My First Unescorted Bus Ride

It now houses the Sahakari Bhandar (now managed by Reliance). Behind it there is a small road which leads to the Holy Name High School, my preKG/KG school. One memory stands out....

My pa or my eldest brother used to drop me to school (We lived in Abdul Rehman Street - Pydhonie at that time). 

That day of the year 1967, my brother was on duty. As usual he dropped me at the corner and went away. I bought chewing gum from the daily 25 paise pocket money my father gave me when I left home and entered the school. I was a little surprised at the uncharacteristic silence and deserted playground, until I realised the school was closed that day. The watchman came along and told me the same thing. 

I took a seat on the steps that lead tto the corridors. Resigning to a long wait, I unwrapped the chewing gum and started savouring its sweet taste. When the sweetness had almost vanished, I started playing with the chewing gum - stretching it out as far as it would go without breaking and then rolling it back in. I did this for quite some time and then threw it away. 

I was getting bored with no one around and got fidgety. I started jumping from the steps, at first one, then two and then three steps at a time. After some time I got tired and sat down on the steps again. Now there was nothing left to do. Even my chewing was gone. I reprimanded myself for not putting it back in its wrapper for "reuse", as I would often do!. 

Then the watchman came and told me, how long will you wait? It is still a long time ....I don't remember but he may have suggested that rather than wait, I should go home. 

It triggered me into action and I slowly made my way to the bus stop . I knew it was route no.101 and I waited for the bus. There were others standing there too. This was my first independent foray, unescorted and obviously there were many fears in my mind which I hid well. 

Just about then an old uncle enquired why I was alone and where I wanted to go. All the emotions that I had under control, rushed out as I sobbed and told him the whole story  He comforted me and helped me board the bus. I removed 5 paise from my pocket and and bought my ticket for my first bus ride alone (unescorted). 

By the time I reached home after getting off at Pydhonie, I had regained my composure and self-allayed my fears. It was not so difficult and I was happy and confident as I reached home early afternoon. 

Father ( Father ) was quite surprised but praised me for my courage. I think I received ₹2/- and appreciation in abundance from everyone.. 

This must have happened when I was four or five. I am sixty now  Life has brought on me various occassions when i had no one by side. I have walked alone with conviction and confidence, many times and I believe my first bus ride alone at five has got a lot to do with it.