That was cool....Grand ma

Holi is one of my favorite festivals. I acknowledged Holi as a national festival well beyond my college years. It was only after I applied for a job in Bangalore that I realized there was no holiday on Holi. Since then, I have never applied for any job in Bangalore or for that matter even in Hyderabad. The celebrations are not the same even in this part of the country anymore, people are too busy to be bothered. I still remember when I was in school, Holi used to be so much fun. It was customary to drag reluctant participants and paint them red and green. Nobody was spared.

I expected to see some action while traveling in Delhi metro. It was the week of Holi after all. Delhi metro officials were very strict with rules for people carrying colors. There were random groups which had girls and boys looking red and blue queuing up for security checks. Security staff would look through bags and request them not to use colors at the platforms.It seem to work with all, as I didn't see a single spot of color. On and off people were wishing security personnel, "Happy Holi", which earned them a smile in return but no allowance to carry colors in the train.  There were random sighting of people colored with dry colors or some who painted red.

I saw an old lady flanked by her husband and grandchildren boarding the ladies "exclusive" coach. The boys were not too happy being pushed into the ladies coach. Another guy and a girl followed them in the same coach. Old lady looked around to sneer at the guy, but the looks of the person made her stop. Somebody offered her a seat near the rear end of the coach. She sat and continued to stare at the individual. His appearance was not adhering to the norms, he had his hair gelled and styled neatly with a mop of hair strategically placed on the forehead. He wore a very tight graphic T-shirt and a pair of rugged jeans. His footwear wear was yellow in color. His small finger was long, painted red and he wore jewelery. His gestures were a little feminine when he conversed with his lady friend. They seem to discussing the color of the hair, shoes et all. Grand ma looked visibly upset.

There were some other guys in the adjoining coach who were also staring at the individual. The guy seemed to be used to stares for he payed no attention. It was not long before the boys started taking jibes at him. Somebody said, "He is standing at the right place, just in the middle of two bogie's. I am sure its difficult for him to decide between the ladies and men's coach". The whole group laughed heartily. Similar comments followed about his appearance, gestures, voice and every thing else. Grandma was sitting quietly seemingly unaware of her surrounding. All of a sudden she got up, held the guy by his arm and made him turn to face the group of rowdies. She spoke in a low voice to one of the boys, " What is your problem? If I see you pestering this guy here again, trust me to call the police at the next station. This boy  is not asking for any acceptance from you. Least you can do is to respect his individuality. How many of you would even dare to that. You should praise him for his courage which made him strong enough to brace his sexuality. One more word and I will make sure that you all are thrown out at the next station.".

People cheered for the lady and clapped. The boys got the message and got down when the metro stopped next. I heard her grandson exclaim, " That was cool....Dadi (Grandma)!!