Just A Bus Ride Away

How Baby became “smart”.

- Shyamala Shanmugasundaram

 

The sink was empty and so were the beds.

“The house is so quiet, madam,” commented Baby, grabbing a broom from the kitchen balcony.

“Sahib and kids have gone camping. I am going to be free for two days. Take me somewhere… I want to go by bus …” said Tara, folding a pillow case.

Baby scowled. “But you have a car. Why do you want to travel by bus?”

“I have never travelled by bus all my life,” said Tara. “My whole life has been in cars, jeeps, bikes and aeroplanes.”

“Lucky life… I tell you,” said Baby. “Where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere....Where will you take me?”

“Today is Friday. I will take you to the weekly fair on MG road,” said Baby. “Are you sure you want to go? It is going to be crowded.”

“I am definitely coming. My husband and kids feel I am too fragile and naïve to be travelling by buses. I am going to prove them wrong.”