Mummy, Papa,
I am leaving, not because I feel burdened, but because I want to try my luck in the world. Don't worry about me. By the time you read this, I'll be far from Delhi. I love you, and tell that stupid brother of mine to study. I will only come back once I am successful.
It was dramatic, sure. But it would have to do.
11:15 PM
It was time.
He had to leave now to catch the bus, or else he'd be late.
Dev made sure not to rush. His fingers brushed the strap of his backpack and packed the night before with only the essentials—money, clothes, and a few necessities. He had cut down to the absolute minimum.
No attachments. No second thoughts. Just action.
No attachments. No second thoughts. Just action.
Dev went out of his house making sure to look it putting the key at their family secret place
~~~~drumroll~~~~ bellow the flowerpot. {That's just the safest place i guess.}
With a deep breath, he switched off the lights and silently descended the stairs.
He plugged in the ear phones and started playing some Hardcore music on making his blood boil making him think he his the main character.
The streets below were nearly empty. A few stray dogs roamed, and one familiar one trotted up to him like always.
"Hey, I'm going. Take care," he said, ruffling its fur.
The dog barked softly, as if saying it understood.
He had chosen a route that minimized the chances of running into a neighbor. Hood up, head down, he walked casually through the dimly lit streets.
Soon, he was out of his neighbourhood reached an area where rickshaws were easy to find. He hailed one and gave the driver a destination near the bus terminal.
At the bus stand, the atmosphere was still lively. Delhi being India capital doesn't stop working at night too. A scattered passengers waited, some lost in their own worlds. The ticket counter had a single attendant.
He turned off the music and went to ticket counter.
"One ticket to Chandigarh," Dev said, pulling out his cash.
The man barely looked up. "First bus leaves at 12 AM. 1500 rupees."
Dev counted the bills and slid them over. The attendant punched a ticket and handed it to him.
Just like that, he had done with the task of sneeking out.
He found a quiet bench near the waiting area, far from any security cameras. He forced himself to relax, but his mind was racing.
Exactly at 12:00 AM, the bus rolled in—a worn-out vehicle with peeling paint and fogged-up windows. Dev climbed aboard, choosing a seat near the back.
As the bus rumbled to life, he gazed out the window. The city he had known all his life stretched before him—silent, unaware he was leaving it behind.
He clenched his fists. You wanted this, Dev. No regrets.
But was that even possible? Human nature was to make themselves feel guilt, to second-guess, to doubt there decision.
His thoughts spiraled. Should I have told them face to face? What will they think? Mom will surely cry… should i really leave? My brother, even if he's annoying, we still care for each other. And Dad? Will he call the police? or will the consider it as prank and will wait for me to comeback till night. Though he acted nonchalantly all the way but still his eyes got moistened.
A few rows ahead, an old man glanced back at him before turning away. A middle-aged woman adjusted her shawl, briefly making eye contact before shutting her eyes.
They're not watching me. They're just… people. Normal people on a normal bus.
And yet, unease gnawed at him.
"It doesn't matter now" by saying that he tried to calm himself.
At a checkpoint outside the city, the bus slowed. Two uniformed officers stood by the roadside, flashing lights at passing vehicles.
Dev's breath caught. Why a late-night check? Had my parent already reported me missing? did my parents came back home so early? weren't they coming tomorrow morning?
The bus conductor leaned out, exchanging words with one officer. A brief nod, and the bus was waved through.
Dev released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"Ahh it was just a regular check how could a great genius like me get caught. not possible"
As the bus moved forward, buildings gave way to fields. The first light of dawn crept over the horizon.
He leaned back, exhaustion settling in. The adrenaline was wearing off, but his mind refused to rest. Pulling out his phone, he hesitated before powering it on.
he inserted new sim-card in it.
Two hours later, they crossed the Delhi border into Punjab. The bus filled up with more passengers, and a woman with a small child sat beside him.
"Can you hold him for a second?" she asked, struggling to dig into her bag.
Dev, lost in thought, snapped back to reality. "What?"
She gave a tired smile and repeated.
"Just for a second can you hold him. I need to get his milk bottle."
"Oh… Sure."
He took the child into his arms. The kid was surprisingly light, his big eyes blinking up at Dev curiously.
Coming out of his depressing thoughts he paid attention to the kid.
Damn, he's cute.
He'll probably grow up to be handsome.
[Dev Pov]
And if you are thinking it is a random guess no, it wasn't a random guess. The lady is undeniably a… ahem.
shaking my head. Damn, watching too much porn has ruined my brain.
"Found it," the lady said, pulling out the bottle.
Dev handed the baby back.
Now he was bored. Should he strike up a conversation? The woman looked well-dressed. The dress and her jewelry suggesting she came from a wealthy background. Mid-to-late twenties, probably.
"Twenty-six or twenty-seven isn't that old, right?"i thought
But why is she using a bus with a child, train would have been the best option and it even if she wasn't rich train was still less costly then travelling through bus.
i started getting bored should i make small chat with this sexy~ mil.. ahem i mean beautifull lady
Might as well try.
My mood which was depressed state is now in good state surely beauty is the best medicine.
"Your child is really cute. Must have gotten his looks from you," i said, voice low enough that only she could hear.
She chuckled. "You're quite cute yourself."
Now, that's a damn lie. i am handsome and after the physique upgrade i got sharp feature, but my hoodie covered half of mine face. She was just being polite.
Still i wont let the conversation die.
"So, where are you headed? "I asked, flashing my best smirk.