are running fast are trying to cover the moon,

I am singing alone in this village, I am seeking company for my melody

When the time is right, I will garland you (marry you)

Till that time comes please wait for me.