A Chance Encounter

He sat across the seat

The man in the train

I stole a quick glance

And found his eyes on me

I looked away quickly

Not wanting to smile

Yet his rough-hewn stubbly face

Caught my fancy just fine

I sat quite nonchalant

My eyes glued to the window

He sat there looking at me 

Eyes so soft and tender

I moved not a muscle

I sat as still as stone

Feeling my heart warm up

Not wanting to break the spell

Suddenly I turned my head

And looked him straight in the eye

My eyes bold, shot a warning

Daring him to stare

He moved his eyes quickly

And sat looking out

I sat feeling a bit lost

Did I really matter so little?

I did not look at him again

I did not mend the thread

There were loftier things in life

So get over this trivial tryst

He slowly stretched his legs

Wearily, the journey did seem long

His legs now lay on either side

Close, yet not touching mine

I sat in the safe enclosure

My legs could feel the warmth

Should I move my legs away

And deprive them of warmth?

We sat thus without moving

Caught in a bubble of our own

The world just passed us by

Vendors, passengers and all

Neither of us moved away

Nor nearer moved our legs

We did not look at each other

Our eyes were turned away

The magic did weave its web

The time did seem to race

Soon I was nearing my destination

And I needed the spell to break

He seemed to sense my intent

And leaned across the seat

Looked me in the eye

And opened his mouth to speak

Fast I grabbed my backpack

And shot out of my seat

Not waiting to make conversation

Made my exit really neat

"Coward, coward", cried my heart

Stay back and hear him out

You liked him so very much

Give him the benefit of the doubt

My mind just wouldn't listen

Conditioned as it was

My legs obeyed blindly

Shutting out the heart

He was after all a stranger

This man in the train

What if he harms you

You are a woman

I tried to console my heart !