The School Bus
Mornings and afternoons were the happiest times of the day for Ajay. Why??
Because that was the school bus time !!!
Adventure would start with the moment he stepped into the bus, rush to sit on the last seat, excitement of meeting bus friends, chattering, giggling, mischievous glances exchanged escaping the eyes of teachers, puzzle time, stealing water from bottles, playing tippi tippi top, stone paper scissor and what not ! It was never ending fun. Ajay would start waiting for the school bus time as soon as he stepped out of the bus.
Years went by, everyone grew up. Games changed to serious discussions and debates. Chattering and giggling changed to last moment revisions, Some love stories blossomed and some hearts were shattered, but that smile on entering the bus remained….on every face. Ajay lived it all.
In all these years, numerous experiences from school bus journeys transformed Ajay. He nourished and cherished his only dream during those 45 minutes of bus time. It was time to finally see his dream becoming a reality. The sweetest ever reality of his life would happen today. He could not contain his excitement, and glanced at the needles of watch going around the dial. Like kids in his school bus called all important days, today was the “D Day” for Ajay!
He got into the driver’s seat of his school bus and turned towards the passenger’s door. A six year old stepped in. Crisp white shirt, grey shorts, belt with the school emblem, shining black shoes, brand new school bag on the back and a water bottle in hand, exactly as Ajay had envisioned in his mind. Child looked nervous. It was evident that it was his first day of school, away from home into the unknown.
Ajay gave a reassuring smile to the child and said, “Welcome to the school bus son, a new world with endless fun awaits you, embrace it”.
Ajay drove off to the next stop, to pick other kids. Smile refusing to leave his lips. His son will now experience the school bus journeys that he had always dreamt for himself.
Who says that living your dreams through your child is a crime?
