Footboards, what would we do without you

Today I took a much later train than usual. I was not used to crowded trains. The idiots didn’t make space for me to go in and I was left hanging on the footboard. Anyone who has used the Mumbai local trains for close to 18 years would be comfortable with the same. I first started to use the train independently when I went to college. My college was in Churchgate. That made me use the trains for the first time. Mom was worried and did not want me to go so far. It was only after my brother intervention that I was allowed. But that is another very interesting story. My dad explained me how to go. It was pretty confortable. Catching the 11.18 train from kings circle, get down at the next stop at Mahim and then the train from there to Churchgate. I got the hang of it pretty easy. I used to run across the track, jump fences, through the holes in the fences, run along the bridges, jump into running trains, travel at the footboard even if there was space inside etc etc. I wonder how I managed to come out unscathed from those years. As wisdom set in I started looking for space to sit, took foot bridges etc. But I still run for the trains. Something don’t change, some things take time.
But technically I have not come off it unscathed. Once I had to go to Mumbai central to catch a train to Gujarat. I was working there in 1998-99. Jasmine was with me. The train came at Dadar. It was crowded and Jasmine went into the ladies compartment and I boarded the one behind. I could barely get a foothold and a hand on the railing inside. I had a big bag which stayed out. As the train left the station slowly I realized that the poles are dangerously close. Suddenly one hit my bag; I tried to get it in place. Another one hit my bag. I took my free left hand and pushed it closer to my body. WHACK. The pole hit my hand, under the elbow. Wow that hurt. It hit the bone. Luckily I held on. I screamed to the guys to let me in. magically space opened out. They probably heard the sound or felt the desperation in my voice. I sat in examining the damage. No cut and no fracture (ratified later). I live relatively unscathed. Not that it stopped me from climbing crowded trains. Relentless Mumbai spirit?
Coming back to today. I was traveling on the footboard. But I was clearly uncomfortable. Very bearable crowd but just I guess I am not used to it. I am happier seated. Good for me I guess? I guess.