The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels on the tracks filled the otherwise silent compartment. Ritika sat by the window, her gaze fixed outside as the early morning light crept over the horizon. A faint smile tugged at her lips, though she was careful not to let it linger. The events of the past week had left her wary, and the train ride offered her a rare moment of peace.

On the seat beside her, Rohit stretched lazily, propping his feet on the edge of the opposite seat. He fiddled with a coin in his hand, flipping it in the air and catching it effortlessly. His carefree attitude was a stark contrast to Ritika’s composed demeanor.

“Do you always look this serious, or is it just the train atmosphere?” Rohit asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

Ritika didn’t look up from her book. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” she replied curtly, flipping a page.

Rohit smirked, leaning forward slightly. “I mean, we’re stuck in the same compartment. Might as well make conversation, right?”

Ritika sighed, finally glancing up at him. “Some of us enjoy the silence, you know.”

“Silence is overrated,” Rohit quipped, tossing the coin again. “Besides, life’s too short to be grumpy all the time.”

“I’m not grumpy,” she said defensively, narrowing her eyes.

“Sure,” he replied, drawing out the word with a teasing grin.

Ritika rolled her eyes and returned to her book.

The sound of the door sliding open interrupted their banter. A middle-aged ticket collector entered the compartment, clipboard in hand. He adjusted his spectacles and cleared his throat. “Tickets, please.”

Ritika nodded, and turned to look for her bag, but she didn't found it, her brows furrowed all, as her gaze went to her front she found her bag half behind Rohit.

She stood up and went him saying,"thoda side hona." But as everyone knows Rohit he didn't leave this chance, and feigned his sadness by saying "Sabki life mein side character ban-banke thak gaya hu.", even managed to make tears.

The collector even wasn't able to control his chuckle. Ritika again gritted her teeths, and said calmly l,"Emotional drama zyada hi ho gaya, side hato meri bag hai waha." Rohit's head shot up as he was managing his fake tears, he glanced up at the bag and took it to giving her.

He gave her the bag smiling sheepishly, and she took it while muttering, "Idiot"

Seeing their banter even the ticket collector wasn't able to hold his chuckle back.

Ritika handed over her ticket without a word. The ticket collector nodded and moved to Rohit, who rummaged through his bag for a moment before producing his ticket with a triumphant flourish.

“Ah, Khajjiar,” the ticket collector remarked, scanning Rohit’s ticket. “Beautiful place. You’re going to love it.”

Rohit’s face lit up. “Really? I’ve heard it’s like a mini Switzerland.”

The ticket collector chuckled. “That’s what they say. It’s peaceful, green, and perfect for a holiday.”

“What about you?” Rohit turned to Ritika. “Where are you headed?”

“Kakira,” she replied tersely, her voice calm.

The ticket collector nodded. “Ah, another serene spot. Though a bit quiet for my taste.”

As he prepared to move to the next compartment, Rohit’s curiosity got the better of him. “Hey, do you know anything about a place called Nirva?”

The ticket collector paused, his expression thoughtful. “Nirva? Yes, I know it. A very old village, steeped in tradition. But you can’t just visit it whenever you like.”

“Why not?” Rohit asked, leaning forward eagerly.

“It closes down for two weeks every year,” the ticket collector explained. “Some local belief or custom. No one is allowed to enter or leave during that time.”

Ritika, who had been silently listening, glanced up from her book. “Why would a village do that?” she asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

“It’s an ancient tradition,” the ticket collector said with a shrug. “Something about warding off evil spirits or honoring their ancestors. No one really knows for sure, but the villagers take it very seriously.”

Rohit whistled, clearly impressed. “That’s fascinating. Maybe I should check it out sometime.”

“Only if you don’t mind being stuck there for two weeks,” the ticket collector warned with a chuckle. “Alright, enjoy your journey.”

As the ticket collector left, Rohit leaned back in his seat, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Imagine being in a place like that. No phones, no outside world... just peace and quiet.”

“Sounds suffocating,” Ritika muttered, turning a page in her book.

Rohit raised an eyebrow. “Really? I thought someone like you would enjoy the isolation.”

“And what exactly do you mean by ‘someone like me’?” she asked, her tone sharp.

He grinned. “You know, bookwormish, serious, and allergic to fun.”

Ritika couldn’t help but smirk at his audacity. “And you’re what? The poster boy for reckless adventurers?”

“Exactly!” Rohit said, spreading his arms theatrically. “Life’s too short to sit quietly in a corner.”

“Some of us prefer corners,” she retorted, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.

Rohit chuckled. “Well, Ms. Corner Lover, I hope you at least get some adventure on this trip. You never know when life might surprise you.”

Ritika shook her head, her smile barely concealed as she returned to her book. Despite his annoying optimism, there was something refreshing about Rohit’s presence—a lightness that made the heaviness of her worries feel, for a moment, less overwhelming.

And as the train chugged along through the mountains, Ritika found herself listening, just a little, to Rohit’s cheerful chatter.

I know it was boring but next chapter will be damn chaotic.

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