I was going to work. I boarded the usual bus and sat down in
one of the seats reserved for women. It was pretty crowded, as usual. The bus
moved along at an idyllic pace that day (quite unusual) and everyone settled in
their positions. It was a spring morning but the days were getting hotter by
the day. Thankfully, the woman by my side stood some comfortable inches away.
There was a young girl sitting in the seat just in front of
mine. Two men were standing near her. The younger one of them was standing
uncomfortably close to the girl, who fidgeted in her seat visibly uneasy with
the proximity of a man’s crotch near her face. He bumped into her shoulder,
again and again. Even a blind could tell she wanted some space and a little
respect.
The other man, who was older, and I witnessed what was
unfolding in front of us. I looked at him and then at the younger man. Then
something happened. After a few seconds the older man stepped in, moved to his
side forcing the younger man to step away from the girl. Not a word spoken.
I felt like clapping and giving him a thumb-up. I thought,
“We need more of such people.” I felt delighted and gave him a smile. He made
my day!
I so wish my story had ended at the last sentence. But it
continued. The girl stood up and escorted by her protective father and savior,
got off at the next bus stop. I was almost disappointed.
