06 May 2010, Thursday.
I was very tired and got up late.. I got into 9:46 Panvel local from Juniagar. Asusual, I was standing near the gate (for mobile range) of Ist class compartment, talkng to Amma on mobile & didn't notice fellow commuters.
Just afer 10 seconds, a senior person's voice aired "Whether Next Station is Seawoods ?"
The familiar 'Iyer Accent' in voice forced me to look at that person. (Better I should address the person as 'Mama' than 'He' - sometimes English fails to convey the respect in relations, i feel.)
Mama was senior citizen, aroung 65 years old, Palakkad Iyer, wearing whilte shirt and dhoti, forehead was covered with Tiruneer (Bhasmam). Anybody can easily understand he's new to Mumbai from the behaviour.
"Coming station is Nerul. Seawoods is next to that. I'll tell you when to get down", I answered with respect in 'Talayalam' to Mama & continued talking to Amma.
One minute before reaching Nerul station my mobile conversation ended, once again I looked at Mama & iterated my words for him.
Just then TTE came to us & asked out tickets... Mama & other three passengers were having IInd class ticket. I noticed it as TTE didn't gave ticket back & asked Mama whether he's having IInd class ticket.
Mama answered "Yea. I'm having IInd class ticket - Is this Ist class compartment ?!! I didn't know..."
By this time train stopped at Nerul & TTE was taking down all of them along with him. Mama was getting down very slowly due to age & he was continuing the words to me "... I got in from Vashi. I don't know language also. How I'll explain them that it was a mistake...??!!!"
I just thought to get down to help the senior person who does not even know how prpoer language, but before that train started & people rushed in to the gate...
I felt angry over myself than helpnessnes.
Two thoughts were haunting me till Belapur :
1. I could have got down and helped him, atleast to convey what he had to say.
2. The person who left him at Vashi (his son/daughter) could have atleast given him a Ist class ticket till Seawoods, If he/she could not accompany till destination for support. Isn't it so cruel to treat the seinor persons of our Home like this ??
The thoughts remained as unanswered questions in me as I walked fast to Office ...!
