Though i have considered traveling in buses a pain in the neck, it is an essential and effective means of transportation for millions of people living in India. Let me just try to give you a picture of what happens in a regular bus plying in Bangalore.
I had to go to my schools yearly alumni function, which was the only way besides facebook and other social networking sites I could keep in touch with my friends. And I was running late, to add insult to injury my bikes battery had drained out. I was just mouthing my mother’s sentence,” You’re an irresponsible boy!”
Ran towards the bus stand to catch a bus and “Phooh!!!” , not a bus to be found. Kept waiting and waiting and waiting and finally I see a red color bus. At last!
The bus approached me and just zoomed past me. Cuss words brimming near my mouth. And then I was told that it was a city bus and it never stops except for major
bus stops. My patience was wearing out and then at last I heard screeching noise of the buses brake pads. Thank God!
Suddenly from nowhere there was an influx of people and they just rushed inside the bus with no respect in their minds. I was left all alone and some concerned old man gave his hand ushering me inside the crowded bus. Each stop I had to get down leave some space for the other passengers to exit the bus and then I again had to run and catch my precious place. Slowly and slowly went to the inside of the monster machine and got myself a seat. Then the entry of the corrupted conductor. Young man with unshaved beard, looks of a gangster and pale brown teeth, comes beside me and asks for the ticket. I told that I haven’t received it yet. He asked me, “where to?” I told him the place and he asked me 22 rupees. I gave the required amount and he disappeared into the long queue of people. Though I travel rarely in the bus, I knew I had to take the ticket but this time I had forgotten and kindly the conductor also kept the money in his dishonest pocket of people’s hard earned money. The bus was overfull and people were precariously swinging outside the bus without any slight hint of cowardice.Hero’s?
The bus was stuffy and stinking. I really don’t know how people snore and sleep inside such an environment. This picture describes quintessential India. There are people from all walks of life who travel by buses. From the roadside bajjiwala to the bank manager, from students to teachers, from painters to beggers. All these people have one thing common.?????? The ubiquitous mobile phone
Loud music blasting through their tiny phone. I feel like snatching their so-called music device and smashing it on the ground, without knowing what the consequences would be?? Proabably get a few thumpings from an unknown man!.Either they are listening or messaging. Poor people what would they do without that? Sleep in the bus when you suddenly get up as if waking from a bad smelly dream only to realize the one in front of you has just passed a bad air?? Or listen or text someone close to your heart trying to ignore the smelly effect.
I saw an old man, holding the support which keeps hanging below the roof of the bus. Felt sorry for the man and offered him my seat. He thanked me and sat on it .then suddenly the driver applied brakes and just like how a well arranged Dominos cards fall when one of them is slightly pushed, people just started to fall on each other, jostling one and another. Some people injuring themselves a little bit.
Saw my watch it was already 15 minutes to four. Then a middle aged man entered the bus with a electronic device in his hand. And then he demanded everybody to show their ticket. Heart in my mouth!
When it was my chance I frankly replied I don’t have the ticket and the conductor had not given it. Then it struck my mind that I had forgotten to ask him. Meanwhile the this person who was collecting the tickets was pestering me to give it. “From where will I give” I ejaculated. He nonchalantly asked me to give a penalty of 500 bucks!!!
I was taken aback I tried to reason with him but he gave a big “No”. Then I slowly tried to get the conductor to the picture when I saw him hide behind an old lady. He was trying to get away. He almost came to fight with swearing words in his mouth but I told him that either we both pay or none. Then we came to terms with each other.
The ticket collector said pay a fine of 500 or just pay me 300 and get away. I asked 300 for what? Then he gave wry smile and I understood. I behaved as a responsible citizen and gave a piece of my mind saying a few things about corruption. I also went to extent of telling him that I would go RTI (right to information). He slowly mellowed down and I asked for the receipt for the fine I paid.
Got down at the venue only to realize that it was empty, called a few of my friends to enquire and all of them say its tomorrow!!!
Oh my God, not again the bus!
(this is my first blog, so ignore all the mistakes i've committed)
