A Disturbing Encounter on a Train Journey

An Unsettling Experience

On this particular day, the train was less crowded than usual. Surekha placed her office bag on an empty seat and settled down beside it.

In the entire compartment, apart from a few men, Surekha was the only woman present. It was nighttime, and the passengers appeared drowsy, leaning back in their seats, possibly chatting or dozing off.

Suddenly, a group of 3-4 transgender individuals entered the compartment, clapping their hands and demanding 5-10 rupees from the men.

Some passengers handed over the money quietly, while others mumbled in annoyance.

"Could you please spare us from this collection at night?"

Ignoring Surekha, they moved ahead.

The train made a brief stop, allowing a few boys to board, and then it sped off again. Surekha still had an hour to reach her destination.

A group of 4-5 boys gathered near Surekha, and one of them leered at her, saying, "Madam, you should move your bag; the seat is for sitting, not for your belongings."

His friends joined in with crude laughter.

Reluctantly, Surekha lifted her bag and squeezed into her seat.

The boys settled down next to her.

Surekha glanced at the two or three men sitting across from her, but they pretended she didn’t exist.

One of the boys ran his finger along Surekha's arm, while the others encouraged him with their lewd laughter.

"Hey, mister, show some decency!"

Surekha stood up and shouted.

The men in the compartment seemed lost in their own world.

"Oh no, madam is upset! Please sit down; we still have a long way to go, and we’ll entertain you until then," said a boy with discolored teeth, grabbing her hand.

The seats in the compartment felt like they were occupied by stone statues.

Hearing Surekha's voice, the transgender individuals approached her.

"What entertainment will you provide? We’ll entertain you instead!"

"Shabana, lift your skirt; this one is full of youthful energy!"

"Oh my, look at those faces; even a dog wouldn’t lick them!"

"They’re full of mischief; Julie, let’s strip them down and have some fun!"

As the hefty transgender individual named Julie advanced towards the boys, they bolted towards the door and jumped off the slowly moving train.

Surekha's tear-filled eyes turned towards the so-called men in the compartment, who were engrossed in their phones, avoiding her gaze.

Meanwhile, the real men had moved on, clapping and heading towards another compartment.