Agra Railway Station was bustling with life, as usual. The cacophony of vendors calling out to passengers, announcements blaring over the speakers, and the sharp whistles of trains created a symphony of chaos. Sunny Shergil sat on a wooden bench, his phone pressed to his ear, speaking with his father.
"Yes, Papa, I'll be alright and will call you after getting on the train," Sunny assured in his usual calm, low-pitched voice. He ended the call and sighed deeply, feeling the weight of expectations bearing down on him. He was 25, stuck between familial obligations and his secret life as an investor.
"Here, bro! Gotta say, it's getting cold," a deep voice interrupted his thoughts. Mohit Rana, Sunny's best friend, handed him a can of hot coffee and plopped down beside him.
Sunny looked up and raised an eyebrow. "It's winter, bro! What else do you expect? And are you sure you want me to go?"
"Yeah, Sunny. I've got my M.Tech project to handle, and honestly, you need some time away from your family issues," Mohit replied, his tone sincere.
Sunny smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mohit. If it weren't for you, I don't know what I'd do with my life."
"Don't say things like that, man," Mohit said, his tone softening. "You and I have been friends for eight years. We've been through thick and thin, and we're practically brothers now. I get your family situation. I know how it is."
Sunny chuckled. "Yeah, you've never even met my family in real and I'm well known as a better son than you in your own family."
"True! I'm always being compared to and because of u. My mom, dad, Big sis all think you're better than me." Mohit joked, laughing as he took a sip of his coffee.
Sunny, sounding arrogant and sarcastic, " I am, though?" They both stare and then laugh together.
The train horn interrupted their banter.
"Looks like your ride's here. You better go, man," Mohit said, standing up.
"Be well, bro," Sunny said, grabbing his small suitcase. He paused. "Oh, and good luck getting a girl at the seminar!"
"Yeah, yeah," Mohit waved him off. "You better enjoy this trip! And screw you, I'll definitely get a girl this time!"
They laughed as the train pulled into the station. Sunny boarded, waving at Mohit one last time before stepping inside. The train lurched forward moments later, taking Sunny away from the familiar chaos of Agra and into an uncertain journey.
Sunny walked through the train's narrow aisle, scanning for his seat. It was a second-class AC compartment, and the smell of freshly cleaned upholstery mixed with the faint odor of snacks brought by other passengers. Finally, he found his assigned seat, a cozy side berth near the window.
But someone was already sitting there.
"Excuse me, that's my seat," Sunny said hesitantly, tapping the person on the shoulder.
The girl turned to face him, her dark almond-shaped eyes narrowing in irritation. Her appearance immediately caught Sunny's attentionâshe had fair skin, smooth jet-black hair that fell to her shoulders, and a distinct look that wasn't Indian. Her features suggested East Asian heritage, and her presence seemed almost ethereal.
"Sorry, but can you sit at my friend's seat? I don't want to sit there right now," she said, her voice tinged with arrogance. Her English was heavily accented and slightly broken, making Sunny wonder where she was from.
Sunny was taken aback. "No, please sit at your seat. It's a long journey for me, and I don't like changing places again and again."
The girl's eyebrows shot up. "Then don't change places. It's a long journey for us too. My friend is sitting in my seat, so I can't sit there."
The argument escalated, with neither willing to back down. Sunny's usual timid nature seemed to vanish as his frustration bubbled up. He rarely stood his ground in such situations, but something about the girl's demeanor pushed his buttons.
A uniformed Ticket Collector (T.C.) eventually approached, cutting through their heated bickering. "What's the problem here?"
"She's sitting in my seat," Sunny said firmly.
"I asked him to sit at my friend's seat," the girl countered.
The T.C. sighed, checked their tickets, and resolved the issue by making everyone sit at their assigned spots. Sunny and the girl ended up facing each other in the small side seats, glaring out the window in stubborn silence.
The train began its journey, leaving Agra behind and plunging into the heart of the Indian countryside. Sunny stole occasional glances at the girl, still fuming from their earlier spat. She seemed lost in thought, staring out the window as the world outside blurred past.
"What's your problem, anyway?" Sunny finally asked, breaking the tense silence.
She turned to him, her expression softening slightly. "I don't have a problem. I just⌠didn't want to sit there."
"Right. Makes total sense," Sunny said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
The girl gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "You're rude."
"And you're arrogant," Sunny shot back.
They sat in silence again, but the tension had eased slightly. For the first time since boarding, Sunny felt a flicker of curiosity about his enigmatic seatmate.
---
As the train continued its journey, the stops would bring new encounters, laughter, and moments that Sunny and the mysterious girl could never have predicted. For now, though, the air between them was a mix of irritation, intrigue, and unspoken questions.
To be continued...
Characters:-
1. Sunny Shergil (MC)
- Age: 25
- Appearance: 5'11, brown-skinned, slim yet slightly athletic. Wears glasses that give him an air of intellect.
- Personality: Quiet and reserved, but with a sharp wit and a hidden confidence. Struggles to assert himself within his traditional family but secretly thrives as a self-made millionaire. Loves anime and Japanese culture, which gives him a unique perspective and a gentle, introspective charm.
2. Mohit Rana ( MC's Friend )
- Age: 25
- Appearance: 6'3. Athletic, tall, Fair skinned. Just a little chubby. Is more intelligent than Sunny.
- Personality: Quite intelligent in all fields but doesn't act like it. Humble and Great guy. Sunny's best friend and always tells everybody about him. Doesn't reveal Sunny's situation or family issues to anybody, shares his family situations to Sunny.
3. FMC (Name TBD)
- Age: 26
- Appearance: 5'7, fair-skinned with delicate features. Her accent and demeanor suggest she's not from India, though her exact origin remains unclear.
- Personality: Arrogant and headstrong at first glance, but her actions reveal underlying fear and vulnerability. Despite her sharp tongue, she's empathetic and has a protective streak for those she cares about.