It’s said, Friends are better than family, as we can chose them.
Route 2M, a cryptic name for some has emerged as a god given family to us. Each one of us has found a relation which has been our support when we were dull, has given us strength when we were tired and given us hope when we were lost in disillusions of corporate world.
Every member in this family has a beautiful role to play in our life which makes it a whole. From Lata mangeshkars of the world to Sachin Tendulkars, from great gamblers to “Ghar ki Bahus”, all cheer up for each other, for five days morning & evening for 1.30 hours.
The length of journey, which is unbearable for non family members who rarely get to sleep, is enviously very short for our family, as we have never felt the pain of non adjustable seats of the royal brand.
A true representation of multi cultural India, with a conglomeration of Punjab, UP, Himachal, Bihar, but the common religion which ties us together is a single word, enjoyment. Every day is sparked by the brilliantly imagined game plans, whether it is drawing the road side signals on a touch screen, to dumb charades, cut the cake, UNO, antakshari and recent additions like volley ball, clap at 3 and dictionary.
Extending this spirit are numerous parties for birthdays, Roka, engagements where members celebrate their happiness. Saviors for these treats range from temptations, grilled sandwiches, patties but the venue is always the same, our not so hygienic but a very warm spirited bus, where we are not charged on a per plate basis. It is an open house, where we can snatch from each others hand but it is ensured the driver always gets a share for bearing the loud voices and longs waits on the stops when some members are late.
Work pressure, boss problems, personal issues are never discussed within the group but are every day replaced by jokes, leg pulling, a melodious song and special dance parties on numerous occasions. It makes us feel the comfort of home, before reaching our own families. Bahu’s feel free to dance, sing and enjoy forgetting silence & shyness they have to maintain at home and married men for once just forget that they are tied to commitments. Our spirit has encouraged some shy members to dance on an unimaginable dance floor and reacting to the video coverage as if he/she would soon be on television.
A family which is hard to part with, a family which is always there for us and a family where we can be what we are, is our family No. 1..the Route 2M family!!
Dedicated to all the members of my family who have shared with me a great bond, the Route 2M bond!!
