A daring escapade (857 words)

 

Koyambedu bus stand was humming with activity. My bus to Bangalore leaves at ​7:30 am. I barely made it on time, rushing to hop ​in just as the doors were about to close​. I found a young boy of 11 years sitting on the window seat that was earmarked for me. I did not mind though he​ ​had not requested for switching the seat​.   After stowing my bag in the overhead compartment, I settled into the aisle seat beside him   He was in shorts and a colourful ​​T-shirt. He was busy watching the vast array of buses and passengers with bags rushing to them.

When he turned to look at me, I smiled and asked him, “Are you travelling to Bangalore alone?”

He nodded and said to my surprise, “Can I sit in the window seat​? I like watching the small towns and villages.”

I was happy he sought my permission and said, “You can sit. What is your name? Do you belong to Bangalore?”

“No, I live in Chennai. My name is Rishab​,” he said and started looking out.

“Do you like cricket?” I asked and he vigorously nodded his head

Intrigued ​that it was mid-week and there was no vacation, I asked him, “Do you have relatives there? Which part of Bangalore​ are you going​ to?”

When he kept silent, I prodded him saying he had not answered my question.

He looked at my face and said calmly without any emotion,” I have no one there. I do not know where I will be going at Bangalore.”

“Are you running away from your home? It is dangerous to be alone ​i​n ​an unknown city. Where did you get the money ​to buy the ticket ​on this Volvo bus? Tell me the truth. I am worried about you.” I asked in disbelief.

He did not answer.” Alright we can continue the conversation after breakfast​, I said. The bus stopped​ after an hour at a ​wayside restaurant. “Come along, we will have our breakfast,” I said and when he did not get up, I pulled him up and said, “Do not bother about money.”

The boy was relaxed after breakfast and in a mood to talk. I decided to give him some space before continuing our conversation.   After one hour, I told him, “I want you to be truthful. Why did you run away from home? What is the problem? Your parents must be worried now about you. Did you fail in your class​ or what?”

“Yes, I ran away. I did not want to stay there. My father keeps touring for ​a large part of the month and hardly talks to me when ​a​t ​the station. My ​stepmother though not cruel, is disinterested and busy with her friends and social circle. I did not want to stay there,” he replied.

“You are foolish. The world outside is wicked and very soon without any protection of ​a home, you will be thick in all vicious activities,” I warned him. Where do you intend ​to stay at Bangalore? I hope not at the​ bus or railway station as another rag-picker?” 

“Malleswaram.​ One of my friends, Shammanna, lives there. We studied together till last year.”

“Do you know where he lives in Malleswaram or the name of his father?”

He kept quiet as he had no answer.

“Do not worry. After we reach Bangalore, I will talk to your father. Do not be scared. I will ensure no harm comes to you. You can stay with me​ till then.

I felt sultry despite the cool bus and ​was restless by the thought of a young child​ driven to such ​a foolish step by uncaring parents.

“It is hot. Have this fruit juice,” I offered ​him one of the two I took from my bag. Sleep for a while till the bus stops for lunch.”

It was almost ​2​ pm when the bus entered the Central bus stand opposite Bangalore city station.​A​s we alighted from the bus stop, I heard a voice hailing the boy by a loud “Rishab​". I ​​turned to see an elderly gentleman in ​a silk kurta and dhoti with his wife in silk sari ​​and a driver in ​a white uniform. They looked affluent.

The boy turned ​i​n that direction and shouted aloud,” Thatha, Patti, one second​, I will be with you with my bag.”

“How was your first bus trip alone? Your mom rang me up at least half a dozen times enquiring whether you had reached safely,” said his grandpa and turning to ​the driver asked him to take the bag from the boy.

Pointing me out, the boy said “Thatha, this uncle who was seated by my side was very nice and concerned​ about my travelling alone asking me ​a lot of caring questions and bought me my breakfast​, fruit juice​ and lunch. He gave me ​his window seat too.”

Surprised​ and relieved at the new revelation, I saw the boy walking happily with his grandparents towards ​a big Toyota​ car. He turned towards me and shouted with a​ cheeky wink from a distance,” I am going to Malleswaram.​ Do not be worried.”