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. 

Random Conversation #2

Women empowerment can be seen in the Delhi metro these days. Female commuters act very confidently and do not shy away from confronting males who dare to belittle them in any manner. Few instances that I noticed while commuting make me wonder why men still insist on believing in what they believe.

Conversation #1
Young girl notices an old man struggling to board the elevator at the station. She moves forward and firmly holds the old man's hand and urges him forward.

Young girl: "Tau hold the rail lightly and put your feet between the yellow lines"
Surprised by the action old man shook his hand vigorously.
Old man: "Who are you and why are you holding my hand? Girl, don't you have some sense. Stay back. Don't dare to hold my hand again. Where are your parents?"
Young girl: "I am old enough to travel alone. My parents don't have to accompany me".
Old man: "They have spoiled you. That's why you are holding a man's hand".
Young girl: "I hardly think that way. I would have done the same thing with my Grandfather. Now please keep mum and hold my hand. You have already caused a lot of chaos".
Old man: "I will never allow you to hold my hand. I will stand here and wait for a guy to help me board".
Young girl: "No guy will come to help you hold my hand or I will ask a lady staff to make you forcefully do that".

Old man looked around for some help. He saw a boy and asked him to help. The boy agreed to help him.  He made the old man board the elevator, the girl followed the duo. Old man faltered while the elevator moved, the girl took hold of the hand and helped him steady. Old man thanked the boy for helping him and didn't say anything to the girl. Girl just smiled at him and showed him the way to his platform before leaving.

Conversation#2
Crowded metros are an excuse for young men to board the women coaches. Most of the times they are shameless enough to argue back if you ask them to move out. But more than often they find their match in women passengers who would not give up till they leave.

One man was standing in the women coach and leaning dangerously close to a young college girl. The girl tried to move away but there was no space. She put her index finger on his shoulder and pushes him hard.
Young girl: "Do you mind standing straight".
Passenger: "I am standing straight. Why don't you move away".
Young girl: "This compartment is only for women why don't you move ahead".
Passenger: "Can't you see metro is very crowded, there is no space to move. Anyway I don't have to travel far. Will get down after few stations".
Young girl: "Crowded metro is no reason for boarding women coach. Please move or I will ask the guard s to make get down".
Man: "Do what ever you feel like".

The girl patiently waited and called for the guard at the next station. One of the female staff showed up and asked the man to move away. But before anyone could react metro doors closed and the train moved.  The man made some snide remarks on how useless the whole exercise was. Girl was not perturbed  by these remarks. When the metro stopped at the next station, after the people boarded the coach, she simply put her bag between the closing door.
She told the metro security official you need to make this man get down at this very station or I will not let the metro move ahead. Few women in the coach also agreed with her and asked for the same.

The man had no option but to change the coach. He was grumbling. Rest of us were smiling.

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)!!

Metro snag

Today was a bad morning to start with, woke up late and made to have bad food for breakfast. Worst was when I reached the metro station, I was early but still had to board a crowded metro. For a fleeting moment I was tempted to step out and wait for next metro, but decided against it. This decision made me thank my luck when I reached my destination more than 30 minutes late. It could have been worse. Nothing seemed abnormal when the metro started from the station but from the next station onwards it just refused to move. It so happened that the signals were not working properly on this particular route leading to metro snarls. So each station ride was almost 10 minutes long with the bombardier playing the message "There will be a delay in this metro ride. Inconvenience is regretted"' some 50 times. Someone needs to tell them it just not helpful to hear these messages repeated zillion times through a 60 minute journey.

I was not the only one feeling restless over this delay. Everyone was concerned about the delay, be it an office goer with stringent office timing or college student with plans to bunk college. Delays seldom happen in Delhi Metros, it reportedly has a 99% up time. But not everyone was complaining, there were people who jumped into the already crowded coaches just because they felt lucky to catch a stationed metro. It was very annoying to see people jamming in limited space.

Anyhow there is no metro ride which lacks an interesting event, I looked around and found almost everyone fretting over cell phones. Some were calling there offices and saying, "Vermaji please sign for me in the attendance register, I will be late. Metro has some problem, it has been standing here for past 20 minutes. No I don't know what is wrong. Please tune in to the FM channel to get some information". Well, I might disagree with 20 minutes station time, but had to agree FM is a good way to keep yourself informed.  There were some students who were worried about their classes, some of them were heard calling classmates. One boy was visibly upset, he complained to his friend, "What the hell man, I woke up early so that I could attend the class with Anjali, now I will be reaching college after she leaves. Life is very unfair. Anyway you attend the class and ensure my proxy attendance. I will try my luck next week again".  Well, if you ask me life is really unfair. Poor guy, God only knows how early he had to get up.

There was also a girl who was smiling at me, an odd thing in this scenario. But I soon realized she was whispering in the phone, well almost whispering. For some reasons people speak very loudly in metro, though there are people who whisper in such a manner you wonder if they are able to hear it themselves. Her voice was alternating between a whisper and loud conversations. She told the guy on the other end, "Metro is taking so long. We had planned it perfectly, nobody would have guessed we had all this planned. I started early just to be able to meet you there. Why do you have worry I keep meeting a lot of office people at the station. Just tell them your bus has changed the route. Why did you get into a relationship with me if you are not strong enough to face all this. Don't be a coward. I think I am braver one in this relationship". She almost threw the phone after disconnecting the call.

It's been more than 30 minutes and we were not even half way to Rajiv Chowk. Poor girl called her guy again, "I have a good news for you, I will take some more time to reach there. You can go ahead as I will be late to office. I hope you are happy now. Don't dare to talk to me again". That was one casualty of relationship which can be attributed to metro snag.

I reached office almost an hour and half late, my decision not to wait for another metro saved me some 45 minute delay. While going back I was told the time lag between two metros was almost 25 minutes for major part of the morning.

Well it wasn't a great start for the day, however, it was interesting enough!!!

Valentine saga

It being a Valentine's day, I imagined most of the girls will be carrying gifts and flowers. I am sure the crowded Delhi metro will not act as deterrent. I was not entirely disappointed, there were few girls with beautiful flowers with them. Today I was lucky enough to get a seat. Not very fond of this seat, its at the trailing end of the coach and often have lecherous men lurking around. The seat also has electrical charging points right at the top for mobile/laptop chargers. I met my namesake here who mumbled a "sorry" before hovering over me to plug in her mobile adapter. I noticed she had just cried, her face looked flushed and eyes brimming with tears. She was accompanied by another friend who was busy typing messages.

As usual I had a strong urge to play Agony aunt, but before I could say anything her friend looked up and said "What is wrong with my boyfriend calling you?". Technically everything, if you ask me; golden rule says 'no calling my girlfriends and certainly never late at night'. My namesake was annoyed by the question, "He called just to ask if I was talking to you. What is wrong with him?". Her friend said, "You know Anuj he is possessive, unlike my earlier boyfriends, he was not believing me. He told me that he has tried my number some 30 times in 40 minutes. So I asked him to call you and confirm. But why did you tell Rakesh that Anuj had called?". "That's because I felt it was funny , Rakesh would never do such a thing", replied my namesake. "Yes, that's why he fought with you and then called me tell Anuj is not supposed to call you?, said her friend. "If I were you I would have yelled back and would have decided against meeting him today. You are too soft on him. I guess he is your first boyfriend, I had many since school, I know how to handle them. I fought with Anuj yesterday and will not meet him today", she continued. My namesake retorted, "He is not my first boyfriend. He got me a very pretty dress for this Valentine and he is taking me to  'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu' evening show. That's a good enough reason for me". Her friend realized her loss, "How did he manage the tickets, Anuj has been trying for a while".

Just then her mobile rang, "Hi Anuj, no I am not upset with you. I was just messing around last night. Do you remember there is a sale at Select City Walk, let's go there today. We can also watch 'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu', everyone has seen it except us. You can at least try for getting the tickets".

My namesake seemed to have won this round. A triumphant testimony was in her playful pat on her friend's head while they got down at Saket metro station.

Faulty gates

Imagine your anxiety when the elevator door fails to open, I am not claustrophobic but I can get reasonably anxious. What if this happens to Delhi metro, not something you want to imagine. But this is exactly what happened. I boarded a train from my station, which was not very crowded  today. For the next seven stations everything was normal with no one trying dare devil stunts either (extremely rare, if you ask me). Then suddenly it happened at the next station. Metro was slowing down before approaching the station, it came to an abrupt halt just before the station. The stoppage time was unusually long. Metro resumed speed again and reached the station.  There was a customary announcement about the station name and need to "Mind the gap". But the doors didn't open. There were at least twenty passengers at each gate ready to board the train and a lesser number ready to disembark. Initially people were puzzled, looked like disoriented teenagers (well some of them are) who have not attended any kind of crisis management classes.

Not all doors were stuck, it was just the first boggie which had the malfunction. Rest of the coaches had their doors open up in time. Nevertheless ladies exclusive coach having a door malfunction is a perfect recipe for disaster.

The most interesting part was to hear what the ladies had to say on the incident. One passenger observed the problem is occurring due to regular interruption in gate functioning. She said, "Everyone wants to board the metro at the last moment. They don't care about their safety or damage to gate sensors". While somebody thought it was an electrical problem and there would be low voltage supply leading to circuit damages, others quipped about the low quality coaches (probably China imports!!). The most interesting explanation came from an old lady, she vouched its due the hard braking that drivers resort to, that the doors are jammed.

Listening to all these interesting theory, I realized it took almost 30 minutes to fix the problem. I was already late for my meeting and this was not very helping.