Chess Board

Eventually Nafisa boarded the train from Ooty to Coonoor.

The December journey is indeed cold and long, though there are so many stars and moon in the sky tonight, the war widow today is very tired and her soul too lonely.

Nafisa started remembering the days when she and Ali had dreamt together of building a chess academy, for the new age children and help them in their mental development by helping them become wise and worthy citizens.

Ali was in Indian Army. And his wish was only known to Nafisa, and today she is standing with no clue for enrooting their this ‘joint dream’ anytime sooner!

While travelling in the train, she realized Ali used to sit beside her and often said in moonlit nights-

‘Raat ke is chand ke aaj yahi khayalat hai,

Har jeet mumkin ho jab,

Badshah ko Begum ka sath hai!’

Nafisa was losing her heart; tears were moistening her eyes, as she realized she does not even have the Chess Board with her, which she once gifted Ali.

Suddenly…the train started slowing down with a screech and hiss sound with a whistle near Wellington station. There was an announcement saying-because of fog the train will get delayed by a few hours!

Nafisa got down, and started walking towards the waiting room, quite oblivious of the people moving by her.

‘Bhabhi ji…’

Nafisa turned around, she saw a boy in his 20’s coming towards her. The young boy came, and introduced him as Mahi.

Mahi’s first words were ‘The bishop is feeling grateful today, as the queen is standing in front of him!’

The boy was talking chess!

A game which Ali loved to the core!

As the train was delayed, Mahi cordially invited Nafisa to his guest house near the Wellington station, Nafisa walked with him towards his guesthouse. She sat on the bench outside Mahi’s guest house covering herself with a pashmina shawl. The moon-lit night was very cold.

By the appearance and courtesy which Mahi was carrying, Nafisa understood, he is beyond doubt from Indian Army!

Her moist eyes gained back her peace and proud feeling, arousing back her patriotic sentiments.

Mahi went inside his guesthouse, and he got back holding a chess board covered in silver satin cloth!

Mahi handed over the chess board to the much astonished Nafisa and said-

‘Raat ke is chand ke aaj yahi khayalat hai,

Har jeet mumkin ho jab,

Badshah ko Begum ka sath hai!’

(These are the only thoughts of this moon tonight,

That every victory is possible…

When the king has the queen by his side!)

Sketch/Picture Credit : https://www.instagram.com/artistniharikagaur/

Chess Board

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