Mixed Doubles and Toy train

On Saturday Morning, a nurse gave a fresh dressing to Prakruth's arm. The cut was completely closed without stitches though cut was deep... due to his young age. They were in the badminton stadium. Punya was standing next to him, Coach was busy talking to the referee. Jyoti and Narmada were sitting with the audience.

Punya and Prakruth started playing in the first round. North east duo were their opponents. Prakruth dominated and Punya defended well... The opponents used their new trick... Tips which coach thought was helpful for Punya and Prakruth, they attacked vigorously gaining 3 points continuously. They won the game by 17-21 and qualified for the second round. The opponents in the second round were easy to defeat helping Prakruth and Punya qualify to the final round of mixed doubles....

"Congratulations... Prakruth in the final round you defend, let Punya attack...." instructed the coach.

"Ok Sir, but why me?" asked Punya.

"Prakruth's left hand might not support him much now... He looks tired. He won't complain... Strong boy. So I want you to lead the game" said the coach.

"Hmm I understand Sir. I will see that he's not stressed much" assured Punya.

"Sir I could manage it..." said Prakruth.

"This game is not to manage. It is to win. So listen to me" ordered the coach.

In the final round, opponents were from Punjab. Punya was playing aggressively and Prakruth's strategy was to defend. It was neck to neck competition. Both the teams were trying their best to establish supremacy over the other. The game ended in a tie. The referee called for tie breaker. Prakruth said "Punya we'll change our roles... They'll get confused and lose..." Punya agreed. The Punjabi duo lost miserably to this strong couple. Punya was overwhelmed by the win, she was jumping in joy... Prakruth was very happy to win the game for her... He lifted her in air while celebrating... "Drop me... Amma and Coach both are looking at us" whispered Punya. He safely landed her on the floor and walked away as if nothing happened.

It was Evening when they reached the hotel, everyone were instructed to pack their bags. They had their flights tomorrow.

"Aunty tomorrow morning we'll have to leave this place by 8 am" said Jyoti.

"Flight is at 6 in the evening, why can't we stay? Moreover Kalka takes 3 hours by bus, why they're in hurry" asked Punya.

Narmada replied "Coach might have some other plans on the way"

"I wanted to rest...Can you ask why?" asked Punya.

"No, he's grumpy... I won't. It is better to sleep early now and wake up early." replied Narmada.

Morning all the five boarded the car and reached Shimla railway station.

"Are we going by train?" asked Narmada walking into the station.

"Yes" said Prakruth

"Woah... This train looks different!!" exclaimed Jyoti.

"It is Toy train Jyoti... Nature in and around Shimla can be enjoyed all along the way till Kalka" said Prakruth.

"Hurry up!" instructed the coach.

The train started from Shimla at 8.25 am... The track was too wavy and on edge of steep hills unveiling serene beauty of Shimla.

Prakruth said "Sir, I'll sit at the door... It will be fun to watch". Coach just nodded.

"Careful, hold on to some grip properly" said Narmada.

"Punya or Jyoti, do you want to join??" he asked.

Punya frowned and Jyoti said "No it will be too cold there". Prakruth chuckled and walked to the door.

"Crazy boy. It is because of him, I agreed to try toy train or else I would have booked flight from here" said the coach.

"Oh is it... This is treat for eyes. Good that he organises the trip so well. Can see a lot of places with a person like him" appreciated Narmada

"What is good? I couldn't rest properly because of this" scowled Punya.

"Why are you angry at us? Go fight with him" said Jyoti.

Coach and Narmada giggled.

Punya stood up and stamped her foot and walked towards the door. Prakruth was sitting at the door and clicking photos.

"Hey" said Punya.

"Hi my angel... Do you want to sit with me here?? Go get some shawl.. It is cold here"

"No I came to fight with you"

He chuckled... "Ok fight" he said.

"Who told you to plan this train trip? I couldn't sleep well" she complained.

"This train takes 5 hours to reach the destination, go and sleep now" he said.

"I want to see the nature too" said Punya making a sad face.

"Awww, come sit here with me and see how beautiful the world is" he invited her to sit next to him.

"OK.." she agreed and sat "Wow, look there... The bird just picked its food..." she pointed at a far place.

"Nice" he said looking at her.

"You didn't look at it, you were looking at me" she turned his face away. He turned towards her... She pushed his face away... Again he turned... "I'll feel shy if you stare at me" she closed her face. He started laughing.

"Ooohhh it is so cold" said Punya shivering.

"I told you to get some shawl or blanket to keep yourself warm. You never listen to me" blamed Prakruth.

"I know how to keep myself warm" said Punya getting up from her place. "Move back" she ordered him.

"Why should I move back..?" he asked startled.

"Do as I say" she ordered again. "Don't you want me to be warm? Then do it" she added.

"Ok... Then?"

"Widen your legs a bit" she said.

"What???" he was shocked this time.

She just looked at him... "Ok Ok I'll... Enough?" he asked.

She stepped between his legs and sat in front of him "Come hug me now" she ordered.

He approached her and embraced her from back. "More closer" she held his hands and tightened the grip. He snuggled her warmly and chuckled.

"Why?" she asked.

"Someone feels shy when I stare... Now they order me to hug" he teased.

"No other thing can keep me warm and safe like you" she smiled.

The train was traveling on the Darjeeling range... The couple engrossed the beauty of the hills and nature around, comfortable in each others arms.

"What if your mother comes now?" he asked.

"She won't walk in the train, she has fear of moving trains. If at all she walks, it is only to washroom, that is on the other door. So I'm safe" explained Punya.

"Great, what if coach sees??"

"Let him see, I won't care for anyone. I'll be 18 in a couple of months.. It is my wish" she said. He just nodded laughing.

"This is the best train trip of my life" she said.

"Because of me??" he asked.

"Not completely... the scenery is too good...."

"Ok then I'll go back" he loosened his arms around her.

"Oh No... It is cold... Don't leave me" she begged. He chuckled.... snuggling her.