HOPE ON A PRIVATE BUS!

Travelling was something I loved and will always love.

- DEEPA SESHADRI

Until the age of 18, I had never travelled in a civil (local) bus. My school buses were either a 'one ton' (vehicle capable of carrying a ton of ammunition in a battle field) or a ' three ton' (vehicle capable of carrying three tons of ammunition in a battle field). Travel to the parties was by a staff car or jeep. Hence, at the age of 18 when my parents decided to settle down in Kerala,l was in for a heavy duty shock!!!

If I remember correctly, the first bus I took was from Elamkulam (a place in Cochin) to a place called Ravipuram (another place in Cochin). Now I was told very clearly, once the buses come, the killi (bus attendant) will shout either 'Menaka' or 'Padma'. Get into the one where the killi shouts' Menaka'

I obediently did that. Another thing I was told was: stay in the front, never venture back as ladies don't go back. I followed that too.

Once inside the bus, I found a nice and empty seat by the window. It was beside the engine so I could see the whole bus from there. The conductor (the ticket seller) usually sat at the back. This time too, he sat at the back

He soon started collecting money from each traveller and giving him/her the ticket. I heard what most people (ladies) were saying

'Onu menaka'
'Onu Sarita'
'Onu Sangeeta'
'Rendu Kavita'