The Bus

The bus crawled along the busy road, bullying its way through motorcycles, autos and cars. The driver was clearly aware it overflowed with passengers; he could see some of his braver countrymen hanging from the windows. It tilted to one side like a leaning tower, an extra rider or two enough to topple it. Yet, neither the driver nor the conductor made any effort to lighten their load. Students, workers and housewives jostled for place inside; there were only a fifth as many seats as there were passengers. Elbows, knees, fists and ferocious glares were just some of the weapons employed as they clung on to their hard fought positions. There was barely enough space to breathe. Bodies rubbed against each other and sweat intermingled; the nausea was almost tangible. Public transport in India is not for the weak of heart or the claustrophobic.