THE BUS RIDE...

Everyday when I board a bus, I feel irritated by the ever-talking, over-the-top noisy people around me. I usually prefer the window seat that allows me to think about a LOT of things, and be ignorant about the people around me. With my earphones plugged in, I wonder… everybody in the bus has a story. Everybody has a reason to be in that particular state of mind. 

 Someone is about to give up, while another has just gained something. While someone has enough reasons to complain, another has that one reason to be happy! Ever wondered why people get irritated at the slightest of action? Why one curses, while someone remains silent, showing no emotion but wait for the destination? Why the driver does not stop at certain points… 

Someone’s story, someone’s anger, someone’s happiness makes me curious. One’s reason reflects on their action and there… evolves a chain of reactions!

While someone is fighting with his/her girlfriend/boyfriend, someone boards the bus with the happiness of a newly married life ahead; someone’s happiness knows no limits as they are expecting a baby, while someone is nervous about a relative’s condition in the same hospital. Both get down with curiosities lying ahead. The driver would have had an argument, either at home or with fellow-drivers on road. The frustration, taken out by harsh driving, but also keeping in mind our safety. And then, there are the cute school kids who worry about standing together with their gang despite the crowd and say, “I did not complete the assignment. Hope the bus reaches our stop on time…”

YOU ARE NOW PRONOUNCED AS EX-HUSBAND AND EX-WIFE

They say, “Marriage is a heavenly bond, the couples decided by God.” Nowadays, there is a small addition to this saying- “It is ended in court…” 

A lovely and wonderful part of life- marriage, that not only links two people but also two families and culture, is celebrated as a grand event. It has all reasons to be treated as one.

The rituals, the environment, the laughter…oh and not to forget, the food, stays in everyone’s memory forever! Two totally different people come together to spend the rest of their lives together. Of course no marriage is a “happily ever after” story. There are ups and downs. It depends on the two to stay together to make these ups and downs a peaceful journey. 

Everything has a solution. I believe in it. Why would problems or misunderstandings ever exist if there were no solutions at the end of the tunnel…. It is the same logic as Black and White, Male and Female, Plus and Minus- everything has something! The main cure to these problems is to solve them at ‘that’ given moment and not let it pile up like one’s laundry. You take your laundry out later, it doesn’t give a good feeling, right!

It is saddening that there are so many “made for each other” couples who become “who the hell you are” couples. Caught between the tug-of-war is the kid. There is something called the “Can Do/Cannot Do” concept (I sincerely thank a very special sir of mine to acquaint me with this). Got a problem? See if you ‘can do’ something about it. If yes, then go ahead. If no, then cheers!! Honestly, I have had so little things to worry about, since then.

Instead of pointing out each others’ faults, try to focus on the so many positive things that actually brought you together. Instead of nagging about not having time to spend with each other, try to set aside that “special” time. The journey would seem much happier and peaceful. I pity the couples who go ahead in the same path, without each other. Is that all you know about each other… Also, your attitude would be reflected upon on your kid. Remember, as you sow, so you reap!

All you got to do is sit down and talk. What more than to talk to your loved ones… That’s what they are there for!!

20

Another big step in one’s life. Marks the end of teenage. 

I too felt a change. Not only in me, but in others who are 20. From having a birthday party in teenage to making eye or organ donation, the change is simply wonderful!!

I feel happy and proud of the people around me, who are thinking about others and not themselves- now and after the end of their lives. Saving a person’s life by donating organs, giving a person the gift of sight by donating eyes, is truly a noble work to do. A lot of people I know have already signed up for either one or both of the noble causes!

Once when getting branded clothes was important, saving others life seems important now. Thinking of the future, what higher studies to be done, where to work, what to get, how much to spend, how much to save… phew! It sounds tiring and interesting. 20 does bring about a sense of understanding, of oneself, the world and what not. The change is loveable, the responsibilities, challenging. The journey ahead seems exciting with so many tasks to be ticked off the ‘to-do’ list. Everything seems to be in a different perception, everyone right and strong in their point of view, sympathy and empathy seem in abundance, anger when necessary and forgiveness to let go…

I also wonder from where suddenly so many “relatives” appear suddenly. 20 gives them an open invitation. Their phone calls have a standard line “I know a boy. Marriageable age. He is my husband’s colleague’s sister-in-law’s husband’s cousin.” No thank you..!

I do not know what is ahead. But I know that it is exciting and that I’m ready for it. I feel myself grown up. Hey! I’ve asked my father’s permission so as to sign up for eye donation. Maybe one day I’ll adopt a tiger as well…