Metro Diaries

“Next Station. Rajeev Chowk. Doors will open on the left. Please mind the gap.”

Aunties pushing each other to get in or out the door, a near-stampede every time the metro stops at a station, people sitting on the floor disregarding the constant instructions being announced, students chattering away, some tapping their feet listening to music, some trying their best to mimic the people making the announcements, all this and more - that’s the typical scene in the Delhi Metro. A scene we may never really get used to!
So for those who have never had an experience of actually taking the Metro to go places (though I doubt even 1% of the population would be counted in this category!), below are some incidents I recall from having travelled once every week to the HT Office.

1. The Embarrassing Ones:
Getting your leg trapped in the door and falling head first on the floor. Okay, I never really have witnessed something like that, but I get really paranoid at times! What I have witnessed is people forcing their way inside through the doors when they are just about an inch apart, consequently earning some weird stares and turning all red.

2. The Irritating Ones:
This is where I would include those people who deliberately push (the innocent ones like me!) and cause a racket, seemingly making their way, thinking that watching others fall and stumble over is the only way that their desperate need of being entertained could be satisfied. Then again, there are not many under this category because let’s face it- not everyone is a whacko.

3. The Polite Ones:
Not many here either. This would include people who go out of their way to make sure that the aged are seated, muttering a humble sorry whenever they accidentally bump into people.

4. The Gawkers:
Ladies, in case you get in the general compartment, you may find yourselves surrounded by people whose eyes may pop out of their sockets from all the staring. If you don't want to catch unwanted attention by punching the gawker, my suggestion would be to conjure up your scariest face and try to frighten him. 

So, that’s that. No more incidents, really. But I still have four more years (at least) to gather more experiences. Hope to see you on board!