Blank Noise Spectators

Amit Kendurkar

Chair car of Shatabdi Express, I had a Window seat while a girl in my row had a Isle seat. Another passenger kept coming to our row to speak to his acquaintance every few minutes. While he was talking to his acquaintance he was almost leaning on the girls seat, occasionally brushing against her while he spoke in an animated way. I could see the discomfort on the girls face, though she never uttered a word.

I thought about intervening, but was not sure of the reaction I would get from the girl! After watching this happening for a while, I requested the girl if she would be willing to swap seats with me. She immediately accepted the offer, and this guy did not show up again once he found me sitting in the isle seat.