Majestic!!

As the clock neared 11 p.m., we arrived at Majestic bus stand, ready to embark on our journey to Madikeri. The night, draped in a yellow hue, held a special allure for me, reminiscent of the cold Bangalore evenings I so dearly missed. Unlike the early lights-out routine back home, the scene before us was vibrant and alive. Standing by the police station, we observed a diverse array of characters passing by under the soft glow of streetlights. An elderly woman, exuding a sense of calm and familiarity with the surroundings, caught our attention – a testament to her resilience and bold spirit. Meanwhile, shirtless figures stumbled past, their inebriation blurring the line between man and beast. Amidst the hustle and bustle of loading and unloading, the streets transformed into a chaotic symphony of buses, revelers, and law enforcement. Amidst this whirlwind, our bus, the ‘Ashwini’, beckoned us onward. Before bidding adieu to Majestic bus stand, we felt compelled to leave a small token of appreciation for the enigmatic old woman, a silent observer of two contrasting worlds intersecting in the night.