Ever since the last decade, Delhi
has tasted different flavors of changing lifestyle and daily travelling is its
integral part. This would not have been possible without contributions of Delhi
Metro. Making the city far more connected and accessible, it becomes a mute
spectator of everyday’s hustle and bustle of the city. One can find it amusing
to see people hurrying to park their cars for boarding their train. The
stations at the office hours become best ground for marathon which people even
end up getting sandwiched between the train gates. However, the life inside is
a different one. For some it is an opportunity to relax while some complete
their unfinished tasks. But for someone like me it is a good time for interaction
with different people. Here, I share with you some moments with my metro friend,
Parul.
Parul like many young students has
recently made her way to the city of Delhi. It was wonderful to learn about her
commitment to studies and was equally inspirational to know how she persuaded her
family to send her to Delhi for higher education. We meet almost every day now
and shared world of things with each other. But today she seems utter pale and jaded.
She is unusually silent and neither reading nor listening to music. Assuming it
to be a hectic day for her, I too did not disturb her. Days passed, I got busy
with my assignments and probably she too got engaged with hers. Right after two
months I heard the same perky voice and was elated to see Parul, gleaming. I
was too impatient to wait further and straight away asked, “Parul? What had
happened that day? Are you alright?” All of a sudden her expressions changed
and she wore a serious look. I was disgusted of my stupidity but before I could
redo my act she broke her silence and began describing her day in Mehrauli. I was
aware of her utmost passion about heritage and archaeological sites. I was also
aware about the historic city of Mehrauli and the way it has hidden away about
thousand years of Delhi’s past. I could feel how ecstatic she might have been
amid the mysterious ruins of Archaeological Park or hearing the mesmerizing history
of Qutub Complex. But, I mused whether her explanation was anyways leading to
the question I had asked her. However, I could not afford to interrupt her for I
noticed the way she had immersed herself in the narration. So, I let her
continue:
“I was very excited for the Sunday
morning, got ready, left the hostel, took the first metro to leave Dilshad metro
station and was happy to be able to make on time for Mehrauli Walk. About three
hours later although our group dispersed but I remained captivated with the awe
the city carried. I could see lofty Qutub Minar at a close distance and wondered
how I could leave without visiting it. The bus took me there and left me more
amazed and stunned for it was not just the Qutub Minar, world’s tallest free
standing stone tower but entire span of Delhi Sultunate ready to be explored
through its mind boggling architectural remains scattered throughout the complex.
The place was expectedly full of buzz but its huge area had well absorbed the
crowd. I did not care about the hot sun, rushed to the booth, got my audio
guide and began discovering the place. So excited I was until I tripped against
the hidden pit in the grassy cover. I believe the pit was due to thrust from a water
pipe. The jerk my ankle got was so hard that I could hardly walk thereafter. I
tried to move to a shady tree. Minutes after, I felt as if I was in a deep sleep.
I could not recall where I was. Oh! That was Alai Minar in front. It was only a
moment while I was looking how badly the things I had been holding were littered
on the floor when I heard mixed voices from a group of three nasty men indicating
my fall. Things were very clear now, I had lost my consciousness and for
sometime memory as well. I did not want to highlight how vulnerable I was and
so stood up and moved ahead. Shockingly, at my third step I lost my balance again
and banged my head against a thick tree. Although I could save my consciousness
this time but my mind was numb and my body lacked strength. More than that, I
could not comprehend the ongoing situation. I did not know what to do as I feared
another fall if I stood up. I could not remain static either for I had to brave
the notorious males as well. For the first time I had lost my self confidence. These
few hours taught me how it feels to be a marginalized. I was a ‘disabled’ ‘female’.
Soon, I had to leave the place I had so eagerly entered.”
Parul was approaching her station
and with a tear rolling down her cheek I heard her muttering, “No, I will not
be revealing this incidence to anyone for I do not want to be suggested not to move
to the heritage sites. What if I am called back to my hometown? I know they
would definitely ask me not to move alone. I won’t be able to bear any speculations
about the way I dressed that day. I would not digest any malign gossip about my
character. I do not want them to add further ifs and buts to the situation. I
do not understand….. ”
Parul got off the train infuriated.
I kept probing myself why a UNESCO recognized site is without security guards? How
callous people are, that they could not lend their genuine support to her. Parul could manage things but how
would have been the reaction of a different girl to the same happenings? Was it
Parul’s deteriorated health or her realization of the patriarchal ambience most
disturbing to her? Would have she said the same things if she was a male? With further
questions floating, I too got off at my station but the metro moved ahead.
| Notice the trees and Alai Minar adjacent to each other. |
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