Ms. S

Ms. S was a mystery woman. She was one lively woman. Charming face, deep black eyes, dusky beauty - typical south-indian/baung features. She didn't have a nice physique but there was an aura around her. I met her in the bus I used to travel from Noida to Shahdara during my summer internship. When I first saw her, she caught my attention in a crowded bus. I was literally struggling to find some space for me to stand in the bus. She saw me in that state and gave a sweet smile. I returned the same. I thought here was a lady who was quite used to traveling like this unlike me. I didn't pay much attention to her after that. Next day, I saw her in the bus in Shahdara. I instantly recognized her and acknowledged her presence. Even she did the same. I sat besides her and then began our conversation.

I realized she was a friendly and warm person. She didn't take much time to tell me all about her family. She was married to a punjabi guy. It was a love marriage. They met through a common friend. She went on to tell her childhood stories and her family problems. I never questioned her much and was quite content in listening to her. I would answer her questions and give a few comments if she asked for them. It somehow seemed quite apparent that she didn't have a child as generally a talkative woman can't live without talking about her child. And one fine day she disclosed a painful aspect of her life. She had given birth to a boy that could not survive for long. For the first time I saw that cheerful face getting transformed into a forlorn one. I didn't know how to react or what to say. I was taken aback by two things; firstly, her telling a stranger about the most sensitive part of her life and secondly, the thought that it could have happened to her. From that moment I started respecting her for her spirit, determination and her devotion to family.

I couldn't see her during my last week of summer internship. I missed my seat partner talking to her widowed mother in malayalam every morning to enquire about her well-being. I really wish I can be so enthusiastic, full of life and family-oriented married working woman who lives life on her own terms.

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