I kicked my Apache Bike furiously, after battery failed to start it. But it wanted a sick leave without prior permission. After whole-heartedly cursing TVS (in my mind only-otherwise, passers-by might think I am mad), I felt much better and I turned towards Bus Stop.
As soon as Bus came, I viewed it in one glance from outside, & searched for a window. Window is my weak point since childhood (till Bill Gates corrupted the name thoroughly). I jumped and got the single window seat at the very front.
After 3-4 stops, bus stopped near a school and children jumped in like monkeys. All of them had to stand since the Bus was already full. While issuing tickets Conductor found a Boy, who first calmly and then frantically searched for money in his pocket & then in Bag.
Conductor: E paisa jaldi nikal, tuze akele ko nahi baki sare logonko ticket dene hai.
Boy: Wo hi to kar raha hun! (After sometime) Tha mere pas kahan gaya samazta nahi?
Conductor: E natak mat kar, paise jaldi nikal, Saale wada-Pav khake paise khatam karte hai, badme mujhe ullu banate hai!
Passenger1: Aare jane do bachha hai.
Conductor: To kya hua, aise bachhe mujhe roz milte hai, Ticket Checker aya to mera enquiry hoga.
Passenger2: Aare beta sorry bolo Conductor ko!
Conductor: Aisa sara duniya sorry bolega, subko chodd dun!
Passenger 3: Mai iske age ka tha tab school ko chalte jata tha, aaj kal ke bachhon ko bus chahiye.
Here the boy who could not find money starts weeping.
Old Lady: Aare tumhare itne friends hai unse udhar lo!
Parsi Gentleman: Beta paisa nahi to next stop pe utar jana, Kalse paisa barabar sambhalke rakhna!
At this time Conductor reached my place. Along with my fare I gave extra 2 Rs. Coin to the conductor for boy’s Ticket. Conductor hands over the ticket to the boy.
Parsi Gentleman: Aise aap log bachhe ko spoil kar rahe ho!
As the stop approached the boy came forward for alighting, though he wanted to go 2-3 stops ahead.
Old Lady: Beta Uncle ko thanks kaha kya?
Beta looked here and there with worried face for he didn’t know who paid for his ticket in a crowded bus.
He alighted and I saw him coming behind the bus with a heavy school bag on his shoulder.
At the Signal, bus got stuck in traffic jam, and the crestfallen boy overtook it, giving a furtive glance at all the consultants.
