Of fumbles, faux pas and solo travelling to Chandigarh

Since my first visit to Chandigarh on a school trip, it had been my dream to pursue higher studies in the City Beautiful.  Some years later it came true when I secured admission to mass communication and journalism course in Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Admission process over, it was time to leave my hometown Phagwara and leave for Chandigarh, where I was to stay for next couple of years.

I had never travelled alone ever. I was also reserved and shy by nature, so I kept on delaying my trip, missing my initial classes due to the fear of travelling to a new city alone. After days of procrastination and scolding by parents, I finally gathered courage, packed my bags, and got on a bus to Chandigarh.

After a few minutes, the conductor asked for my Aadhar card. After some hesitancy, I opened my bag, searched for it, and handed it to him. Avoiding any eye contact with him, I started looking outside the bus. After waiting for a few seconds, the conductor said, “O, dassida vee hunda ke jana kithe aa” (You are also supposed to tell where you have to go), resulting in laughter among nearby passengers. Embarrassed, I mumbled, “Ch .. Chandigarh”.

Perhaps, the conductor understood I was nervous, because after that he was quite helpful throughout the journey.

It has been two years since my first solo trip, now I travel between Chandigarh and Phagwara frequently. But every time I catch a bus from my hometown, the memory of this incident still brings a smile to my face.

Muskaan, Phagwara