Reading While Travelling On A Metro
What happens when you read a book while travelling on a metro?
Any guesses?
You may be thinking about possible scenarios, but are they humorous enough to make you laugh and wonder how the book can cost you more time and money besides the cost of the book?
Here are three incidents that can be expected while you are traveling in a metro, whether it is to a workplace, an event, or maybe for an important meeting, and you are already late, that will make you laugh and giggle, and reminisce about those moments in your life forever:
You Miss Your Station:
Reading a gripping thriller, a hot pick romance, beautiful poems, or insightful non-fiction is like getting gossip that makes you forget about your surroundings and keeps you hooked till you finish it. While traveling in a metro, there are many chances that you are going to miss your station and get late to work, an important meeting, an event, or maybe even miss catching a flight if you are traveling in the airport express metro.
I have faced this not once but multiple times. Now, I keep checking the stations whenever the metro stops so that I do not end up running late or missing my stop.
People Side-Eye You:
Suppose you are reading an engaging thriller or a murder mystery, and your expressions change from intense to filled with rage as if you are going to hit somebody, and on top of that, you do not realize you are in a metro. People side-eye you, a little afraid, assuming you are a threat to them, and you end up embarrassed, your cheeks turning tomato red when someone finally places a hand on your shoulder, asking you if you are fine, and you notice that terror on their face.
It does not end here — you feel embarrassed and run to a different compartment as everyone's eyes are on you.
Finding A New Reading Buddy:
What better can one ask rather than a reading buddy with the same taste and choice. You are travelling and reading a book that someone else is also reading, sitting opposite you. There is a smile on your face, and then your eyes meet with the other person. You both nod, and without saying anything, you cherish the joy of reading the book and show the inkling of discussing the book together. As soon as someone sitting beside you leaves, the other person comes and sits beside you. You end up discussing the book passionately, and now you are not alone in missing your stop. You have found a partner who meets the same fate as you while traveling on the metro.
More such incidents happen with readers every now and then while travelling on the metro. If you are a dire reader who has a funny or embarrassing incident to share, do not miss out on sharing it in the comments. Maybe you will also find a reading buddy here, and then you can miss your stops together.
In my youth I used to read a lot in buses, trains, and even while walking on roads. Once when I was reading a weekly on the road to my residence, a guy purposely tried to walk into me. That was in Shillong. But I had a strange knack for sensing anything from a metre away. So I gave him a sweet smile and returned to the periodical.
ReplyDeleteI just read your blog post "Reading While Travelling On A Metro," and I couldn't stop laughing—it felt like you were narrating my own metro adventures! Missing my stop because I was too engrossed in a novel? Been there, done that, and had to backtrack sheepishly. Your story about people side-eyeing you due to intense reading expressions hit home; I've had moments where my gasps or chuckles drew curious glances. And finding a fellow reader on the metro? That's the dream! I once bonded with someone over a shared book, and we ended up discussing it the entire ride. Your anecdotes beautifully capture the joys and quirks of reading during commutes. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in these experiences.
ReplyDeleteI agree to this. And because i have faced the 1st situation at least a couple of times, I have stopped reading in metro/train
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow book lover, this post made me smile from ear to ear! I’ve definitely missed my station more than once while being completely lost in a book — and yes, those side-eyes from strangers when you react to a twist? Pricelessly awkward! Finding a reading buddy on a metro sounds like a reader’s dream come true — bonding over words in a world that's rushing by. Thanks for capturing these relatable, hilarious moments so beautifully!
ReplyDeleteThis is so relatable! I've definitely missed my stop a few times while engrossed in a book. Although I've never encountered a buddy reader. It was such a hilarious take on the most soothing experience- reading in a metro!
ReplyDeleteI have never been able to read in a metro somehow... maybe it is because I feel that I will miss a lot if I look away. Plus, I tend to get distracted by the hustle and the bustle. I enjoyed your post thoroughly, though. I can imagine the panic if you miss your station and of course, the bonding over people with similar reading tastes.
ReplyDeleteReading your post made me realise, it's not that bad to read in metro. I have always read in car and trains (long journey ones!) and i enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI fear missing stations so I would never read a book while travelling and that too in a public transport.
ReplyDeleteHumorous post with relatable anecdotes
I was once super engrossed into a very smutty romance novel in the metro and the scenes were so hot that I had a hard time from keeping my blush away. I was also super conscious about the other two people beside me catching glimpse of what I was reading on my phone, so I had my brightness super low, almost to the point that I was squinting...👀 Good times 💕
ReplyDeleteAs someone who once ended up three stations past my stop because I was too deep into a Ferrante book (and too emotionally destroyed to function), this blog had me chuckling and nodding all the way!
ReplyDeletethe missing the stop is such a true story for every reader who travels by metro. If I dont have good company i have often taken out my phone to either read by google books or on the kindle app. and missed the station. :D
ReplyDeleteThe word 'inkling' makes an appearance on inlkinginsight :D
ReplyDeleteI have also got into the habit of looking up and checking the name of every station the bus/train halts at :D