Page 73 - BEATS: Secondary School Edition 2020-21

followed the family, surrounded them from all sides. Hearing this Ayaan quickly sprung out of the bench
“Inayat, I am sorry. Always remember that I love you,” and started packing his things for the train journey.
said Salim to his wife with tears rolling down his eyes. Hasan helped Ayaan’s pack his bag while also feeling
“Don’t cry, Inayat, don’t cry. I have also decided a name a strong urge to confront Ayaan about their striking
for our young boy,” said Salim, in a melancholic voice. similarities in features. As Ayaan packed his last items,
“His name shall be Hasan,” said Salim with great pride. Ayaan said, “It was nice meeting you,” while hugging
Craaaash! A huge glass bottle was thrown at Salim, Hasan. Ayaan had never felt such a natural urge to
causing injuries to his body. Salim tightly held Ayaan hug someone in years, as he had not had any close
and ensured that further attacks would not harm him. attachments with anyone since his mother’s death
Suddenly, a Molotov came crashing down between years ago.
Salim and Inayat.
The noisy arrival of the train filled the evening air as
“Inayat, run! I will take care of Ayaan,” said Salim, Hasan got up to pick up Ayaan’s suitcase. “Your ride’s
taking deep breaths. Inayat quickly ran leaving them here, I guess,” said Hasan with his eyes becoming
as she held her new-born with tears flowing down her heavy. Hasan proceeded to hug Ayaan again and said,
cheeks. The mob furiously attacked Salim, as Ayaan “Remember that we will always be friends, hopefully,
slipped away and hid in a dustbin while looking at his we shall meet again.”
father in his last moments.
The train slacked through the track and stopped
Ayaan and Hasan shared their thoughts on the near the end of the station indicating the passengers
various political issues of Kashmir. Despite varying to board. Ayaan boarded the train and waved goodbye
differences in their thoughts, both men had a certain to Hasan. Hasan waved back to Ayaan as the train’s
feeling as if there was something special between engine roared. It was the end of the line for them
them. Perhaps their voice or their similar surname. and was sadly a situation that left these two long lost
But neither could gather enough courage to raise the brothers with no second chance.
moot point.

As both of them interacted, time flew by giving them
little chance of inquiring about each other’s families
and backgrounds. “When is my train arriving?” asked
Ayaan. “I think it will be arriving in another twenty
minutes,” replied Hasan.

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