Public display of affection

Public display of affection (PDA) is very common in Delhi. What is uncommon is sighting a couple on busy Monday mornings stealing a kiss in some corner on Metro platform. Monday mornings are really busy. It seems everybody decides to leave early for work. I am not the happiest person on Monday mornings either. Every morning while walking on the platform my focus is entirely on information board as if that will help me make up those five minutes I lost in the morning. Every day I know that it will take me precisely three minutes to change platforms but I still strive to do it faster. Probably a minute or so will be helpful. This Monday was no different I was hurriedly walk through the crowd with my eyes fixed on the information board. I was on time for now and was hoping to hop on the approaching metro. When suddenly I bumped into a girl walking out from strange space under the stairs. It was not odd for me to get bumped, but yes the spot was very unlikely. The girl had caught me unaware. The good thing about metro chaos is that you can learn the art of maneuvering in maddening crowds. The girl's face looked flushed when she uttered a sorry. I moved ahead and noticed a lot people were looking at the girl. Driven by flock mentality I also decided to look at her. I noticed a boy of thin built standing very close to her. They were back to their original spot, underneath the stairs. The boy had his hands around her waist. The fidgeting was very peculiar. No wonder everyone was looking at them. I guess people could make out what was happening as no one was now looking directly at the couple.

The crowd in general avoids directly looking at the couples probably they don't want to look intruding. But everyone was trying to steal a glance in that direction. The girl kept trying to get away from the boy. But boy seemed adamant. When the metro reached the station she said loudly, "I am going to board this metro. You are acting very crazy". The guy was high on love, he kept holding her close. Some how he managed a peck on the girl's cheek. I guess the staff members were waiting for this to happen. They took the responsibility of moral policing on themselves. One of them held the boy by hand and asked him to walk in opposite direction. While a women staff member asked the girl where she was heading. The girl sensed the gravity of the situation boarded the train stationed at the platform.

I heard some one say, "I don't know when will these young boys and girls understand PDA is not acceptable in Indian society". I heard murmurs of protest but they dies away soon.

It was a Monday morning and passengers were too busy to loose precious minutes on this discussion. I saw the boy again, standing on the platform talking on his cell. He was not bothered by moral policing it seems.

Wrong train....really?

She has been noticing it for a while now, it was very odd but the you can't walk up and ask. This is a public transport after all, everyone has the right to travel. It was also not a case of national security which will enable her to ask random questions. I have also noticed the same over past one week, however it was not an important thing for me. She jostled through the crowd to ensure she is seated next to her. I could only manage to stand near them. I know, not good at shoving people so mostly I end up standing through out the journey.

She did try to keep herself from asking questions but not for long. Fidgeting around and feigning seat adjustment she looked at the her smiling, "Its very hard  get a seat in Metro these days. Did you board the train from Vaishali ?". The girl did not return the smile just shook her head otherwise. Lady was not dissuaded, she kept her smile and asked "Then where are you coming from? You must have missed out your station. Sad that you will have to travel back again". The girl smiled and nodded. "So where will you get down?", she asked again. The girl politely replied, "Rajiv Chowk". I was watching the whole interrogation and felt annoyed. The lady was sure that she has done enough sweet talks and can now ask the direct question. She said, "You know I have noticed siting in the approaching train every morning but you never get down at Vaishali, instead you go all the way to Rajiv Chowk in the same metro. Is it a way to ensure a seat?". The girl made a very sad face and said, "Yes, you know its so difficult to get a seat from my station. So I board the train coming to Vaishali and then can easily find a seat here". I was hoping this would kill the curiosity of the lady and she would spare the girl who was visibly upset. But our aunty was not easily dissuaded her next utterance had everyone gasping in disbelief. She said, "Don't lie to me, I know you are here with your boyfriend. He gets down here and you go to Rajiv Chowk in the same train. I hope your parents are aware of your activities". People including me were stunned by the mannerism and words. I was just about to give this lady a lesson in public behavior that I noticed the girl was crying. Probably thinking that she has been caught. She burst out crying, "Yes aunty, I really love him a lot. But my parents don't agree with us. Are you a relative of Anuj?" The lady was a little scared to see the girl cry, she said, "No, no I don't know him. I was generally concerned this is not good for you future". I noticed an instant change in girl's expression. She wiped her tears and gave a stern look, not impressed by the gesture. "Did you suggest its not good for my future?", the girl asked. "Who are you to decided that. The metro officials allow me to travel 10 times to and fro in the same metro. Then who are you to tell me otherwise?"

The lady had nothing to say, she simply got up muttering under her breath something about the new generation. She walked up to the other end of the coach and stood in a corner.

Well that was some lesson for our good old aunty, who seem to be concerned about every body's business. But yes metro officials have a rule that says after using your token/card to enter the platforms you will have to move out in 170 minutes. Which means that even you take the wrong trains twice it will not take more than 170 minutes to your destination. You can be heavily penalized for flouting the rule. I guess, its bad news for all young couple who hang around metro platforms dating during the day.