Lessons of Formative Years

Naren had recently relocated to the town with his mother to pursue his studies at a government high school. To his amazement, the little upcoming town boasted a galaxy of technological advancements that he had only encountered in books and newspapers.

A significant improvement in his daily commute came in the form of local buses, making his journey to and from school a breeze compared to the challenges he

faced attending a village school. The village school was situated five miles away on the outskirts of the town, and Naren used to traverse the distance on foot. Occasionally, if luck was on his side and time permitted, a bullock cart or a rare lift on a tractor would aid his commute. However, regardless of the mode of transportation, the dusty road took its toll, requiring Naren to freshen up with a bath upon returning back to home.

In the town, the efficiency of local buses stood out as they adhered to schedules, swiftly covering distances within minutes. Successfully navigating his school examinations, Naren was now poised to enter college, a prospect that excited him. Recalling his first day, Naren meticulously prepared, ironing his new shirt and pants, polishing his shoes, and getting a sharp haircut. His college was situated at a distance of ten kilometres from home, prompting an early start to catch the bus.

As he boarded the crowded bus filled with school, college, and office-goers, Naren found himself among tall individuals. He had difficulty in breathing. The congenial conductor, sensing Naren's first-day jitters, reassured him with a smile and an encouraging remark. While caressing his shirt back, the conductor said that the shirt was made of very fine cloth. But as soon as he pulled the collar it ripped with a crackling sound. Seeing his tearful face, someone laughingly told that this conductor scares everyone by making a tearing sound from his mouth.

The local bus became Naren's lifeline over the next five years. Sometimes, after a tiring day, he'd doze off, and the conductor would wake him just in time. The driver's honk served as a friendly reminder whenever there was a delay in leaving the house.

In a heart-warming incident on this bus, Naren received the most pleasant compliment of his life from his mother. Hungry on the way home, he decided to buy a bun and avoid disturbing his tired, sleeping mother. To his surprise, she was waiting at the door upon his return. She had observed him giving up his seat for an elderly woman during the bus journey. His mother was also travelling on the same bus. Touched by his kindness, she hugged him warmly and shared the incident, expressing her pride.

Inspired by this, Naren made it a habit to offer his seat to elderly or handicapped individuals. Now, at the age of over 65, whenever he witnesses someone struggling to stand in a crowded bus, he feels a sense of discomfort sitting comfortably, a testament to the values instilled during his formative years.