It was at around five in the evening that Steve got on the train as he was going to attend his friend’s wedding. He was looking forward to have lot of fun at the marriage ceremony as his friend had promised him. Quite surprisingly, there was no one in his compartment. Steve started reading the book.
He loved romantic novels as it always gave him an opportunity to live in a dream world. He did not feel like talking to anyone at the time since the story in the novel was quite interesting. He had hardly finished two pages when with a bang on the door someone barged into the compartment. It was a middle-aged man who was carrying a small backpack. He came and sat next to Steve. Steve wanted to tell him that he could sit anywhere since there was no one else in the compartment but he kept quite.
Steve noticed that that the person sitting next to him had a big smile on his face. He turned over the page and gave him a dirty look. The old fellow sitting next to him was constantly looking at him.
“It must be an interesting book, “the stranger said.
“It is an interesting book, “Steve said without looking at him. He didn’t want to get involved into a conversation as he thought it would be a clean waste of time.
“When I was your age I could hardly take my hand off a novel. You live in a dream world where you are above everything else. You laugh, you cry and you are all over the place. You fall in love again and again, cherish those moments and want to get lost in your own world,” the stranger said.
Steve had never thought he would meet someone who was his mere reflection. He kept the book side and sat cross-legged.
“My name is Kevin,’ the stranger said.
Steve pulled himself together and said,” Hi Kevin, I am Steve. You seem like an interesting man, I must tell you.”
“Thanks, I was just like you when I was young,” Kevin said.
Steve smiled, as he did not find him old. He had grey hair but the muscular physique made him look appealing. “You don’t look that old,” he said.
They talked about their interests, their lives and their dreams but they still had so much to talk about. Kevin liked the young boy as he saw himself in him and Steve was happy to meet someone who had similar interests.
“I am a college professor, I teach English literature,” Kevin said.
Steve was impressed as he was seeing his future self in Kevin. He thought for a moment and said, “I was in college a few days back, now I am a free bird.”
Kevin looked at him with surprised and asked, “What do you mean a free bird.”
Steve knew Kevin would ask him something like that. Even his parents were not happy with his decision. They wanted him to be a graduate. “It means I can follow my dreams,” Steve replied.
“Education gives you the freedom to think freely and it gives wings to your dreams. Follow your dreams but get educated to strengthen your efforts too,” Kevin suggested him.
For the first time someone has given Steve a new way to look at his life. Kevin had given him an advice along with giving importance to his dreams. Kevin was happy when Steve said that he would give it a second thought. When Kevin got off the train, Steve shook hands with him. He wanted to spend some more time with him. A few minutes later, he realized that he could have taken Kevin’s contact details as he could learn so much for him. Steve never met Kevin again but he took his advice and decided to be a graduate. His parents were happy so was he since he did not have to sacrifice his dreams to live up to the expectations of his parents..
Life is strange. We must not lose an opportunity to get to know others around us. We can learn so much even from strangers. Don’t hesitate to take an initiative the next time you come across a stranger who seems interesting.
