This Crazy Bus Ride We Call Life!

Have you ever boarded a KSRTC bus in Kerala? Boxy and rattling, with windows so wide the wind rushes in like an old friend. I see myself climbing aboard with far too much luggage, somehow managing to grab the prized window seat. A scarf wrapped tight around my shoulders, I’m ready for the journey — a little nervous, a little excited, and wondering who will end up beside me.

The engine roars to life, and as the bus finally starts rolling, I feel a wave of relief. Sometimes we find peace in our solitude.

Outside, the scenery unfolds like a film reel. Coconut palms sway lazily, paddy fields shimmer in the sun, and glimpses of backwaters peek through the trees. The wind rushes in, carrying the scent of wet earth and roadside tea stalls. It feels like every bend of the road has a story to whisper. The ride is so soothing that I doze off like a baby.

A sudden brake jolts me awake. We’re about to climb the lofty mountains, and I notice a new companion has joined me. We exchange a smile, a simple nod, and I turn back to the window to soak in the sights.

The journey is no longer smooth — the roads twist and turn, zigzagging their way upward. Yet amid the bumps, something shifts. My co-passenger smiles again, and soon we’re talking. What begins as small chatter quickly grows into laughter. The ride is no longer just about the road; it’s about shared stories and the warmth of unexpected company.

The weather turns chillier than I imagined, yet there’s a cozy comfort in it all — in the laughter, in the view, and in the strange, unexplainable magic of a bus ride through Kerala.

And it strikes me — this isn’t just a bus ride. It’s life itself. Sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, often adventurous, and yes, at times it can feel like we might crash. But what truly matters is that we keep moving forward.

The journey may never be perfect, but it is ours. Along the way, we pass through seasons — joy, connection, and peace, as well as loneliness, doubt, and pitfalls. Sometimes we climb mountains; other times, we linger in valleys.

And always, there are co-passengers. Some stay with us only for a while before getting off at their stop. Others join in unexpectedly and become part of our story. Each one shapes the ride in their own way.

In the end, it isn’t only about where we’re headed — it’s about embracing the ride itself. The smooth stretches, the steep climbs, the unexpected company, the quiet moments. All of it shapes us. And maybe that’s the real magic of this crazy bus ride we call life.

So tell me — how’s your bus ride going, and who’s sitting beside you today?

With love and a smile from my window seat,

Nancy Kavin