Morning madness

(My classmates will recall how I got inspired to write this)

Most of the Mumbaikars, living in or near the city are early birds... Or at least, have to be. We are awoken by our alarms, a sound we've learnt to hate. Waking up before the sun has risen is tough and we dislike it dearly... Unless there's something spectacular to look forward to during the day. We, the Mumbaikars, not fully awake without a hot cup of tea or coffee and a delicious good breakfast.

And so my journey begins the moment I step out of my door and walk towards the lift. I exit the building and the cold morning air hits me. Some are washing their cars, splish-splash, and there's water on the concrete ground as if it just rained. Making my way to the bus stop, I keep an eye out for coming buses, if there are any. I speed to the bus stop anyway. I then see a bus coming from a distance. Half a minute passes and it still appears to be afar. Is it stuck in time or just coming in slow-motion? The bus finally arrives and so, I hop in quickly and choose a good seat by the window. I take out the money for my ticket, the coins are all warmed up in my hand by the time the bus conductor comes to take it. He gives me my ticket. I look at my ticket for a few seconds before keeping it in my bag... Just another one for the already existing pile.

The wind is gushing in through the window. The bus driver has always wanted to be a racer. But at least I'll reach college faster if I'm alive at the end of this. Who am I kidding? I'm thoroughly enjoying the speed at which he's driving at.

I make "the sign of the cross" as I pass by the Church. I relax a little. But then I get anxious when I look at the time on my watch. I try to calm myself down by counting the numerous dogs on the sidewalk. They're out for their morning walk, along with some others jogging for a fitter lifestyle.
Most of the stores are closed, though many are beginning to open and set up for the day. I cover my nose and mouth at the sight of the garbage dump. And after it's away enough, I let out big sigh. I look out for my landmark building a little before my destination stop. Once I've passed it, I get up and get down.

I, then, walk across the junction, on a serious lookout for cars and bikes...To reach the other bus stop. As I'm waiting there, I try to observe and notice other people in the area who are on their own morning adventures.

A lot of us are anxious and in a hurry right from the start of the day. Our worry reflects on the clear expression on our faces. We're easily troubled by even the slightest of delay by any of the transports we rely on. Even the most trivial of extra space in between the 2 dominoes could spoil the chain reaction. Besides, a day begun well puts us in a good mood throughout the day. Or so, we believe.
Still dazed by the dreams of yesterday, we take on a new venture today. The first mission of the day being, of course, to reach on time to our schools, colleges or workplaces.

Waiting at the bus stop sometimes feel like forever. And to get to college, I mostly have to wait twice. Finally! I see the bus. I get in, pay for my ticket and get down. There isn't time to look out of the window and let my mind wander anymore.
From here on, it's by foot....a walk that lasts 3 mintues if you can walk at my pace.

On entering the college lane, I wear my ID Card and go through the college gates. I make a quick stop to the chapel and go to my class...Where I see my friends already seated at our desks. My class is the finish line to my morning madness.

There are some other classmates who just got here too, panting for breath. And when I see other students like me who made it on time, all I can tell them in my mind is, "Way to go, fellow racer, you've completed the race."