Serein

It was just another ordinary morning at the train station.

Amidst the quiet rush and sleepy murmurs stood agirl—alone.

Beside her was a single tree, its roots half-exposed, gripping the damp earth beneath.

She looked down at them thoughtfully and whispered,Are you okay? How do you manage the weight of the whole tree all by yourself?

A gentle smile crossed her face as she lifted her gaze toward the soft, waking sky.

Just then, a boy walked up beside her and asked,Do you remember me?

Startled, she turned quickly, covering her face with her hand as nervousness crept in. She took a steady breath.

He stepped a little closer and asked again,Are you Brindha?

She slowly turned to face him, her fingers curling with unease.

Yeah... I’m Brindha. And I know you. Your name was...She paused.

He smiled and said kindly,I’m Hardik.Do you really remember who I am?

She looked slightly embarrassed and replied softly,Yeah, I remember. I'm sorry.

Hardik chuckled.

It’s okay. Are you free? Want to grab a plate of pani poori?

Brindha looked down, then quickly glanced at the station clock—her cheeks faintly pink, her expression a mix of shyness and confusion.

No, I have some work. My train arrives in ten minutes.

That’s alright, he said warmly.

"We’ll go another time.

"She looked at him, surprised.Wait... so you...?

But the train’s loud horn broke through her question, drowning out her voice. The platform stirred as more passengers arrived.

In the middle of it all, she stood still, thinking.Then, as if pulled by something deeper, she turned and searched for him in the crowd.

Spotting him, she stepped forward and asked, confusion flickering in her eyes,

Where do you live now? Where’s your home?Her voice somehow reached him clearly through the morning bustle.

He looked at her and smiled.Are you kidding me?

I’ve been living in the same city.

BEFORE THE TRAIN STOPPED(On the train)

Brindha stood still, her chest tightening. The boy had remembered her — and everything she wanted to forget.

That one moment pulled her back into a past she’d tried so hard to leave behind. Her eyes began to fill with tears.

Just then, a soft voice cut through her sorrow.Why are you crying?

Brindha looked up, startled. A young girl, maybe fourteen, stood before her with a worried expression.

Did someone hurt you?

Before Brindha could respond, a man’s voice stepped in gently.Sorry, she didn’t mean to disturb you.

Brindha glanced at him — a kind-faced man standing beside the girl, his voice calm and apologetic.

Crista, don’t trouble people like that. You never know what they’re going through.Crista lowered her gaze, then looked back up at Brindha.Sorry, she whispered.

Brindha wiped her tears and managed a soft smile.It’s okay. Are you Crista?Crista nodded, her smile small but sincere.

Brindha sighed. Her voice came out low and steady.

No one hurt me. It’s just that... I made a mistake. I hurt someone I cared about. And now, I have to live with it. I saw him again, just recently. He was kind... just like always. But it felt like something inside me shattered all over again.Crista’s face softened.

Are you okay? Can you tell me the story? My dad wants to hear it too.

Her father gave a sheepish smile, half apologetic, half curious.We’ve got time, if you feel like sharing.

Brindha gave a quiet laugh, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.Are you sure? My story might not be very interesting.

Crista’s eyes sparkled with innocent curiosity.It’s fine. We have time. Please, tell us.

Brindha drew in a breath, holding it for a moment. Then she began to speak — her voice soft at first, then steadier —as the long-buried pain slowly gave way to words.