Nepal, Feb. 9 -- I stare outside the public bus window, grocery shops running past me, and pedestrians walking, everyone with a different destination to reach. But most often, my eyes go on the two-wheelers. The bike riders swiftly change the gear as the traffic jam approaches. And the electric scooters barely make any noise compared to the fuel ones. The bus conductor comes to collect our fare as I reach for my student ID card from the bag. I get off at the bus stop but must walk at least five minutes before reaching my destination. "It's a good thing to walk," I convince myself each time, yet it always bothers me.

After a busy day, I catch a bus back and settle down with my earphones in. Music has always been my escape from the world. ...