As the college day function stretched into the evening, I could feel my restlessness growing, especially as the clock inched closer to 8:30 PM.
Back in the 1980s, it was the norm for girls to be home by 7 PM. I had however, managed to persuade my parents to loosen that rule just this once. As class representative, it was my duty to stay until everyone had left, and I had promised them that the program would wrap up by 8.
Living in a middle-class home meant there was no landline, so I couldn’t call to let them know I was still at college. I wouldn’t be surprised if my mother, gripped by concern, had already sent my father to look for me.
Even though my house was only a twenty-minute walk away, my mother firmly believed it wasn’t safe for a nineteen-year-old girl to walk alone at night. Her concerns were genuine. The buildings in the area were sparsely populated. Silence enveloped the poorly lighted path.
To make matters worse, my friend Shilpa, the only other classmate who lived nearby and usually accompanied me to college, was sick with a virus.
Arriving at the deserted, poorly-lit bus stop quickened my heartbeat. I started reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, that my grandmother had taught me, as I waited anxiously for the bus.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man in his twenties appeared, and his bearded face combined with his leering gaze made my skin crawl. He stepped closer, blowing air through his lips in an unsettling manner. I instinctively took a step back, but he closed the distance between us.
Lighting a cigarette, he puffed the smoke my way, making my heart race even faster. Thoughts of sprinting home flashed through my mind, but I quickly realized that given his athletic build, I wouldn’t stand a chance, especially in the eerie stillness of the neighbourhood.
“Waiting for a ride, are you?” he sneered, a smirk creeping across his lips. “Don’t pretend you’re innocent. I know girls like you are just looking for a rich guy on a bike or in a car. Come with me; I can take you to a fantastic pub.” He edged closer, gripping my upper arm firmly, and I could feel the warmth of his breath wash over me. He winked mischievously.
A wave of paralyzing fear washed over me, leaving me frozen in place and on the brink of fainting.
Just then, I noticed two familiar figures emerging from a side street’s shadows.
“Aunty!” I exclaimed, instantly recognizing the Shenoy couple from my building.
“Waiting for the bus at this hour?” Uncle asked, shooting a disapproving look at the man, who promptly recoiled upon seeing my acquaintances.
I told them about the college event.
“Come with us; we’re on our way home after a sermon,” Aunty offered, instantly dispelling my anxiety.
Walking back safely with this warm couple brought immense relief to both my parents.
What a terrifying night it had been!