I usually get up early in the morning. I set the alarm at 5A.M and get up at once as soon as it starts ringing. But the other day I got up late. It was Friday morning. My mother was busy preparing my breakfast and lunch in the kitchen. She thought I was up and getting ready for the school in my room.

When I woke up it was already past six. I rushed to the toilet. I had my bath in great haste and almost gobbled up my breakfast. I ran to the bus-stop. There was no other student waiting for the bus. It took me no time to realize what had happened. I had missed the school bus. But I did not want to miss the school. On that day I had to participate in an inter class debate and a new lesson had to be begun.

Had I not overstayed in the birthday party of my friend that night. I would not have missed the bus. I could not take a lift on a two wheeler scooter because I had no helmet. A few days earlier helmet was made compulsory for the pillion rider.

I was in a fix. I did not know what to do. I had not brought money enough to pay to a three wheeler. And the school was about 10Km. form there. The local buses were over crowded. People were hanging outside. Some others were on the foot-board. But then I decided to board a bus. As soon as a bus stopped, I entered from the front door. The driver knew my problem and so did not object. I stood in a corner with my big school bag, water bottle and lunchbox.

Somehow I obtained a ticket. I passed on the fare to a passenger. He passed on to another, and he to yet another. It was a kind of relay race for a ticket. The conductor sent me the ticket in the same method. At every stop there were more passengers. Women passengers entered the bus. They were all from a slum colony and going on their domestic work. They were giving out a bad smell. It became difficult for me to breathe. I turned towards the window and had some deep breaths. I was squeezed between these ladies.

I heaved a sigh of relief when the bus stopped at my school bus stop. I jerked myself out. In the effort my school uniform got spoiled. However, I thanked my stars. The morning assembly was already over. The ten minutes of the first period were already past. The teacher was busy in teaching. Somehow, I managed to draw his attention and sought his permission to enter the class. He very kindly allowed me to enter and I almost slumped in my chair. For the next few movements my heart beat loudly.