*A Slice Of Life*:Inspirational Stories and real life Incidences.

With globalisation touching every sphere of our lives, things are coming in simplified forms. Earlier we had bullock carts as a chief mode of transport, then we progressed to cycle, buses and ships, than came the railways and now we have a luxury of numerous choices like Plaes, Luxury Cars, Costly Cruise Ride, Copter travel and what not..

Our wish is technology's command. Man has realised the importance of time and to save it we have discovered numerous ways.

Earlier, when a scooter or cycle was the newest mode of transport in India, it was fun watching the whole family on a Bajaj Scooter, which had it own charm. People did innovations too to accommodate more members.

The 'side car' in 'Sholey' became very popular and inspired many to have one. Today, the popular mode of transport is either railway or bus.

That day, after a long time, I had a adventurous ride in our city bus. People
usually prefer their own vehicle for the sake of convenience in city and buses are the secondary choice.

that day my Jeeb gave me a morning shock when it was't ready to start. As nobody was there at home, I decided to pick an auto rickshaw, but that day nothing was going my way. It was a strike day for auto drivers and now I was left with the only optio0n of a bus. After a full half an hour wait, finally the queen of transport arrived at her own will. After much juggling, I was fortunate to get a seat since being a day of trike, the rush was a bit heavy. But as I looked around, I got to see different people struggling to find a seat and I thanked God for sympathising with my aching legs. I was sharing my seat with a hefty woman in her 50s who had occupied 3/4th of the seat and was more interested in reading a gossips magazine. Adjoining my seat was a couple sitting discussing the budget of the house. They were discussing the pros and cons of the recently announced General Budget. Wife said, "It's high time now that the Government eased the price of LPG which is skyrocketing each month. From tomorrow, I won't allow anyone to heat water on gas burner, it's better to buy an electric rod",

The husband interrupted, "But then we would have to pay a hefty electric bill". Both of them concluded that the government was making our lives more miserable.

two ladies sitting in a corner were discussing the latest episode of "Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki" and the changing fashion trend. A young lad was constantly engaged in his mobile phone.

A vegetable vendor lady was siting near my feet and was wearing a very charming smile, which forced me to start a conversation. I asked her how much geggies does she manage to sell in a day and what is the profit margin. She replied, "Bai, as the summer is approaching it is difficult to keep the vegerables fresh, so I deliberately buy less from the wholesale market. And as far as the profit margin is concerned, I get Rs.100/- per on an average, but the margin may dwindle each day".

She said she gets irritated when someone bargains on the price. "What we get as a profit is a very meagre amount madam, but still some people do not realise this. It is very difficult to manage a family in Rs 100/- daily where there are numerous school going kids. But I am satisfied that atleast I am doing my best for my family and is not at the mercy of others"...!!

There was a satisfying smile on her face, which was very contagious and I too wore a big smile when I got down from the bus as I had seen a different shade of life..!! I must thank my vehicle that it refused to budge from its perch that gave me the opportunity to see different hues of life in a crowded city bus........