Far sitting in a swank car, I used to often witness the plight of many fellow Indians racing their way to step in a Blueline bus...knowing full well these callous bus drivers may take them to a different world altogether, it never used to deter the spirit of a regular lower-class worker to reach the site in an overstuffed bus.
“Poor people” I used to think, resolving each time I would do all what it takes, but never travel in these shanty buses. Though, just a learner, such sights would feed my imagination of driving a Honda to my college. In fact repeated requests of my mother to get issued a student bus pass, were also of no use, as each day, I used to return home with a new excuse.
After all, I can afford sparing pretty penny on an auto, but traveling in a bus with sickly drivers and passengers alike was way beyond my status and persona. I am rich, I can pay for thousand autos, why would I be an art and part of this downmarket drama (on being incognizant of some monsters in ambush conspiring their hearts-out, to dump me in such class-less situation).
But, I remember that day; it was actually past 5 o’clock when I wasn’t getting a single auto. It seemed as if India has gone back to quondam times where think tanks were contemplating to start public conveniences. Not a creative person otherwise, it looked as if I was in rendezvous with the world’s biggest imaginative mindsets. With each passing car, my anxiety was heightening, whether I will get an auto or not, how will I go? To top it all, my transient imaginative power was scaling heights; anyone behind the wheels was sensed as a devil in disguise, bogging me down for not having a car. And, I for that matter was putting the best defense, explaining them I also have a car indeed better than yours, it just that I have not brought one this instant. Honestly, I was fighting my own fears. I could see my impending action, of traveling in a shabby bus, but just wasn’t able to muster courage to walk down to the nearest bus stop.
Anyways, in a constant brawl with my inner self, several thoughts were tumbling over one another, “shall I take a lift?”, no, “Shall I call dad?”, “he might be busy”. Then, what? Feeling of helplessness was cracking me. Those vexing stares and ogles were just enough to inflict mental torture.
The realization dawned and I learnt that money cannot buy everything and importantly, my favorite idiom “everyone has their price” lost its sheen.
Time was marching on and I was left with no other option, frail and unaided, I tramped down to the nearest bus stop. Standing amongst dingy crowd, I stood with my back towards the road, for none of my known should see me there. Finally, the wait was over and a blue line bus stopped for passengers to pour in. The haunting nightmares were now becoming a reality, with me being a part of this so-called under-my-dignity drama. Finally, I elbowed my way to the bus. Like several others, I also spared few bucks, one-fourth of my auto fare, to the conductor.
I rested myself on a seat and my roving eyes took notice of many fellow passengers, of which some were stinking of “desi tharra”, while others were chewing tacky "khaini". Given a chance, I would have definitely tossed them in a swimming pool, as all of them desperately needed a shower.
It was not only me who was observing them, they were also smitten by me. Ignoring all attention of shoddy people, who were gaping for nothing, I inadvertently had my eyes set on a nearby window, smeared by the traces of heave and retched food particles, as if this was the last thing to be seen on this earth. I shook my head to other direction but still couldn’t escape the foul smell of disgusting sight.
Having almost reached halfway, I was feeling contended. I knew I would reach home in next fifteen minutes. Amidst high hopes, there enters another man, this time a decent-looking gentle man who managed to take a seat next to me. When my destination was just few meters away, this man muttered, “ your beauty would be such a waste, if you don’t join my modeling agency”. Not again, I thought. What a sleazy pick-up line? Laughing it off, I thought if this dickhead is such a big shot, why is he traveling in a bus?
Anyways, it wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to reach my home as fast as I could. So, having turned a blind eye, I asked him to excuse me and jostled my way to front exit of the bus.
The moment I walked out of the bus, all apprehensions came to peace and a heavenly feeling floated through my body. After gagging all sprites, a casual thought popped out. I learnt yet another lesson, helplessness makes man do all what he never desired for, some things are not wished, they just come and change the way you are.
Just a positive outlook could have eased up my journey. Instead of flaking circumstances, had I taken everything for my best, I would have merrily raced my way to the home. A single testing moment is enough to change our perception for lifetime; hence optimism bloats us with courage to pass through a rough phase.
Oh! By the way did you ask how do I travel now? How long can a fish remain far from sea, I still go by auto and pray God that I get one each time. But now, I no longer wait for autowallas much and instantly board a bus, if they charge high.
Shruti Kakkar
1 comment:
Shruti , Great attempt.
Post a Comment