Travelling through air had always been my luxurious ticket out to the worldof relaxation.I had my vacations and was so excited to head home where my darling parents would wait for me under the shady coconut trees and where I could relish myself with the spicy,savoury home-made delicacies..mmm..

But all my excitement died out when the flight was delayed by 2 hours.The wait was too long and the flight made me hope I wouldn’t throw up!Finally the apalling experience ended when I stepped down on the grounds of my homeland-Kerala-God’s own country.Aah!The air was so refreshing!As I was picking up my baggage,I got the horrendous news that it was a Bandh!In the local language “bandh” means “shut down” and literally everything shuts down!The shops,the schools,private transport everything!The state of Kerala is very influenced by the reign of politicians and so, to allot a day for a strike is not a big deal. But I assumed nothing could possibly stop the government transportation.

I was perplexed thinking how I would beat the 5 hours journey to get home. My prayers were answered when I saw the red and yellow stripped public bus.I jumped in and kept my belongings close to me and smiled,feeling relieved that I’m finally going home!

All the districts in Kerala had a bus station and all the buses including mine, halted there,for a minute or two. The last stop for the bus was in Kottayam, which was still far away from my destination.Kottayam is also known as one of the hubs for the youngsters, like Trivandrum and Ernakulam.However,it looked rather abandoned because of the strike. The time was 8:45 pm.I was very pleased when I got down thinking I would find buses from the station, which would pass by my place.Knowing the sure possibility, I went upto the four-eyed station master.With sheer confidence,I asked him for the timing of the next bus.

He gave me a subtle look and explained that there are no buses to my place as it was already 9:00 pm and for the fact that it was a strike day too. Even if the station master had told me that there are no buses from other district bus stations, I would have agreed to him because night life do not exist in most of the districts. People at my place go to bed by 9 pm as most of them are farmers and blue collared workers. But I never listed Kottayam in that category! Well then, there I stood with my backpack and a trolley bag in that bus station. I could see vague figures of people from a distance. Calling for a cab was the last option,where the charges would be rocketing for night rides. I blamed the airlines for being late and made up my mind never to travel in it for good!I was even more frustrated because I couldn’t blame the democratic population of the state for initiating the damn strike as I never knew the pathetic reasons behind it!

As I began to look for a seat to relax a bit and then take a decision, I heard the sound of a bus. ‘Fast Passenger to Trivandrum’ – The driver turned his bus towards the station and stopped in front of me. He looked at me and smiled. There was something different about his smile,like it said, “Get in, I’ve come for you”. I ran towards the conductor to ask if the bus goes to my district,Pathamanthitta.

The answer was no.

While I was turning back, the conductor called out saying that he could drop me to the next bus station. It was a relief because I was getting nearer to home and even if I catch a cab from there, the price would be digestible. I jumped in. But I was positive that there would not be even a single bus in that station,waiting for me.My expectation was true when the driver dropped me. He again gave me a smile and this time it was telling me “Don’t worry”.I smiled back. It was pitch dark and the evils of the night creeped into my veins.All that time, I was so worried about getting home that I didn’t realise the dangers of the night.I was all alone and I had baggage.I was a traveller and now, a victim of an easy crime.The owl,the crickets and the bats were warning me of the silent night.I was now worried for my safety too.As the bus faded out around the corner, the lonely bus station and I,faced each other. Even though I knew deep within me that I have to call someone to get me a taxi, I walked towards the counter hoping to find a bus. I saw a group of conductors settling down their daily collection, and some bidding goodbyes and calling it a day. Asking them,would really be in vain; but with little hope left in me and a shrivelled look,I spoke out. Somewhere in their small huddle, a man raised a voice saying “There’s a bus starting from this stop at 9:45 pm.”I never knew what to say or how to react! I was struck with joy! Never in my life had I expected a bus to start from this deserted station at 9:45 pm, which was actually midnight for many villagers.

I waited patiently for the bus and was eager to see the person who gave me this information- this hope! I saw a driver in a bus setting up the location board. I was so happy to see the name of my district written in my mother tongue after four years.I sighed in relief!Before I set any false expectations,I confirmed by asking the driver whether the bus would go to my stop. The driver’s reply was that he was a new guy and he does not know the name of the bus stops. Even the conductor was unaware of it. But I wasn’t worried on hearing that, as I knew that the only bus route of that district lies in front of my house.As I got in, I realised that I was the only passenger in that government bus!Hehe..Talk about a lavish treatment!

I sat near the window, feeling the air and enjoying the beauty of paddy fields with little lights glowing here and there. The conductor kept smiling at me.After half an hour, the bus slowly halted right in front of my house. The whole place was dark with no street lights. I never thought I could reach home in a bus meant to drive only me.

I saw my mother and father standing at the doorstep,looking out for me. I was so excited to be in the whole mind rattling situation!I definitely went through a roller coaster ride of emotions that day.I still couldn’t stop thinking of the government bus and the conductor who never knew the way. An everyday government bus only stops at certain bus points and never in front of a house.The level of luxury was too immense to be told out!I was the privileged one!The bus then slowly started moving and I turned to see the conductor.I saw that smile again, and it told me “Son, you’re home”. The bus made its way through the dark roads and I walked towards home.

At that moment I knew I saw Him,I saw God..