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Prologue
"We can sit there." I said pointing at a empty row.
We adjusted ourselves on the empty chairs.
"So guys finally the camp is over and from tomorrow onwards again the same boring books" , Param reminded me and Abhijeet that our 3 day long Vijyoshi science camp has finally ended and so is our enjoyment period.
"But thanks to the stupid organizers , we will have to spend a sleepless night in the waiting hall of Kolkata airport." Abhijeet sighed.
"Its ok dude, we can manage that ,it's a matter of 5-6 hours" , I tried to cheer him up.
But he was right, the idea of spending a sleepless night in the waiting hall of Kolkata Airport wasn't exciting .
"So you both manage yourselves I am going to spend the night alone by reading a novel" Abhijeet announced his stupid plans and made himself comfortable on a corner sit and started reading a novel.
"At least he will not bore us with his stupid jokes", I whispered.
Param laughed at my comment.
"What next ?" Param inquired.
"I don't know but if you want to laugh than you can look at Abhijeet".
And honestly I was right because with earphones in his ears and a novel in his hand he looked like a museum piece. He was completely lost into his book and had a I don't know what's happening around me' look on his face.
Both Param and me laughed loudly looking at Abhijeet. I tried controlling my laughter after the people in the next row started giving me dirty looks .
"My water bottle is empty and so I am going to buy one.", I said.
"Do you want me to accompany you Sarthak?"
"No Param you sit here and enjoy the constipated look on Abhijeet's face .I will come back in 5 minutes" I said.
He nodded with a small laughter.
It took me exactly 12 and a half minutes to bring a water bottle from the canteen which was just 15 meters away thanks to the stupid vendor who was lost into a telephonic conversation.
I came back to my seat and I noticed Param had fallen asleep.
I wanted to wake him up but didn't for two reasons. First I knew how badly he needed a nap thanks to our rigorous schedule at the camp and secondly I knew he didn't left me alone to face the boredom intentionally.
I cursed my fate and looked at Abhijeet who was still lost in his own world.
"Welcome to the thrilling experience of spending a sleepless night talking to yourself Sarthak", I mumbled to myself.
I was wondering what should I do to pass time when a voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Excuse me, will you mind if I sit here."
I looked up and saw a young boy of about 23-24 years age standing next to me and pointing at the adjacent seat.
"Absolutely not", I replied.
He sat down next to me.
"Thanks , myself Kabir " , he said and extended his hand .
"Sarthak" I said and shook hands with him.
I noticed his eyes were teary.
Maybe he was sad for some reason.
Dude mind your own business I mentally reminded myself that I shouldn't worry about a stranger's mood.
After introducing ourselves we sat quietly for the next ten minutes.
I had no intentions of initiating a conversation with a stranger especially after I knew he was sad.
"Are you travelling alone?", I heard his voice.
"No with my friends one is asleep and the other is lost in his own world" I said pointing to Param and Abhijeet.
He smiled at my response.
"When is your flight scheduled ?" he inquired further.
"5:50 am to Jaipur and yours ?"I said
"7:00 am to Delhi", he replied.
So are you from Jaipur?' he asked with some excitement.
Nope, all three of us live in Kota '.
"Must be preparing for IIT-JEE".
"Yes , we are in class 12",I replied in assurance.
I had no idea why this guy was willing to converse so much especially when according to me he was sad. Maybe he wanted someone to talk with him or maybe he wanted to divert his attention from the reasons responsible for his sad mood.
"I have done my graduation from IIT - Bombay in chemical engineering" he said .
The IITian tag was enough for me to get excited and communicate with him further.
"How come you in Kolkata" , he asked .
"Actually we all had come to attend 3 day Vijyoshi camp organized for KVPY fellowship winners", I replied.
"So how was the camp?"
"We had a gala time although according to them we are the future scientists but 90% of the students present there including us were attending the camp in the hope of getting a 3 day holiday. "I replied cheekily.
"Also we were saved from the daily screwing by our coaching institutes for 3 days." I added further.
He laughed at my response.
"You are a funny guy."
"Yes , I am but thanks to our organizers I am going to spend a sleepless night in the waiting hall of a airport" I said in a sarcastic tone.
"Don't underestimate a night at airport it has the power to change your entire life" , he replied.
"I didn't got your point, how can a night at airport change a person's life can you prove it?", I questioned him.
The proof is sitting besides you'
You??' I said in a voice loud enough for the people around us to start staring at me.
Yes , I am the proof. A night at the airport changed my life.' He said in a sad voice.
Why, what happened to you??' I inquired.
Its not a small incident to explain it to you I would have to tell you the entire story of my life'.
Although a part of me warned me to stop interfering in a stranger's life but the curiosity had taken over my ability to perform sensible actions.
"You can tell me because listening to your story would be better than sitting idle for the whole night and moreover the idea of sleeping on a chair is not at all appealing to me", I said.
Wait for me , I will be back in 2 minutes', he said and marched towards the canteen.
In those 2 minutes my mind was bombarded with thousands of questions ,why a person who met me 20 minutes ago was willing to share his life's story with me. Why he was behaving like he was my long lost brother. There was some catch that I was missing , I straight away wanted to ask him but I controlled myself. As I struggled with my questions I saw Kabir coming back.
He bought a cup of coffee for both of us.
"Thanks ", I said.
He smiled and asked me From where should I start the story of my life?'.
"Maybe from that night which you spend at the airport". I said.
He nodded . I took a sip of coffee and listened to him.
P.S. so friends this is the prologue of my next story. Posting of its update totally depends on the response I will receive so do leave your feedback.
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