The Love Letter

The letter was carefully folded and slid into the shirt pocket. The moment the letter went in a tear drop came rolling out. It’s said that crying requires great strength; after all it’s a trait of the strong. That too crying in a relatively crowded compartment of a Bombay local where most people don’t have any other work to do than staring at each other is something. It was Valentine’s Day week and as they say love was in the air.  The exchange of love letters, cards and gifts all symbolizing the state-of-the-heart was the IN thing. A young man was sitting opposite me next to the window while I sat on the space left after 3 passengers took their share each. He was looking outside the window as if hoping that the wind blowing in his face would dry away his tears but they just kept rolling down. Time and again he kept removing the letter out of his pocket, read it and put it back in again. Having nothing else to catch my attention I observed this man. Somewhere in his early-thirties I suppose, dressed as though working for a corporate that ran late into the night; but more importantly lost in thought. His eyes spoke it all. The tears bore witness.   As the destinations of everyone travelling in a train are different I was lucky to catch the seat right next to him. My shift in position was oblivious to him. I wonder whether at that moment anything at all wasn't.  Now in the direction of the wind I could feel the chill. Valentine’s Day was going to be very cosy this year I thought as the warmth of love would be really felt. But what was troubling my fellow passenger? I wanted to know as my station was fast approaching. And I also wasn’t sure where he would get off. What was in that letter? To my good luck, the letter came out again and this time I wanted to make the most of the chance and my position. Dear Papa, Thank you for being my very dear friend and my support. Every night before going to sleep I pray that God takes special care of you. You are the best Papa in the world. I love you very much. Would you be my Valentine? Your loving daughter, Anjali. When I read the letter like the man I too was lost in thought. I’ve always know Valentine’s Day to be a day of love. But I had forgotten that love had so many dimensions and forms. This Valentine’s Day was indeed going to be special, going to be warm and going to be memorable - Both for my fellow passenger and for me. He had received love from the one who loved him and he loved the most, while I received enlightenment. And then I too shed a tear.