First overnight train journey with Sudhanshu and my introduction to hot Tea.
My dad was looking for a suitable match for me since he was getting older to finish his duty. While visiting our home Sudhanshu (whose brother was married to my sister) mentioned that an arranged marriage proposal for him did not materialize and he needed to go back to Bangalore within few days. A relative of mine (may be an aunt) quickly mentioned to my father that why not think of the match for Chandu with him? Then it hit everybody that it can be possible provided we all agree.
With some reluctance due to me being only 18 years old, he opted to ask me if I’d agree to this proposal. I said yes, provided I go to college and finish my study. Thus my fairy tale wedding was fixed within a week. My father and my husband’s father went to the Sakshi (witness) Gopal (our supreme Lord) temple and promised each other to make our marriage on June 4th 1969 which was only a week after our meeting. In front of fire God and our relatives and friends Sudhanshu took my hand in his hand and promised that he will take care of me. In return I also promised in silence that in good times, sickness, I will always be there for him.
After few days staying at Bhubaneswar, we came to Jharia where he was working as a grade 1 officer at Central Fuel Research Institute (CFRI) as a scientist.
I remember our journey so well because that was the first time I was taking an overnight journey by train. It was magical and something new was inside me trying to pop out. I did not know that one can eat, sleep in train. It was not internet age and I always traveled few hours by bus wherever I used to go anywhere. My knowledge of outside world was very limited. I never experienced closeness to someone from opposite sex, caring and sitting next to me before. From corner of my eye I looked and saw that he was handsome, well-educated and had a kind heart. I thought it was a dream and pinched myself. “No it was true”. Only a week before I was a girl at Pathuria Sahi Puri and now I am Mrs. Misra taking my first overnight train journey with my husband.
The station was coming near and so also the morning sun was spreading its beautiful ray. Sudhanshu asked me if I need to drink a cup of tea since the “chaiwala” was coming and selling hot tea. I smiled and said I don’t drink tea. He handed me his cup while paying the person. I sipped little tea from his cup. It felt good to my mouth and mind. I kept on sipping more. Looking me drinking the tea he smiled and ordered one more cup for him. That was my introduction to hot tea and now I can’t do anything unless I have a cup of tea in the morning. Ha, ha. My first lesson learnt from him. Many more to come. So long for today.
And link to another song follows:
Enjoy and have a great weekend.