Ek Choti Si (Love?) Story

He wondered what happened when they went on a vacation. Was it just about the place, or did they behave differently from their formal daily selves?

They were in Darjeeling, and he had always been in love with this place. It was more about discovering the unknown; there were still new surprises about this place. He must admit though that he felt a pinch of pain when he visited the place. It had given him immense love once upon a time, and every time he was back, he doubted if it would still love him the same.

Having spent three days in the hustle and bustle of Darjeeling, they decided to go to Joey's pub. It was an eclectic place known for its selection of Beatles music and was a hit with foreign tourists. The place had changed from last time; it had more light, and in place of jazz and pop, there was a football match on. A group of male foreign tourists was rooting for their teams.

He tried to find the old Joey's pub in the newly renovated place, but his attention was captured by a beautiful girl who was now comfortably sitting opposite him at another table. She was a local and was accompanied by her male friend (boyfriend?). He couldn't help but notice her stylish sense, and his eyes got transfixed. She noticed him looking at her.

Now she was doing different things. She took off her jacket and was wearing a lacy top; there was also a tattoo beneath. She opened her hair and started playing with them gently, posing for pictures that her male friend clicked. Their eyes met many more times, and he was confident this was more than a coincidence.

He left his table and went to the smoking room (he was there with his group). Within minutes, the girl dragged her boyfriend to the smoking room (the manner in which she had control over him told him that he was not just a friend). She stood within a foot's distance and had an animated conversation with him. He was more confident now, and his gaze stayed on her for a longer time. He knew that she was well aware.

He lit another cigarette to buy more time; she did the same. It had now become a game, and no one else was aware. His friend joined the smoking room with his wife, and they reminded him that he was yet to finish his pint. The smoking room became crowded, and he came out; the girl did the same.

The bar closed at 10 pm, but he delayed finishing his beer. She also held on, and after a long wait when nothing happened, her boyfriend coaxed her to finish. His friends also wanted to leave as the barman was already turning off the lights.

They left together, and she was now walking in front of him. She held on tightly to her boyfriend, putting her head on his shoulders and drawing him close. He was sure she was fully aware that he could see everything. It was a message that he must be punished for not reaching out, and he accepted his destiny. They slowly parted ways; he wondered if there could have been a different ending. She came in his dream that night, and by the next day, she just remained a pleasant memory. Darjeeling had its strange ways of expressing its love for him.