Chapter 41 - Calling

Sampai saja di rumah Pak Uda, aku melenggah-lenggahkan jalan menuju ke arah pintu rumah. Aku membiarkan Emir berjalan di hadapan. Aku do not want Pak Uda to know that both of us met earlier on the train.

"Ha.....dah mai dah Emir......Q pun ada sekali....baguih, baguih. Mai masuk. Mesti lapaq na....mai makan dulu....", greeted Pak Uda. Aku sped up a bit and salam both Pak Uda, Mak Uda and other relatives....

"Mommy dan Daddy kirim salam....mereka minta maaf sebab tak dapat datang. Ada business trip yang tak dapat dielakkan...", and Mak Uda hugged me so tight.....

"Hang ni Q saling tak tumpah muka arwah mak hang......darah Siam memang pekat dalam darah hang......eloklah hang sampai jugak aloq staq ni....boleh kenai-kenai sedara belah sini na.....", said Mak Uda sambil mengelap air matanya. I released myself from her arms and smiled.

"Mak Uda....dah lah...tak mau sedih ya.....itu cerita lama.....Ni, mana kembar...?", aku cuba mengalihkan tajuk perbualan.

Pak Uda jawab, "Depa ada kat dalam tu....mai Emir mai masuk...kita makan dulu. Yang lain dok sibuq masak-masak kat rumah sebelah....". Aku dan Emir lalu masuk ke dalam rumah dan mengambil tempat duduk masing-masing.....

Sambil makan kami berbual-bual mesra. Maklumlah dah lama aku tak rapat dengan keluarga sebelah arwah ayah aku. Aku cuba tidak bercerita banyak hal family sekarang walaupun Pak Uda ada bertanyakan tentang business daddy dan juga kisah peribadi aku bila di hadapan Emir. Just do not want him to have the wrong impression about me....

"Hang tu Emir, apa habaq dengan Munirah? Semua baik-baik ka....?" Tanya Pak Uda pada Emir. Emir looks cool and relax.....

"Alhamdulillah okay saja.....", he replied.

"Bini dulu tak da anak.....la ni ada berita baik ka.....", sapa Mak Uda. Yes, macam tu perbualan sedara mara bila lama tak jumpa. Pedih kadang-kadang bila di dengar. Very direct....sama saja macam Emir....No wonder lah dia very sarcastic and not looking forward to this trip. Aku hanya diam dan tunduk semasa perbualan Mak Uda dan Emir.

"Saya sudah failkan peceraian saya dengan Munirah...", he said. He washed his hands and left the table. I looked up. He looked so pissed off. "Maaf saya dah kenyang...".

"Hah, Astarafirullahahazim...tu la cerai lagi...hang ni apa nak jadi....dah dua kali dah Emir....pergi berubatlah....", Mak Uda membebel.

"Sudah la....dia dah besar. Pandai-pandailah dia uruskan diri dia....hang tak payah risau...dah, dah malu sikit ni kat Q......mengucap sikit....", Ucap Pak Uda. Aku hanya memerhatikan Mak Uda kemudian Pak Uda....dan akhirnya memerhatikan makanan yang masih banyak dalam pingan. Aku pun hilang selera. I wish I didn't have to be here so that aku tak kenal Blue cap No. 9. Selesai makan dan mengemas aku keluar untuk menghirup udara luar.

Sungguh nyaman sekali. "Wow......sawah...", I said to myself and walk closer to the edge of paddy fields. Green and fresh. Aku mendepakan kedua tangan. Angin sepoi menghembus ke muka ku....and I spin......

"This is the only reason I came back.....not because of the wedding. The wedding was just an excuse. I missed all you just witnessed...angin di sini kalahkan angin di tepi pantai.". It was Emir sitting on a make shift hut. I walk closer and sat next to him.

"Well, my whole life story broke lose all in one afternoon....", he said and looked at me. Aku hanya mampu mengangkat bahu dan mencebik bibir.

"Each and every one of us have our own dark secrets......By the way I know where you get those sarcastic attitude.....from this side of the family....", I giggled. Emir smiled.

"Tau tak pa.....", and he lit up a cigarette. He closed his eyes and blew out a single puff.

"Emir....., boleh saya beri satu nasihat yang berguna...?", I whisper to his ears.

He said, "Yes.", and looked straight to the paddy fields.

"Nobody owns you except Allah....", and I pointed up. He looked at me with interest. "We were given choices in life. You could go either way...., right or wrong. Nobody is perfect." I remember Imran said that when he told me about the choices his mother made. I looked at Emir and smile. He smile back at me and nodded, "Thanks.."

I sat there next to Emir in silence. We were just listening to sound of the water flowing from the small canal. The coconuts leaves brushing against each other as they swish.....to the left and to the right. From time to time we glance and smile to each other enjoying the tingling cool sensation passed by.

"If you need someone to talk to, I am available. Only when you are ready.....", I whispered again and left him there.

As I walked away, "Hey.....", I heard him called. I turned and stop to face him. "Apa...?", I shouted back at him.

"What does Q stands for...?", he asked. I smile and replied gladly, "Quxandria, my name is  Quxandria....and don't you forget that....". I turn and walk away.

"Hey....", he called out again. I turn and look at him. "What now...", I asked sambil mencekak pinggang.

He said, "Beautiful name for someone who is beautiful inside and out....".

"Wow, panjangnya judul novel you.....", I replied and stuck out my tongue.

He called out again.....

I just walk away......

Credit to You Tube and Geri Halliwell

Note : Pictures and images are for illustration purpose only and are sources from Google.

Chapter 40 - Simply Falling ....for you......

"My ride will arrive soon......can I give you a lift...to somewhere?", I asked Emir.

"He turn to look at the entrance, "I'll be fine......", he replied. I was still staring at him. It really made him uncomfortable. I plugged in my earphone and look straight to the video clip on my Iphone.

I notice some movements and I looked up. I took off my earphone and asked, " What...?".

"What are you listening...?", he asked me back. His finger is pointing to my phone.

"Iyeoka...", and I was about to plugged in my earphone he said, "Can I have a look, too...?". I was surprised by his request.

"Alright.....bu..but.....you must promise me that you are going to behave. If you agree I will share mine....", I gave him an ultimatum. Dengan nada malas he nodded, "Okay, saya janji...", and gave me a thumbs up.

I shift my sitting position next to Emir. Our arms touched as I gave him one side of my earphone whereas I have the left. He helped me to hold my phone while we sat there in silence and enjoying to Iyeoka.

Credit to You Tube and UndergroundSun

There goes my heart again
All of this time I thought we were pretending
Nothing looks the same when your eyes are open
Now you're playing these games to keep my heartbeat spinning
You show me love, you show me love
You show me everything my heart is capable of
You reshape me like a butterfly origami-yeah,

You have broken into my heart
This time I feel the blues have departed
Nothing can keep me away from this feeling
I know I am simply falling for you.

I'm taking time to envision where your heart is
And justify why you're gone for the moment
I tumble sometimes, looking for sunshine
And you know this is right when you look into my eyes
You show me love, you show me love
You show me everything my heart is capable of
And now I can't break away from this fire that we started.

You have broken into my heart
This time I feel the blues have departed
Nothing can keep me away from this feeling
I know I am simply falling for you,

There my heart goes again
In your arms I'm falling deeper
And there's nothing to break me away from this.

You have broken into my heart
This time I feel the blues have departed
Nothing can keep me away from this feeling
I know I am simply falling, 

You have broken into my heart
This time I feel the blues have departed
Nothing can keep me away from this feeling
I know I am simply falling for you, 

 There my heart goes again, 

You have broken into my heart, 

oh I'm falling deeper, I'm falling deeper.

"I've never heard of her before....quite interesting....", he said after the video was over. I smiled and replied, "Kan....?", I like the jazzy fifties style. He turn and look at me. "Oh, I see....", he said.

Aku memerhatikan jam tangan. "Well excuse me....I have to make a call....", I said and got up. I brush the dirt off my pants and dragged my bag. "I guess this is it, huh? If I don't see you when I get back, all the best to wherever your destination is.....maybe I see you at the park one of these days.....", lalu aku menghulur untuk berjabat tangan.

Dia menggangguk dan menyambut tangan aku, "Like wise....", he replied. Ishhh....berlagak cool lah tu......

Ten minutes later.....

When I return to the main entrance I saw a familiar face.....I smiled and called out his name...,"Hisham.....", sambil melambai-lambai ke arahnya. Jejaka muda tu adik kepada pengantin kembar. Dia membalas lambaian aku.

"Kak Q....sorry la lambat....jem teruk kat Aloq Staq....", dan berkali-kali meminta maaf. "Ayah kata Kak Q mai naik flight....tu yang Syam ke airport.....".

"Tak pe...tak pe...jom kita ke rumah Pak Uda.....", I said.

"Ya...ya....mai..., mai...., Beg tu tak pa....Syam bawak.....Kak Q....masuk kat seat belakang....Depan ada sedara belah ibu mai jugak dari KL....", advised Syam.

"Okay, no problem.....", aku jawab. I open up the car door and slide in the back seat.....I saw a gentleman sitting in the front seat. I just kept quiet....

"Kak Q,....in Abang Emir....dia pun baru sampai....eh...! entah-entah naik keretapi yang sama dak...?", he introduced us. Emir looks back and said, "Hi...".

Terkejut aku tengok it was Emir. Aku hanya mampu menjawab, "Hi...".

"Abang Emir ni sepupu belah ibu.....dan Kak Q ni anak saudara ayah", Syam explained to both of us.

"Oh begitu....", I replied. I was disbelief by the coincidence......and Emir....membisu. I am pretty sure it was a shock to him too.....

You have broken into my heart
This time I feel the blues have departed
Nothing can keep me away from this feeling
I know I am simply falling, 

You have broken into my heart
This time I feel the blues have departed
Nothing can keep me away from this feeling
I know I am simply falling for you,

There my heart goes again, 

You have broken into my heart, 

oh I'm falling deeper, I'm falling deeper.

And the lyrics keeps on playing in my mind....again....and again.




Note : Pictures and images are for illustration purpose only and are sources from Google.

Chapter 39 - When I Look In Your Eyes

We lean against our chair and was in silent for a minute or two, when Emir opened his mouth.

"I tengok you workout every single day....tak penatke? I mean, jarang orang berlari every single day....", he asked.

"Suka I lah....yang penting I tak kacau orang. I come calmly, do my run and leave like a flash.", I answered. "You know what..., I rasa sangat pelik....dalam banyak-banyak orang di Malaysia ni, I boleh terserempak dengan you.....", I told him.

"You ingat I nak jumpa you di sini? Please lah.....kalau jumpa Fazura ke, or better still Neelofa....okay jugak....", he replied.

I closed my eyes and smiled...."Eleh.....dia orang loaded tak akan naik keretapi....", I snap at him. I continued, "You boleh berangan tapi jangan haraplah nak jumpa mereka dalam train....., mana ada class....".

"Naik train okay what...", he said.

I sat up straight to look at him. "Hello....I tak cakap yang naik train ni tak okay.....cuma you yang salah pilih mode of transport. Maybe kalau kat airport you boleh jumpa Neelofa...". Aku bersandar kembali.

Terkekek-kekek Emir ketawa.... and he slam his hand on his head. "Ouch!", he snap.

Aku memandang Emir dan ketawa at the same time...."Well, you deserved it...", I said. Dan Emir memandang aku. Kami bertentangan mata and silence......we were not smiling. Expressionless....

Credit to You Tube and linegirl1

"This is the first time saya dapat memandang awak dengan jelas sekali.", Emir said softly. Aku terdiam tapi masih memerhatikan mukanya. Dari rambutnya berwarna salt and pepper, ke matanya yang turun ke hidung yang mancung. Clear complexion except he looked unshaven but that brings out the manliness in him. His mouth......gave me a shiver to my spine......

"Tak ada yang menarik pun.....biasa-biasa saja....", I responded and looked away. Bergetar jantung aku dibuatnya....

"Yup, I pun tahu....tak ada yang special pun....", he had to reply. Benci dengan lagak sombongnya.

"Pergi mampuslah.....", I replied and stood up. He instantly grabbed my arm and said, "Wait.....!".

I pause and thought that he was going to apologized to me. Instead he continued, "If you pass by the cafeteria, please get me a cup of coffee.....", and he had the nerve to ask me that....and he grinned.

"Urghhh!...", I made a pissed off sound. I tugged my arms from his grip and said, "Go get it your bloody self!" and left him alone. Manusia jenis apa dia ni....menyampah!

I found the train Inspector sitting in a small room between cabin D and C. I started up a small conversation and asked him if anyone before have been thrown out of the train. He replied, "Belum pernah ada lagi Cik. Kenapa? Ada yang perlu dibuang ke....?", and we laughed. He decided to leave the room to check on new passengers boarding the train. So I sat at his seat and enjoy the scenery from the opened window. Nyaman sekali....tak sesejuk dalam tadi.

Sedar tak sedar aku sudah menghampiri Alor Setar. I walked back to my seat and surprised Emir is gone. Good...I hope he got off before Alor Setar. However, I do feel guilty for not getting him his coffee. Well, on a good note.....I do not have to see him anymore.

Stesen keretapi Alor Setar kecil. Aku turun platform dan menghala ke pintu keluar. There were a few bench on the right side of the main entrance and I decided to take a sit while making call to Pak Uda.

"Assalamualaikum Pak Uda......ini Q. Q dah sampai di stesen keretapi Alor Setar.....", I started the conversation.

"Waalaikumsalam.....dah sampai? Alhamdulillah.....ingatkan hang naik flight.....", answered Pak Uda.

"Tak, Q naik train saja.....relax sikit....Pak Uda, macamana Q nak ke rumah Pak Uda...?", I asked.

"Ok....., hang tunggu sana....Hisham dah pi ke airport pulak. Pak Uda call dia dan suruh dia pi ke stesen keretapi. Hang tunggu naaa....jangan ke mana-mana.", he replied dengan loghat Kedah yang pekat.

"Ialah.....Q tunggu ni....", I assured him sambil tergelak. I looked around and there is nowhere to go. Nak duduk terasa boring sangat dengan cuaca yang panas terik. Berpeluh di buatnya.....

Mata aku melilau memerhatikan suasana sekeliling. Aku bangun dan menuju ke kiosk kecil di sebelah kanan untuk membeli air mineral.

"You still owe me coffee.....". Aku terkejut. Lantas botol air mineral terlepas dari genggaman aku. It fell on the ground. Habis basah lantai kiosk......Aku memerhatikan lantai dan menelan air liur. Hilang terus dahaga aku. Then I looked up.....

It was Emir.....I should have known......

"Damned you...look what you did...! Are you stalking me? Don't you have better things to do.....", aku memarahi Emir dan hampir menitis air mata aku di buatnya.

I turn to the cashier to apologized." Maaf sesangat......basah lantai kedai kakak....". I gave her ten ringgit and told her to keep the change. When I turn, Emir disappeared.

I walked back to the wooden bench and took a seat. Dari hujung mata kiri, aku rasakan seperti seseorang memerhatikan aku.....so I turn and there he was.......

Kesian pulak tengok dia.....but dia sendiri yang cari pasal dengan aku........I stood up and walk over to him. I sat directly in front of him. Sambil menongkat dagu aku perhatikan mukanya.....Yes, he was restless by my action....

"Kenapa....malu? Malu bila saya tengok awak macam ni....tapi awak tak ada sense of respect towards me bila you berkali-kali malukan saya in public....", I kind of lecture him a bit. Air mata aku berat dikelopak mata aku. He raised his hands and I instantly straightened up my body. My tears roll down my cheeks.

"Stop.....don't move.....", he said and used the back of his hands to wipe my tears. "Maaf ya kalau gurauan saya kasar.....".

So we just sat there facing each other and did not utter a single word.



Note : Pictures and images are for illustration purpose only and are sources from Google.

Chapter 38 - Kau Akan Kembali

I kick off the conversation about my trip to Alor Setar. He was a good listener and showed interest when he asked relevent questions

"Oh....you ada saudara di Kedah. You dari Kedah ke?", he asked.

"How should I explain to you.......to sum up things my father side of the family are from Kedah. Tapi saya dilahirkan dan dibesarkan di Kuala Lumpur....", I explained. He doesn't need to know the entire story.

A few minutes later he slide a cup of Nescafé and said, “ Nice ring….cincin tunang ke?”.

“Wah, you ni very direct. And it’s non of your business….”, aku jawab. 

He giggled. “Sorry….sorry…..it just slipped.”, he confessed. “Selalunya diamond ring macam tu cincin tunang. Mana ada lagi orang nak bagi cincin belah rotan.”, he explained. He is very observant.

I was disbelief by his remarks. What does he has against diamond rings? “Yes, cincin tunang. Do you have any problem with it?”, I responded.

“Mana dia…?”, he asked and looked around.

Aku mengerutkan dahi kehairanan.“Mana dia…, apa?”, I asked him back.

“Cincin tunang ada…..tunang you mana….tak kan lah travel sorang-sorang? Bahaya tau......”, he answered. 

I looked at him in amazed. “ Saya tak pernah jumpa orang macam awak yang baru saya kenal tiba-tiba tanya hal peribadi saya........seumur hidup saya…..It's personal.”, I replied.

“Well there’s always a first time for everything…”, he said and kept on staring at me. He is making me nervous.

Menyampah pulak aku tengok dia ni. “You seems to have an answer for everything ya……”, ujarku dengan sinis lalu memandang ke arah luar tingkap.

“Hey!”, he snapped and I instantly look directly at him.

“Got your attention, didn’t I? By the way my name is Emir. Saya minta maaf okay…..baiklah...., I'm tired and I’ll leave you alone….banyak tanya kena marah. Tak tegur orang kata sombong......”. He stood up and left me there.

I was flabbergasted.....he practically stood up and left me there......such a weird character. Anyway,  nothing much I can do about what just happened. Maybe it was meant to be that way.

As I felt like being stood up on a date, I went back to my seat and force myself to fall asleep. 

I woke later as I felt freezing in the coach. Looked out the window just to check out whether the train is any close to Alor Setar. Lama pulak rasanya.....The train slowed down and we almost reaching Sungai Siput station. I stood up and walked to the restroom. 

It was a long queue but when nature calls,……nothing we can make it to stop……

After 20 minutes of queuing, I leaned against the warm window and watch as the train passed by wetlands, small town and bush forest. I cannot imagine why I had never thought of before traveling by train before.

I feel so relax and enjoying the scenery. Really looking forward attending the wedding as I heard Pak Uda’s house is nearby paddy field…..wow…..I can’t wait to take pictures there. Imagining dancing in the paddy fields while Sudirman singing in the back ground. Somehow whenever I think of sawah padi or bendang, this song always comes to mind....

Sawah terbentang dan padi menguning

Daun nyiur melambai angin timur membelai

Riak air di kali bagaikan bersedia

Membasuhi tubuh mu dari debuan kota

Credit to jadiKENANGAN and You Tube

Once I'm done with my little business, I decided to explore the train. I walked all the way to coach A until coach F just for the fun of it, and walked back to my coach. I was surprised to see someone seated next to my seat. It was a gentleman and I couldn't see his face clearly. He had his blue cap on and thick U.S.bomber jacket on. Quietly, I slide and took my seat. I put on my earphone and that’s a universal sign means you don’t want to be disturbed.

A short time later, I sense something flapping in front of my face. I opened my eyes and felt irritated by the waving movement. I turn to my right and catch hold of the hand. It's making me dizzy…..

”Hi! we meet again…”. The guy smiled. It was Emir!! He quickly put his hand down. He got my attention.

“Are you sure this is your seat?”, I asked bluntly. All of the sudden I felt guilty the way I reacted.

“I am so sorry. I didn't mean to be rude to you.”, aku tiba-tiba sedar keangkuhan aku.

But he giggled instead. “Saya pun nak minta maaf. Kalau saya tahu you duduk sebelah, I’ll exchanged my ticket……(he lifted his head and looked around as though searching for someone)….with that uncle.”, he replied. I turned and look the direction he was pointing and a few seconds later I looked at Emir.

“You wouldn’t do that, right…?”, I asked softly. My arms was on his shoulder forcing his body weight down.

“Not if you want me to…”, he answered with a straight face.

I adjusted my seat and sat straight. “You don’t have to be mean, you know….and by the way my name is Q…”, I said. I extended my hand. He instantly took and shook my hands. “I’m Emir...”, he said.

“Yes, I know. You mentioned earlier. Nice to meet you…”, I replied. 

“It’s finally nice to know you have a name. I have always referred you as Miss Who…...because somehow you have dozens of WHO t-shirt....”, he said. I laughed. “I like when you smile.” He added.

“You memang very direct. Cakap tak berlapik…..”, I look at him a little bit pissed off. 

“Berterus terangkan elok….saya tak pandai nak bermuka-muka….”, he was being franked. He looked directly at me when he answered back. It gives me a shiver in my spine.

“Okay, have it your way….”, I gave up with his attitude. “Saya nak tidur sekejap, boleh?”, I asked.

“Ya, silakan…”, he replied. And I closed my eyes.

"Nak saya nyanyikan ke sambil tunggu awak lelap....", he said. I instantly opened my eyes wide. What's with this guy.....couldn't he leave me while I catch my nap.....?

"Oh! tak perlu......Sebab saya takut kami beramai-rami akan humban awak dari keretapi ni.....", I was pissed off and covered my head with my kashmir wrap.

"Wah....!...", he was about to reply when I cut him off.

"Shhhh.....", and twist my body to the left which means I do not want to be disturb....

Chapter 37 - Hello?

I left a lot of issues unresolved. I just can't think straight anymore.

Finally, I decided to make a short trip alone to up north. Why not? After all I need all the break I can get. I missed Penang a lot but this time my destination will be Alor Setar. My last trip to Kedah was….wooww….before I left for the States to further my studies. My mission this time is to attend Pak Uda’s twin son’s wedding. Pak Uda is my late father’s 1st cousin and trusted confidant. So, I was told. 

I managed to book a return train ticket online for tomorrow. I notified my parent via WhatsApp only and I got their consent. I know it is not smart leaving town unannounced and I am pretty sure Imran, Abng Ngah and Khai will not be happy with my decision. I need time to gather my thoughts on how to deal with Abang Ngah and Imran. I have been avoiding Abang Ngah since I came back from Bali a couple of weeks ago.

Note : Pictures and images are for illustration purpose only and are sources from Google.

In the past weeks, Abang Ngah dropped by my place a few times but I left specific instructions with the guard not to allow him into the premise. He was not thrill by my stunt. He called me numerous times and left messages on my cell phone and e-mail. Khai said I am not being reasonable and ignoring Abang Ngah will make matter worse. 

"Ada aku kisah…? I just want to teach him a lesson. I want him to leave me alone and for him to face up the reality.", I replied.

Again, Khai argued, “Kau tak boleh expect dia baca fikiran kau, Q…The best way is to face him dan berterus terang….”.

“Khai, cara kau nasihat aku, as though I am the guilty party…I am not, you know. Couldn’t he just see all the signals I’ve been sending? Kalau aku nak jumpa dia, dah lama aku mengadap…”, I defended myself.

“Aku tahu, tapi sampai bila kau nak treat him this way? Sebagai adik, kau beralah sikit. Macamana pun dia tetap abang kau, Q. Aku faham maksud kau…..face to face….at least masalah dapat selesai on the spot. Amacam…? Aku set-up a meeting for both of you nak?”, Khai suggested.

Aku termenung…..hmmmm, Khai doesn't know what happened between me and Imran. Kalau dia tahu sure meletop bumbung condo aku.

Sila ambil perhatian…..ETS ke Padang Besar 1004 sila beratur di sini…..(announcement through the PA System)

Aku tersentak.......Lantas aku bangun dan mengheret bagasi menghala ke arah jurucakap KTM. 

Tiba-tiba aku terasa bahu aku di cuit oleh seseorang….I turned my head and I saw a smiling face looking back at me. “Hello….remember me?”, the guy greeted.

I was not pretending but seriously trying hard to recall where I’ve seen this guy before….I smiled back and replied, “Hello…”, and walk pass by him. Hati aku berbisik….Kat mana aku pernah tengok that guy…? and I continued walking. Aku tersenyum. Dengan tanpa sebab tertentu, tiba-tiba lagu 'Hello' yang di popularkan oleh Lionel Ritchie teringia-ingia di telingaku......

Credit to The Voice of Holland and You Tube

I embark on coach ‘D’ and found my designated seating. After settling down I checked my cellphone for messages. Good! So far nobody noticed my disappearance act.

Aisle seat is the best. Best view, easy to move around, spacious leg room and tak mengganggu passenger seated next to you. I observe passerby walking over to the mini canteen located in coach ‘C’. I decided to sneak a peek at the canteen. It is small and sells sandwiches, and microwavable frozen food such as Briyani, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Tomato, Mee Mamak, Bee Hoon, Sausages and Dim Sum. Hot and cold drinks are also available. 

I went back to my seat 6C and opened up my laptop. I enjoyed my alone time, as I observed the passengers board the train and of those who passed by through my coach either to get to the canteen or restroom. Kids titling toe behind their parent. Baby girl screaming at the top of her lungs while her parent tried to calm their baby. Numerously, apologizing to an elderly couple sitting nearby.

“Sorry auntie….sorry uncle……first time anak naik train…..”, the father said.

“Tak pa,…tak pa….. kasi susu…..”, the elderly aunty replied.

Some even strike a conversation…….to kill the traveling time. Whereas me, just an observant how unique our way of life. 

An hour past……..

Soon, I was feeling hungry. I decided to walk over to the canteen. A few people queuing up to use the public utility. I proceeded to the canteen and place my order to the guy over the counter.

 “Kopi apa yang ada? Latte ada?", I asked.

"Maaf kak.....kami cuma ada yang dalam paket saja...", as his fingers pointed to packets of instant coffee and tea laying on the counter. I smiled and thinking how silly I looked. This is not Starbucks!

"Ok, kalau macam itu, Nescafé satu dan cheese sandwich.” I said. After paying I took a seat next to the window across the canteen counter. 

Looking at the view of rail tracks and paddy fields always reminded me of a song from arwah Sudirman, "Kau Akan Kembali". Rasa hiba dan sedih bercampur baur. Playing the song in my mind I felt my eyes swelled up. Tears.......and I quickly wipe the edge of my eyes.

I smiled in embarrassment but at the same time my ears was listening conversation exchanged over the counter. I lifted my face….., there he was again! He stood in front of me and had a grin on his face. Yes, I remember him now. The guy with blue cap and likes to wear t-shirt with number nine at the back......

“If those were your pick-up line, I think you’re doing a bad job….”, I said.

He gave me a broad smile. “I always see you run at the park….”, he tried to explained. I nodded and nodded. 

Yeah, I remember him clearly. “Oh….! You’re Number 9. I am so embarrassed. When I run I don’t wear my glasses. I hope you understand. My vision is not 60/60.” I was being honest.

 “No…no….no…..I am the one who should be apologizing. I really thought you recognized me.”, he replied in embarrassment. "Number 9, huh?", he was puzzled. " May I join you....?", he asked.

 In order to straighten things out I suggested, ”Why don’t you buy me Nescafé and let’s start all over again…”.

“I like that very much…is this our first date?”, he was excitedly waiting for my reply.

"Date? No lah, just take it as 2 strangers who just met on the train...", I responded.

"Ouch!.....panjangnya tajuk novel you....", he laughed and I smirk.

 Perasannya mamat nih.....