.... oor pidariya veratithaam - A classic case of this was experienced this evening, when I rode the parakkum rayil. The train was practically empty when it halted at the Taramani station. I climbed in and settled in my usual 2nd row aisle seat, and opened The man-eater of Malgudi. Having set my laptop case aside, I was all eyes on the book, and didn't realize the stations whiz past.
The train slowly chugged into Pasumai Vazhi Chaalai station. I looked up to see that the train was crowded. A lady - uhm not a thin one - nudged me to make space for her, and we were already three in the row. I moved closer to the aisle, and motioned her to squeeze inside. That row could in no way accomodate a 4th member. All of us were aajanubaagu. She first perched on the seat and slowly started squirming.
By the time the train rolled into Mandaveli, I was already half outside the seat - I was balancing on my hands - the huge book, my laptop case, a tupperware lunch case and my duppata which chose that precise moment to slip off my shoulders. The train whistled its way out of Mandaveli and the onda vanda pidari was now successful in ousting the oor pidari. I gathered my stuff and stood up (anyway I had to get down at the next station).
I could feel the lady's glares behind me and that somehow made me feel it was I who sat in her seat.
2 comments:
hahah deeps. mumbai locals pola onnum varaadha aana :P
Appy - you bet - Mumbai locals la ezhundu ninnale - they'll ensure you get off at the station - whether you like it or not ! ;-)
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