It was a fine day. I decided to spend the evening at Connaught Place. I got a hundred rupees from my father. I left my house at 6 p.m. to catch the bus for Odeon.
I stood in a queue and waited anxiously for my turn but in vain. I joined those who were struggling on the door of the bus. With great difficulty I also got my chance to get into the bus. I got a seat. I saw a very old man standing besides me. He looked very sad. I got up and offered my seat to him.
The passengers inside the bus were talking loudly. Some were talking about politics. Some were talking of soaring prices. Others were discussing their personal problems. I was looking outside through the window. The journey was quite short. By now our bus reached Pant Hospital. Here many people got down. Many others boarded the bus. As usual, the bus moved on. An old lady began to feel giddy. She requested a young man to provide her with a seat. The proud young man refused flatly. This was very bad. We should show respect to ladies.
At the Ajmeri Gate, three passengers got down. They paid the fair. The conductor did not issue tickets to them. I got a chance. I said to the conductor,” You did not issue tickets to the passengers. You are dishonest.” With these words I pulled the chain. The bus stopped. Some other passengers called him a thief. The conductor was perplexed. I rebuked him. The dishonest conductor felt ashamed. He tore three tickets and threw them out. Again, the bus started.
The bus was now running in New Delhi. My destination was quite near. At Minto Road the driver applied the brakes suddenly. He saved a cyclist. All the passengers got a jolt. My head struck against a lady. She cursed me. I kept silent. I got down at Odeon.
Vocabulary
Perplexed—puzzled
Cursed—doomed to destruction
