As soon as I step onto the bus, a big, friendly Singh in a red turban greets me, "Welcome aboard! Come! Come! Make yourself comfortable."
He pushes down the co-driver's chair, brushes the dust of it, and invites me to sit. I am relieved! I've finally got a seat of my own!
I plonk myself onto the seat above the steps of the bus. The seat, which seems rather flimsy, is latched onto a piece of hard metal board. I gingerly hold onto the metal railings on my right, as my head turns left and right, frantically searching for the seat belt. "Where is it?! How on earth can there not be a seat belt? What if the bus stops suddenly? What if the road ahead is bumpy? I need something to strap myself to this 'wall' . "
" I hope you don't mind... sitting in this rather uncomfortable chair, " a husky voice shatters my thoughts. The driver, who seems fatherly talks in a rather soothing tone, enough to make any weary traveller feel at home. "If you don't feel safe, why don't you sit on the steps?"
"Here!" (Turning towards the lady behind me) " Take this round bean bag, put it here on the steps. and make yourself comfortable."
I quickly grab the bean bag and immediately sit on it. Thankful that I do not have to sit on the co-driver's seat, dangling my legs in the air, clinging onto the railings as if my life depended on it. As uncomfortable as it may be, at least I have secured a seat back home. I hug my bags tightly to my chest, and my thoughts stray towards the haphazard events of the week.
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