A Disturbing Encounter on the Train: A Woman's Experience

An Unsettling Journey

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. It was nighttime, and everyone seemed drowsy, leaning back on their seats, perhaps 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 men quietly handed over the money, while others mumbled in annoyance.

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

Ignoring Surekha, they moved on.

After a brief stop, a few boys boarded the train and rushed towards the front, leaving Surekha with an hour left to reach her destination.

The group of 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 laughed grotesquely in agreement.

Surekha picked up her bag and squeezed into her seat.

The boys sat down next to her.

She glanced at the two or three men sitting across from her, but they acted as if she didn't exist.

One boy ran his finger along Surekha's arm, while the others encouraged him with their crude laughter.

"Hey... Mister, keep your manners in check," Surekha exclaimed, standing up and raising her voice.

The men in the compartment continued to act oblivious, 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 betel-stained teeth, grabbing her hand.

The seats in the compartment seemed to be occupied by stone statues.

Meanwhile, the transgender individuals heard Surekha's voice and approached her.

"What entertainment will you provide? We are the ones who will entertain you!"

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

"Oh, look at their faces; even a dog wouldn't lick them!"

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

As Julie, a robust transgender individual, advanced towards the boys, they fled towards the train door and jumped out of the 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.