In a train while returning from Cannington after submitting my nth rental application,I am cocooned in the quite preoccupied calm of my fellow commuters. A youngster next to me checking Facebook in Arabic text breaking into guffaws now and then, a man in suit sat opposite me with the grave awe of a CEO not sparing a moment running his company in his head( who probably owns a mansion with a bustling family somewhere I have probably avoided for exorbitant rental rates), a lady with tattoos and metal jewellery with a good head of blond hair listening to a music matching her attire, and few others who look like they are on their way back home after their work hours.
Just about when it feels like the doors are going to close and before we could all slip into the supine rhythm of the train moving, a rotund man comes in. Holding on to a bag he mumbles and sits down on the priority seat and exclaims
” Hello mate! Nice to meet you all mate! Gotta go home! Got work to do at home! Tutututu..gotta go home..got a lot to do mate..tutu.” The CEO cringes in suspicion and discomfort. Others just look up from their books and gadgets indifferently. I avoid looking directly at him like he is radioactive and concentrate on the shoe of a guy reading the booklet of Perth July train delays, wondering if he is drunk and what unfinished business does he have at home..
He however goes unabated” tututu..” and on reaching the next station as the prompt announces “Next stop Claisebrook” he chimes “Next stop Claisebrook good job!! Tutu..” And on reaching as the doors open and the passengers shuffle there way out.He bids them" Claisebrook good job. See you tomorrow mate. Have a great day mate.” Which is ignored. Then on reaching Oats street he yet again iterates “ Next Stop oats street. Good job! Tutu.” And he gives an equally enthusiastic adios to Oats street passengers.
I couldn't help smiling at this open appreciation of the Public transport efficiency and courtesy for strangers. Probably he has a disability for which a system has been worked out to make him appear friendly and harmless to public while being able to reach his destination without confusion. Anyways as he continued undeterred he began getting response from fellow commuters as they greeted him back. And just as I was wondering if he remembers where he is supposed to get off. The prompt announces next stop Queens park! He heaves himself up gleefully “ah that’s my stop. See you tomorrow mate. Have a great day mate.” Everyone beamed nodding and greeting back.
He left a warm feeling behind. A mixture of grace ,pride and love. And a journey to remember by.
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