Train of thought

I was running late for a discussion I had to attend in town.I rushed through some household chores, got dressed and left. After a hectic ticketing ordeal I managed to run and catch the train to my destination.I caught my breath, plugged in my music and settled into my seat.I was enjoying the train ride looking around and letting the lyrics define the mood. 

As the train pulled into the next stop I saw a disheveled lady from the window. She soon clambered into the compartment and took up the seat next to mine. I observed her feet, 2-3 pairs of socks put on along with her slippers. The legs of her trousers seemed inflated,like she`d put on a fat suit. No-wonder, as I noticed she was probably wearing every apparel she`d ever possessed. She had a smile on her dirt covered face,a mischievous grin as she looked at us and the shiny things. Unperturbed, I listened to my music.The train halted and there was a whiff of a foul odour. We realized it came from her. Cutting through my strawberry lotion and citrus lip balm; it was repulsive, that stench of ugliness, of everything dirty about the human body. I moved uneasily in my seat.My lunch came right upto my throat.My brain ordered me out of there,but my heart sank and pinned me to my seat.

What had just happened? Did I just stoop so low to devalue and disrespect that human being in front of me? To treat her like an untouchable,inhuman object? Does her physical and mental state rob her of dignity? No. It was I who`d just done it. I had to make this right, and so I consciously did not even shift from my seat. While in my train of thought, I accidentally touched her with my foot. In an instant reflex, I apologized graciously in the Indian way of putting your hand to your heart and your mouth.She smiled at the gesture,a dignified smile at that.I felt redeemed.

As the last stop approached another lady sitting next to me accidentally stepped on her foot and did the same apologetic gesture. She smiled yet again. She seemed content.She found something she was looking for.

We all got down as the train pulled into the last station. I watched her blend in and become one with the sea of humanity. I looked around and smiled - I loved the people that make Mumbai.