Things are fast changing and I don’t know if I’m liking this change. Probably this is where the concept of adaptability steps in. Ufffff…
Chuck it!
For once in my life I was stepping out of home on a Saturday to serve some ‘official’ purpose. Saturday train travel is a lot different than that on weekdays: lesser cat-fights and more space to breathe. On weekends ‘Dadar-wale’ are less inclined to block the entrances and hence you can afford to be less prudent in deciding your place to stand in the compartment. This is important as getting to alight at your preferred station is dependent on your place in the boogie.
A few ongoing conversations were worth eavesdropping. A group of four 30-some ladies were discussing the prospects of a vernacular MBA course. Two of them politely conceded that it was a considerate move by the institution. A third one parried all remarks, blasted the very concept and declared it was a disgusting idea. The blunt declaration sent chills down the three recipient spines. The fourth female quickly overshot the conversation by introducing a new character. She spoke of how Meenakshi had put on post-marital weight. The tension in the air was released and the conversation continued with increased cheer. “Aiyyas” and “Aga bai, ho ka?’’ followed….
The fourth girl had averted heated arguments form shaping up. She quickly smiled back when I threw an appreciating glance.
Discussions of women ranged from CWG to Ayodhya issue. It was heartening to see the political and social dimension of the typical working woman. She was opinionated and confident…discussing things beyond just the lonchyachi recipe.
Day after day, I found myself talking to new people during these 25minutes….getting to know their priorities, urgencies in life, concern for the child left at the crèche and the weary eagerness to cook the night’s meal…
Today I managed to reach Kurla station 20minutes before the stipulated time. Waiting here does not have any incentives. A prolonged wait at this place can come your way by the stroke of grave misfortune. People from central and harbour routes seem to ply all over the bridges and overcrowd the place…and trying to spot your newly made acquaintance amidst a million faces isn’t cake walk!
As I waited there, I spotted a familiar face...this one belonged to my campus!
I tried hard to recollect the name of this senior, but in vain….
This was a fellow I spoke to less often during college….nor were we friends even in a casual sense. But, a different feeling bonded us. The sense of belonging to VJTI grew strong… Nostalgia hit hard….I smiled back…
In less than 3 minutes we discussed, “So, what are you doing these days?”
In no time, we pursued our separate ways…
Trains were running on time, and so were the men!
