It was a very sunny day. I had reached Shimoga without any trouble—the early morning ride had helped.
By 1 p.m., my work was done. Home was the next destination. I had a choice. Ride on through the scorching sun… or wait it out. The rider in me didn’t think twice. I moved.
The stretch from Shimoga to Thirtahalli is a reminder of how kind nature can be. The trees take over. Their shade softens the harshness of the sun, almost as if the heat never existed. But like most things, it doesn’t last forever. The sun returned as I approached Thirtahalli.
I stopped at one of my favourite places—the bus terminal.Not just for rest. But also for something I enjoy deeply. Watching people. It was past 2 p.m. I sat on a bench, surrounded by movement… and yet, I decided to watch myself first. I wasn’t tired. Just thirsty. I reached for my water bottle… and then looked around. Everyone seemed to be carrying something.
The elderly man—perhaps the weight of responsibility for his family.
The young mother—quietly alert, protecting her infant.
The child—fighting his own little battle for a packet of chips.
And a few people… watching me. I let them. I walked to a nearby restaurant, filled my flask with tea, and opened what Manisha had packed for me—Theplas. A rider’s constant. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—it doesn’t matter.
And then, something caught my attention. The parking. Two-wheelers scattered without thought. No pattern. No concern. Just convenience. “Civic sense” felt like a distant idea. A middle-aged man walked up to his bike. He paused. His vehicle was trapped between two others. His irritation was immediate. He looked around, almost searching for someone to blame. He spoke aloud—about how people don’t care, how inconsiderate they are.
Then he acted. He moved the other bikes, carefully freeing his own. Finally, he pulled it out. Problem solved. Or so he thought. Because the two bikes he had moved…now stood right in the middle of the path. Blocking someone else.
He rode away.
His problem was over. Theirs had just begun. And I sat there… thinking.
How often do we demand consideration…without offering it?
How easily we correct the world for our inconvenience…but ignore the inconvenience we create.
Maybe it’s not ignorance. Maybe it’s just habit.
A way of life.
We expect the world to make space for us… but rarely pause to see if we’ve blocked the path for someone else
Good one. Much to be thought of. And you told us that you’ll wait or rest till the Sun moves down. I admire your energy and drive.
Savitha.
thank you Savita