The Journey

One Friday evening I stood at the KSRTC bus stop waiting for my bus to Mumbai. Am sure that anyone who had to board a bus at KSRTC –Bangalore will understand how frustrating it can be. There are more that 60 buses waiting and honking at a given point of time. Anyway this was not going to bother me, as I was all excited to attend my close friend’s wedding. I had come prepared with Robin Cooks' "Toxin" to keep me occupied on this 24 hour journey. I managed to locate my bus and got in glad to have a window seat. I kept my bag on the luggage rack, popped a Polo mint into my mouth and looked out at the hustle bustle around. Everyone seemed to be so caught up in their own world. Youngsters, families, elderly couples, business men all seemed to be rushing in every direction. I smiled as I looked at the mad mad world outside, each one caught up in their own busy schedules. I wondered who would take the seat near me, and hoped it would be someone non- interfering. The bus was soon filling up with people of every shape and size. An elderly lady entered carrying a small bag, followed by a young guy carrying two extra large bags. Seeing this, a fellow passenger began to grumble "Looks like the old hag has packed her whole house." Another elderly man kindly requested them to keep the luggage in the luggage compartment as it was obstructing movement in the bus. The young lad who had managed to struggle in with the luggage, picked up the bags and struggled out again followed by the old lady. Ten minutes later the old lady came and sat down beside me, the first thing I noticed about her was her warm smile. She was in her late fifties, comfortable dressed in trousers and a cotton shirt and had a twinkle in her eyes. The young man was nowhere in sight, so I assumed that he had just come to drop her and help her board the bus.

Few minutes later the bus began to move, and the conductor began to adjust the VCR. I was now glad that I had carried my novel; there was no way that I was going to watch some masala movie for 3 hours. Leaning back in by seat, I hardly got past the 3rd page when my companion started conservation. " Travelling along" she asked. "Ya, What about you?" I replied. "I am going to my elder sons house in Santa Cruze, not seen him for 3 years" she replied. I sensed excitement in her voice, like a child waiting to open his Christmas present. "Where are you off to all alone young lady?" she enquired looking concerned. "To attend a wedding" I replied. She seemed so eager to talk; that I put my book down knowing I fully well that I would not be able to read. The movie was on in full swing, Govinda was dressed brightly as usual dancing to some loud music. My travel companion Mrs. Linnet Rozario began chatting with me as if we were long lost friends. By end of the 16 hour journey, I learnt that she has lost her husband 5 years back. She had 2 sons and a daughter, of which 2 were in US and only her elder son was in Mumbai. She was all excited by the fact that she was going to move in with her son’s family as she was all alone. She was especially longing to be with her grand kids. We promised to stay in touch and exchanged contact details.

The wheels of time go on and it was almost 6 months since I returned from Mumbai. I was busy juggling work, social activities, family, friends and social service. One Saturday afternoon our social service group went to ‘Sheha Bhavan’, we had been visiting that place for the past 5 months on alternate Saturdays. We would spend time with the elderly men and women there, talking to them, helping them with sorting out their old letters and photos, writing to their sons and daughters who had neglected them. Most of all we were there, just to spend time with them and listen to them talk of their good old day. It was then that I saw a vaguely familiar person sitting on a cane chair by the window. I had been visiting this home for few months now and had not seen her here before, yet she looked so familiar. I racked by brains and then I remembered... why yes….she was Mrs. Linnet Rozario!! Yes I was quite sure about it; she was none other than my travel companion on that Mumbai bus 6 months back. I walked up to her to say hello, she took a few minutes to recognize me and se smiled back weakly. I noticed that she no longer had those sparkling eyes, in fact they seemed sad and lost, and she also looked as if she had rapidly aged in these few months. What had happened? She was supposed to settle in Mumbai with her son and family? What was she doing in Bangalore again, and of all places in a home for the aged? So many unanswered questions... however I did not want to ask her anything at that moment. I could already see that see was really lost and sad and I did not want to upset her further Perhaps one day during my regular visits to Sheha Bhavan she would open up and let me know. The picture of the talkative, cheerful lady; with dreams of spending relaxed days with her loved ones came flashing back.

My Mr. Handsome

It was just another ‘Manic Monday’ I am sure everyone would agree that getting back to work on a Monday morning after a relaxing/hectic weekend is not so pleasant. Well this Monday was no different; it had been a hectic day at work. I was glad when I was able to complete the assigned tasks and leave for the day.

Home was just 10 minutes away, and I was sure that my hubby ad daughter would be at the computer playing some of their favorite games. As I walked down the usual route home; I felt as though a pair of eyes was looking at me from Mr. Menon’s house. The Menons had moved out about 10 days back after a transfer, so I assumed that a new family had moved in and walked on. We had a quick dinner and played a game Scrabble with my hubby and daughter before retiring for the day.

The next day, as I was returning home, I saw him again standing by the gate looking at me. Being a purely residential area, there were just a few people walking down the street at that time, and I was sure it was me he was looking at. This went on for the whole week, I would walk by at almost the same time every day and he would be there as if waiting for me. I notice that he was very handsome and had warm expressive eyes. Soon I would myself waiting to see him every evening as I passed the house to get back home. There was something about his expressive eyes and warm friendly look that made me want to take the first step to introduce myself. Unsure of what his reaction would be I kept putting it off. I was content with just seeing him every day. A few days later as I passed that way, I noticed that he was not standing at the gate there as usual. I was disappointed and stood on the opposite side of the street for a few minutes hoping that he would come out. Ten minutes later though disappointed, I realized that I need to pick up some stationary for my daughters school project and rush home.

The next day I was found myself eagerly waiting for 7.pm to pass so that I could leave office for the day, hoping to see Mr. Handsome. I was thoroughly disappointed when he was not there for a second day in a row. It was only 3 day later that I saw him again, and this time I decide I would go up to him and shake hands and introduce myself. I guess I had enough of the admiration from a distance. As I walked towards the house, I realize I was a bit nervous about his reaction- but then I thought “Its today or never” Once I approached the gate, I realized that I was right in taking the first step… Mr. Handsome welcomed me by wagging his tail and putting his soft brown paws on the gate. I patted him lovingly and shook hands- or should I say paws with him. Yes you guessed right Mr. Handsome was a lovely Labrador with soft, warm, loving eyes.