You know, I believe our public transport system is the real reason behind India's burgeoning population. 'Really! Care to enlighten me?'

Far from the maddening crowd

'If you have been inside one of those blueline buses, you know what a tight squeeze it can be - people packed in like sardines in the most awkward postures. Anything can happen when the driver applies the brakes.'
'So you believe some rearguard action is the need of the hour?'

'Spot on!'
'You know how demented you are?'

'Are you referring to my fashion sense or my mental status?'

'I wouldn't dream of calling someone pairing a Rebok t-shirt with Gus trousers old-fashioned.'

'You noticed that? God! I am going to sue these guys!'

'But why this sudden ranting against public transport? That's all you can afford, right?'

'I am just waiting for my dad's next appraisal. But the roads are in such a mess that I never feel like going out these days.'

'And you don't.'

'And this CWG lane driving muddle is such a pain. It's like the BRT Gordian knot multiplied by four.'

'Take the Metro dude!'

'Yeah, but I've first got to reach the Metro station, which is like three kilometres away. And have you seen the crowds these days inside the trains? Getting in or out is not your call; you've got to follow the larger public opinion.'

'But you are ufffdwhat ufffda 115 kilos? If anyone can influence public opinion, it's you. Throw your weight around a bit.'

'I just need a bit of space for myself; otherwise I get claustrophobic.'

'You could visit the CWG venues next month. I think you'll find the ambience to your liking.'

'Seriously dude, it's such a mess! Everyone is pulling out.'

'At least India's medals tally should look good.'

'How does it matter dude? Whether the CWG is a success or not, we will be paying the price for the next 20-25 years in the form of raised taxes and collapsing infrastructure.'

'On the brighter side, the city is likely to be a lot less cramped in the coming years. At least the immigration factor should get straightened out. I mean anyone who reads the papers would think twice before moving to the nation's capital.'

'So we should be thanking Sheila Dikshit and Kalmadi and company?'

'Yeah! Together they are a more potent force than Genghis Khan or Mahmud of Ghazni. History will remember them; Delhiites certainly will.'

'Oh! I got to get home. Dude, will you drop me.'

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