A simple love story, the best ever.

A strange thing happened today. A man in his mid-30s took a seat near me in the Metro. After a while, I realized he was saying something. Needless to say, I was annoyed a bit. Who want to be bothered while listening to music? “What?”, I asked hoping it better be something important. He said, “Do you have something to listen to?”. Of course, dumbass! Why else would I be plugging my earphones on, I thought to myself but only managed, “Yeah, obviously” as politely as I could. The man didn't say anything but the social protocol made me offer him “something to listen to”. He inquired if I have 80s English music to which I interred,” In the End by Linkin Park is the oldest song in my phone.” To which, he said “In the Mohabat Barsa Dena hai?” attempting a lame joke. However, I faked a smile—again for social protocol's sake. I played that song and offered him one end of the earphone.

Minutes passed by and the song was about to get over. I thought I was done with him when he requested, “'Can we please listen to it one more time?” as if the song was Kohinoor diamond itself! I wanted to listen to Shady but going by his love for the song, I put it on repeat. I was snoozy after the fourth time listening to Arijit Singh's over-sweet melody. Just then, he turned to me and exulted, “You made my day”, even though I was not at all interested to start a conversation but curiosity killed me. “What makes you like the song so much?” I questioned. He turned uncomfortable, turned away his face and mumbled “I love music” with a stutter. I figured out he was hiding something but anyway added, “We all have memories to each song and only that makes us listen to a song on a loop.” He chuckled and said “Achha?”

“There was a girl,” he revealed after 2-3 minutes of minutes. “Aha, I knew it. So your wife?'' I asked with increased interest. “'No, we have an affair for 23 years,” he boasted. “Why don't you marry her?” the relationship advisor from within suggested. “Can't” he said. “Family problems?” I turned CID.

“No, she died last month,” he said getting up from the seat and moving towards the Metro gate, I was in shock and being a person with zero social skills, all I could ask was “Is this your station?” trying to change the topic to make him feel better.

“It was four stations ago. Just that she used to like this song very much so I got emotional,” he explained before shaking my hands and thanking me. It was indeed the sincerest thanks I ever received and for what? Keeping an Arijit Song in my phone with 800 others party numbers?

He was no Shah Jahan. He didn't build a Taj Mahal for his love but the sincerity in his eyes was no less. I have never written a post so long but this common man deserved it for his extraordinary love.

PS: Wrote this on the rest of my travel time with the same song... still on repeat.

PS: I travel a lot in Metro. Help me buy a car. Please donate.