TRANSIT COMPANION
Everyday, except weekends, while going to attend (LINC) classes, if ever I miss
bus No. 10-S at 07.55 to Square One, I have to catch bus# 68-S at 08.10 from
Terry Fox-Bristol intersection. When rode, I always found a smart and ‘mod’ lady
of early thirties, sitting on the very first seat behind the driver, seeking
that perhaps at least today, I would occupy the seat just next to her. But I
always sat on the opposite direction, because I feel myself reluctant to adopt
Canadian customs and etiquettes so quickly.
With a bit louder voice, she always respectfully asks me, “Uncle ji, why didn’t
you come yesterday? What happened? Was there any problem?” With these continuous
questions, first I become red for I consider myself as young as 18+++ and she
calls me ‘uncle ji’, then become nervous because it is very frosty in the
morning these days – even breathing is frozen before a word is spoken and
thirdly, as you know, I stand an innocent and a shy person and it’s my weakness
to become more shy and nervous when I have to reply or talk to a young lady and
that too in the presence of others. So, in reply, with a very low voice almost
in a murmur I had to tell that the #10-S bus didn’t escape yesterday.
Not much long ago, one day when I was chasing the #19-S bus from City Centre
terminal onward to India Rainbow Community Services of Peel, I happened to meet
one of my school-mates, who also was waiting for the bus. We were just
exchanging formal IQs in our mother tounge yet the lady referred to above heard
us and jumped in by saying that she also was Punjabi and that she was a new
immigrant. She was non-stop and in a single breath she made a quite lengthy
yardage. At first, I didn’t pay any attention but later, since I stand habitual
of self-analyzing as well as to analyze others, after riding in the bus I began
to watch her, rather steer at her in such a way that none in the bus could
notice me.
Before I continue, I must mention here an example of research and analysis of a
person of old days who was on road towards a city. He saw an Arab coming from
city side, who seemed to be very upset and in a hurry.
When both met the Arab asked the alien,” My camel is lost. Did you see it on
your way”? In stead of replying ‘yes or no’ the alien cross questioned,” Does
you camel limb on front leg”? He said, “Yes”. The alien again asked, “Does your
camel blind in one eye”? He said, “Yes”. The alien further asked, “Is your camel
having 2 front upper teeth broken”? The Arab said,” Yes”. “I am sorry, I never
happened to see your camel on my way”, finally replied the alien.
On hearing the comments of the alien the Arab became perplexed. His nose became
thicker with a flow of very hot breath. He was in a fury and began to quarrel
with the alien, blaming that it was he (the alien) who stole his camel. By the
time, passersby gathered and the Arab nearly screamingly began to blame the
alien that he had stolen his camel.
The people took both of them to the city court. Both of them narrated their
stories before the judge. The judge steering at the alien asked,” How can you
give 100% hints and clues about camel’s physical conditions, if you have not
seen or stolen his camel”?
“My Lord”, said the alien, clearing his throat with minor cough, “Throughout my
way, I had been watching curiously everything around me because it was a very
new way and area for me. So during my walks (in old days, people used to travel
on foot) I could observe only 3 foot prints of the camel. Despite my utmost try
I couldn’t find the 4th foot print on the path. So, I was sure that a camel
passed through this way is lame”.
“And, how did you know that the camel is blind in one eye”? Asked the judge.
“The path I was walking on had trees on both sides of the trail. I observed that
the leaves of only left side of the trail were plucked. Leaves of trees of right
side of the trail were untouched and so I was confident that the camel is blind
in one eye only. If it had both eyes true, the animal would have plucked leaves
from both sides of the trail of trees”.
The judge began to weigh and appreciate the alien’s logic in his own mind. He
realized that the alien seemed not only innocent but an intelligent. But just to
complete the formality he asked,” And what would you say about camel’s teeth”?
Everyone else in the court was sure that the alien would not be able to
a reply in his defense.
“My Lord! While scrutinizing thoroughly and minutely the plucks of the leaves, I
found central remains of leaves untouched whilst side-ends were eaten. This
situation is only possible when there’s no instrument available in the mouth of
the camel. So I estimated that the camel did not have 2 upper teeth”.
“Why should I believe you”? Asked the judge.
The alien replied,” My Lord! This city and the area I passed through belong to
you. You can send your men to the site to check and clarify my observation.
That’s all I have to say”.
I wrote this example, just to let readers know how psychological research and
analysis work. I also gave this example not to misunderstand me while going
through my article.
Well, now coming back to the point, I had been watching her with the steeling
eyes. I noticed that she had fair complexion with sharp features, thin lips,
rich in sex and magical eyes full of lust. But one thing surprised me and that
was the blackish shade around both her eyes. Reading deeply I estimated that:-
1) She has not been able to sleep well in every night – perhaps; she does not
live with her husband. From the 2 lines around her neck I estimated that she was
in early thirties.
2) I estimated that she is a mother of at least 2 teenagers. I also found that
she remains upset – seems her circumstances do not favor her or are not in
accordance with her wishes.
3) I felt that she’s facing some problems – may be a domestic or financial or
otherwise.
4) I also felt that probably she’s a heart-patient.
This was my spot reading. Gradually by the passage of time whenever we happened
to see each other on the bus, she confirmed my reading as under:-
“Uncle ji, you are right, I live alone with my family of 2 children. We came to
Canada all together with my husband. He has gone back to India because he is a
good transporter and he has to look after his business until he sells out all
the buses and vehicles and joins us in Canada. My elder son is nearly 15 and
he’s getting out of control. There’s no one with whom I could talk and share my
grievances. Just a month ago an electric-repair company hired me. They have not
paid my salary as yet. Though I have no financial problems as my husband sends
money yet I am worrying for my salary. Sometimes I feel heart pains, such as;
heart sinking”.
Now it’s up to you to decide as if I was wrong or right in my study and
estimates.