Abdul's Journey Through Train

"My first visit to northern Nigeria was in 2012. At that time, I was filled with curiosity about this unfamiliar part of the world. Having spent my entire life far away from the North, I knew very little about it, except for the common sentiment that most Northerners were not well educated. However, I disagreed with this notion, as I knew several of my uncles who had studied economics, biology, and various other fields.

During this trip, I decided to take a train journey to truly immerse myself in the experience and witness everything firsthand. I chose the train because it allowed for a slower pace, granting me the opportunity to absorb the surroundings. I boarded the train from Zaria on my way to Ilorin, where I had some business to attend to.

While on the train, I noticed a beautiful lady sitting in front of me. She was seated next to my friend on the opposite side. The gentleman in front of me was smoking continuously since we boarded. As the journey progressed, everyone went about their lives, eating food and engaging in their activities. I was engrossed in a book called "Karakush" (although I can't recall the author's name). Meanwhile, my friend couldn't help but steal glances at the lady, who had a captivating presence. Surprisingly, she seemed to be looking in my direction, causing me to feel a bit unsettled.

As I began to return her glances, there was an unspoken connection that made my heart flutter. I found it remarkable and couldn't help but feel delighted. Determined to be closer to her, I convinced my friend to vacate his seat so that I could sit directly across from the lady. Without uttering a word, we would gaze at each other while I continued reading my book and she looked out the window. Our shared smiles further deepened the connection, even though we were strangers who had just met on that very day.

At some point during the journey, our train halted near the River Niger due to a track problem. We disembarked together, without exchanging many words. As we strolled into a nearby village, we came across Buzu women and men enjoying shayi (tea). The lady didn't share much about herself at that moment, but as I observed the simplicity and serenity of the village, I felt the desire to stay there forever, far away from the life I had known.

Curiously, she asked me where I was from, and I smiled before informing her that I hailed from Northern Nigeria. I didn't specify a particular place, but I disclosed that I had never lived in the North before, having spent my life in the southern part of the country. To my surprise, she reciprocated with a similar story. Despite being Yoruba, she had never visited the southern or Yoruba-speaking regions. Her entire life had been spent in the North. We shared a laugh, realizing that our stories intertwined. Here I was, a Northerner experiencing the North for the first time, while she, a Yoruba girl, was also exploring this unfamiliar territory.

This revelation brought me immense happiness, as it made me realise that countless beautiful and extraordinary stories remain unknown to us. The circumstances of our encounter and the connection we formed made me feel profoundly connected to her. I was delighted at the fact that despite being strangers, our paths had crossed on a train journey to a Yoruba-dominated state. Overwhelmed by the moment, I couldn't help but smile continuously.

As we re-boarded the train and it began to move, I experienced an unexplainable joy. I found myself unable to focus on the novel I had been reading, as my attention was irresistibly drawn to her eyes. It seemed she noticed my stolen glances, as she responded with a smile of her own. I wanted to gather the courage to ask for her phone number or even her name, but shyness overwhelmed me. The words never left my lips, despite the meaningful conversations we had shared.

As the journey neared its end, my stomach churned with a mix of emotions. When we reached Ogbomosho, her intended destination, she looked at me, smiling. I returned the smile but remained silent, failing to seize the opportunity to ask for her contact information or even inquire about her name. She disembarked, and I was left to dwell on the dreamlike encounter.

Later on, a woman unexpectedly gave birth on the train, which brought fleeting joy. However, it paled in comparison to the happiness I had felt during my encounter with that kindred spirit. As I reflected on those days in Ilorin, I couldn't help but think of her. Each smile that crossed my face was a testament to the profound impact she had left on me.

For five days, I found myself lost in thoughts of her, unable to eat a proper meal. I longed for the chance to see her pass by as I wandered the streets, consumed by a sense of yearning. The happiness and sadness intertwined, creating an experience I could not forget—a bittersweet connection that left an indelible mark.

In life, it is important to cherish moments of happiness. By doing so, we can cultivate personal growth and gain a deeper understanding that the world is a vast canvas for self-expression. Although I don't know where she is now, and she remains unaware of my whereabouts, we shared a profound connection on that train journey".

Shared on June 20th, 2023