Neil's car had broken down and was without a vehicle for a week. He decided to use public transport to commute to and from his office. Since he hadn't travelled using public transport for a few years now, he wasn't aware of the peak hour rush.
The buses in Mumbai are packed with commuters during office hours. Neil was waiting for the bus at the nearest stop. The bus arrived and he saw the morning rush. He pushed and shoved the others to get into the bus so that he doesn't get late to work. He was regretting his decision of not opting for Uber and being adventurous. After more pushing and shoving inside the bus, he was able to rest his back against a pole for better support. The next stop arrived, and a few people got down, but more got in. He was 15 stops away from his destination. The journey continued.
While resting against the pole, he felt an object poking the left side of his tummy, which was making him uncomfortable. He looked to his left and saw that it was a thick wooden (clothes) hanger that was in a woman's shopping bag that was brushing against him. He requested the woman to move the bag a little away, which she did and apologized.
The next stop came, and more people got in. The lady was pushed towards Neil and the object was now pressing more against his body. He looked towards the woman to complain but saw that she was struggling to stand still, let alone adjust the bag. The passenger standing ahead of Neil moved forward to get down, and Neil offered the woman the spot to stand in front of him as it was more comfortable. She thanked Neil and took a step forward. She was struggling a little, so Neil held her by her wrist and helped her get in front.
The bus wasn't moving due to traffic, and he had yet 10 more stops to cross. He was reading his email on his mobile when he found a sudden push from behind. This made him lose his balance and he pressed against the lady's body standing in front. He apologised to her and explained what had happened. The woman didn't react, remembering how kind Neil was to make her comfortable in front of him. He got another push from behind, and he caught hold of the woman's arm for support. He apologised to her right away. The woman, rather than raging in anger, turned her head and smiled.
"I believe you don't use public transport every day. People pushing each other is very common on buses, so stop apologizing" She tried to make him feel better.
" Thanks for being so understanding! And yes, I don't use public transport often". He smiled.
" You can rest your hands on my shoulder for better support" offered the lady.
Neil wasn't sure about this as people in India were still very conservative, and he didn't want any unwanted heat from his fellow passengers.
Lowering his head close to the lady's ears so that he could be more discreet he said.
"I am uncertain if people around us will see this as a great Idea. They will surely question our actions" He tried to sound convincing.
The lady shook her head in approval and after a long pause, she gestured Neil to get his ear closer so that she could whisper something to him.
"Listen, I know you have a valid point here, But I want to help you too, so why don't you hold my hips for the support it will be discreet. I don't want you falling over me all the time" She had a devilish grin on her face.
Neil was still having second thoughts about the suggestion as holding her hip wouldn't be very helpful from a support point, but when he got a push again, he let his hand rest over the ladies' hips.
She turned her head behind and smiled. Neil too blushed, feeling shy.
Neil had rested his left palm over the lady's hip. He was now curious to know more about her as his hand was enjoying the feel of her body. She had worn a traditional saree due to which her tummy was naked, and her breasts were covered by a blouse. Her hair was tied in a bun, and her Dupatta (A long cloth that is part of a saree) was covering Neil's hand. He wanted to touch her tummy but was scared to cross the line.
Neil was surprised when he felt the lady grab his hand and place it on herΒ naked tummy. She didn't say anything, nor gave out a reaction, but continued to look forward.
Neil was enjoying how her skin felt. He wanted to do more but was still afraid, So he let his palm just rest there. The lady placed her hand over Neil's and squeezed it. Her tummy groped into his palms.