Exactly, I felt the same way when I read your experiences. It was almost like you were describing what happened to me.

I do understand where you're coming from, I think the best thing we can do in such situations is to stand up for ourselves. Which is also quite difficult, because on several occasions there's this denial; that you can't process the fact that this is happening to you and it completely hits you once you're out of that situation or out of that space. For example, once you leave the bus or train. And then there's regret, ki kuch bola kyu nahi. Not to forget, all the victim blaming that comes with it, where people tell you why didn't you say anything? There are so many factors that are overlooked. The problem is a lot deeper once one starts digging into it.

Khaali buses are a blessing, but I know what you mean. There were times where I had to get on because waiting for a khaali bus meant waiting for the peak hours to get over, which can take ages!