A Few Good Men

Yesterday, I was traveling back home in a BEST (Mumbai) bus. As usual, the bus was very much crowded. I crawled my way through the gangway to reach the front seats. ( A trade secret here....Always you can stand comfortably if you walk along the way to the front. Near backseats, its always crowded) A few minutes later, a very old gentleman (should be over 75 years old) got inside from the front exit. (BEST allows senior citizens to get in to the bus thro the front exit). There was a young boy sitting right on the first seat. As soon as he saw the old man, he stood and offered his seat to him. I was very much surprised. In this fast and mechanical life in Mumbai, there is still someone who has some humanitarian thoughts. He also got the money from the old man and helped him get a ticket to Mulund Sarvodaya (the last stop). The old man also reciprocated by offering to hold the young mans bag, as he was standing in the crowded gangway of the bus. The old man kindly said, "Thank you and God bless you!! Utharthe vakth bag lene math bhoolna...". The young man replied, " main bhi aap hi ke stop mein utharoonga.." and smiled. The young man had to stand through the remaining one and half hour journey.

Of late there are many instances where, Mumbaikars are criticized for being so inhumane. Lots of incidences where people are more worried about their own business rather than someone's life. This is one strong reason why I dislike Mumbai.

But I was amazed by the kind heartedness of both gentlemen. Really, still there are a few good men, I thought.