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"The Night Train at Deoli" by Ruskin Bond :CRITICAL APPRECIATION

The story "The Night Train at Deoli" by Ruskin Bond is a poignant tale of fleeting encounters and the lingering impact of brief, yet profound connections. It captures the essence of youthful longing, curiosity, and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled desires.

The narrator, a college student, spends his summer vacations at his grandmother's place in Dehra. His journey involves a stop at Deoli, a small, seemingly insignificant station nestled in the dense jungles of the Indian Terai. Deoli, with its solitary platform, tea stall, fruit vendor, and stray dogs, serves as a mere pause in his travels, a place where nothing notable ever happens.


However, one summer, the narrator's routine journey takes an unexpected turn. As the train halts at Deoli in the early morning light, he notices a young girl selling baskets. Despite her modest attire and bare feet, she carries herself with grace and dignity. Her dark, expressive eyes meet his, and they share a silent, yet profound moment of connection. Compelled by an inexplicable attraction, the narrator leaves his seat to approach her. They exchange a few words, and he buys a basket from her, an act more symbolic than transactional. As the train departs, he watches her recede into the distance, her image imprinted in his mind.


The memory of the girl lingers, casting a spell over the narrator. When he returns to Dehra two months later, he eagerly looks for her at Deoli. Their reunion, marked by mutual recognition and silent understanding, feels like a meeting of old friends. He is tempted to take her with him, but the constraints of time and circumstance force them apart once more. Promising to return, he boards the train, her presence haunting his thoughts.


Back in college, the girl remains a bright, living memory. He returns to Dehra the following summer, filled with anticipation. But this time, she is nowhere to be found. His inquiries yield no answers, only deepening his sense of loss and longing. The stationmaster has changed, and the tea stall owner is indifferent. The girl has vanished, leaving behind only questions and an aching void.


Despite his resolve to one day break his journey at Deoli and uncover the mystery of the girl, the narrator never does. Fear of shattering the illusion and facing an unpleasant reality holds him back. He prefers to cling to his hope and dreams, cherishing the memory of the girl and their brief encounters. Deoli becomes a symbol of his unfulfilled desires, a place where he can imagine a different ending each time he passes through.


"The Night Train at Deoli" explores the themes of transience and the impact of fleeting moments. It captures the universal experience of brief, yet meaningful connections that leave an indelible mark on our lives. Through the narrator's eyes, we see how such encounters, though ephemeral, can shape our emotions and memories, lingering in our hearts long after the moment has passed.


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