“The Bus” by Arun Kolatkar Line by Line explanation

“the tarpaulin flaps are buttoned down”

The protective coverings on the windows of the bus are securely fastened.

“on the windows of the state transport bus.”

These windows belong to a government-operated bus.

“all the way up to jejuri.”

The journey is destined for Jejuri, a pilgrimage site in Maharashtra, India.

“a cold wind keeps whipping”

The chilly wind persistently lashes against the bus.

“and slapping a corner of tarpaulin at your elbow.”

The wind forcefully hits and flaps a section of the tarpaulin near the traveler’s elbow.

“you look down to the roaring road.”

The traveler observes the bustling and noisy road below.

“you search for the signs of daybreak in what little light spills out of the bus.”

In the dim light escaping from the bus, the traveler tries to discern the approaching dawn.

“your own divided face in the pair of glasses”

The traveler sees their own reflection, symbolizing internal conflict or division.

“on an oldman`s nose”

The reflection is seen in the eyeglasses worn by an old man.

“is all the countryside you get to see.”

The limited view is restricted to the divided face reflected in the old man’s glasses.

“you seem to move continually forward.”

Despite no explicit mention of forward movement, there’s a sense of perpetual progression.

“toward a destination”

The journey is heading towards a particular place.

“just beyond the castemark beyond his eyebrows.”

The destination is implied to be slightly beyond the caste mark on the old man’s forehead.

“outside, the sun has risen quietly”

The sun has silently ascended in the external environment.

“it aims through an eyelet in the tarpaulin.”

The sunlight penetrates through a small opening or hole in the tarpaulin.

“and shoots at the oldman`s glasses.”

The sunlight targets the glasses worn by the old man.

“a sawed off sunbeam comes to rest gently against the driver`s right temple.”

A shortened or truncated sunbeam settles softly on the right temple of the bus driver.

“the bus seems to change direction.”

There’s an illusion or perception that the bus alters its course.

“at the end of bumpy ride”

After enduring a rough and jolting journey.

“with your own face on the either side”

With the traveler’s reflected face seen on either side.

“when you get off the bus.”

Upon disembarking from the bus.

“you don’t step inside the old man`s head.”

The traveler avoids delving into the thoughts or perspective of the old man.