Daily commute creates lasting bond between young woman and bus driver

A woman's TikTok post about a bus driver who deeply impacted her life has touched hearts online.

TikTok user rynsieeees shared how the driver, whom she calls Uncle Rama, would always offer her curry puffs and murukku before her shifts.

Back when she was in polytechnic, he would even time his arrival to coincide with the end of her dance practice, ensuring she could catch his bus - the last one of the day.

Now a working adult, she catches his 9pm bus home and returns the favour, giving him food or "whatever I have in my bag."

She recently shared that their conversations now revolve around her upcoming wedding and move in a few months. The realisation that they won't be seeing each other any more "hit her like a truck."

Uncle Rama comforted her, saying, "It's okay, we have each other's numbers and in case anything happens to me, my wife has your number and will contact you."

He added: "We're family, remember? I first saw you when you were in a school uniform to now a beautiful young lady who's getting married soon."

She ended her post thanking him for being a wonderful person, making her bus rides manageable, and always brightening her day.

Rynsieeees, whose real name is Rini Rindiani, 24, told The New Paper that the day they met was a blessing in disguise.

"It was the day I lost my wallet, so it really impacted me. He just asked me if I ate, which I said no because I had remedials and had to rush to work. He straight away gave me murukku."

She said he always packed food for his break and joked that maybe he took pity on her because she "looked dead all the time".

After a few trips, they became closer, sharing details about their days. She even started standing next to him, greeting passengers together.

Despite occasional strange looks from other passengers, she continued to stand beside him, simply smiling back.

Uncle Rama, a 28-year veteran bus driver, often shares stories about his family and trips back to Malaysia to see his wife and enjoy good food.

"He always shows photos and videos when he goes back. Sometimes we bump into each other at the bus interchange during his breaks too."

He often offers her advice and reminds her to take care of her parents.

"Appreciate everyone, make everyone's day with a smile."

She considers this his best advice, inspiring her to greet and appreciate bus drivers whenever she travels by bus.

She recalled the day she told him about her wedding; he was tearful and overjoyed.

"Wah! How are you this big already? I am so happy for you - don't forget to invite me! I want to see your big day and kompang!"

She admitted she'll deeply miss him and their conversations, thanking him for his work and positive influence on people's lives in the caption of her TikTok post.