Lessons are the most integral part of growing up, and practical lessons are much more valuable than theoretical knowledge. It has been said that life is a learning process, and we learn something new every minute of our lives. How can one forget the lesson learned from falling off a bicycle, that one should never give up, no matter what? But do we really remember these lessons or simply forget them as one-time inspiration? Something very similar to this happened to me one fine evening.
I was on my way back to my college hostel from my aunt’s house. I chose to take a bus, even though I usually preferred the metro, as it was a Sunday and the buses were less crowded on weekends. Unfortunately, the bus I boarded was packed to the brim. Nonetheless, I managed to balance my way through the crowd and stand properly. Knowing it would be a long ride, the thought of standing throughout was already meddling with my nerves.
Nevertheless, I tried to focus on positive things, like taking a hot shower and watching romantic movies while tucked in my bed after this unfortunate ride. Luckily, the weather was pleasant that day, unlike the typically humid climate of Kolkata. The ride continued, as did the passengers, but I couldn’t find a seat, despite my silent prayers. I hoped someone sitting would disembark, but my hopes were in vain.
As I tried to reassure myself that everything was going fine and that I was better off on that bus than sweating in the metro, I noticed an empty seat right across from the driver. Strangely, no one seemed to be occupying it. There was a man standing next to it with a significant amount of luggage, but even he appeared to be ignoring the vacant seat. I was a considerable distance away from it, and with the bus shaking at the slightest bump in the road, it seemed like a herculean journey to reach it. There were twelve of us standing uncomfortably, openly eying the seated passengers, but everyone mindfully ignored the vacant spot.
I started to wonder if the seat was broken or if it was a figment of my imagination. Just then, the bus made a stop, and a lady got up. Swiftly scanning the bus, she noticed the unoccupied seat and immediately went over to occupy it with a memorable smile. The seat was right next to the driver.
Mission accomplished ( for her).
The rest of us, lesser mortals, concealed our disappointment and maintained a straight face throughout the journey.
I pondered this incident late into the night.
It was just another episode in my everyday life, but that lady’s infectiously bold personality managed to possess me, resulting in a fiery personality which effectively takes over whenever there is an unwanted empty seat involved.
Thank you, to the bold lady on that Kolkata bus.
Fingers in symphony 