Bangalore
is known for its unfriendly and rude auto drivers. I was not expecting anything
different that evening, as I was forced to take an auto rickshaw since my car
was given on service. It was drizzling a bit and the auto drivers were
unrelenting to take me to my destination. Some 10-12 autos later, an auto
driver stopped and agreed to take me. Surprisingly he did not even ask for the
Rs20 over the meter they usually ask.
A few
minutes into the drive, I could sense that the driver is kind of lost. He was
wiping his tears probably, I was not sure. He took a wrong turn and I told him
that. He came back to his senses and said, sorry. I asked him if he was ok. He
didn’t say anything for a while and then told me that he has been running
around since early morning and hence was a little tensed up. I asked him what happened!
His wife was admitted in the hospital for delivery, and the doctor has asked
him to arrange for blood and more money as it would be a caesarian. He is out to make some extra money than sitting
in the hospital. Moreover, his sister, whom he was taking care of even after
her marriage, refused to help him financially, even though she had money with
her.
I kept
listening to him, as he opened up more. His elder daughter was in school, and
she studies well. She wants be a doctor. He was afraid, if he would be able to
teach her well. His dad died when he was a young boy, and he has been an auto
driver ever since. His mom was diagnosed with cancer, and he had to spend all
his earnings on her treatment. He had met with an accident few years back and
his right leg was shattered. He cannot sit in one place for more than few
hours. So driving the auto is also a challenge.
At one
stage he asked me, why someone like him is tested every day of his life. I
asked him, when he had the accident, did he wish to live or not. He said, every
second, I wanted to live as his daughter was waiting for him. I told him that
it is the reason he should be happily living. Think of the day, your kid will
become a doctor and how would you feel about it. Your second kid, who will be
born today, will also make you proud. Is it not enough reason to live? We spoke
more and more.
As I was reaching my home, he turned back and
asked me “mai ek gaana gaa saktha hum sir”? I said, “ tumhara auto hai, mast
gaao” . He had an amazing voice and he started humming “Mai zindagi ka saath
nibhatha chala gaya”. I joined him.
At no point
of time he asked me for money or even gave me a hint that he was expecting a
favor from me. All he did was talk to me all the way though the 40 minute
journey.
As I got
down from the auto, I paid him some money. I told him, I don’t know how much is
in the meter, and this is not a favor I’m doing. I want you to buy some sweets
with the extra money and give it to your daughter, and tell her that she should
study well and you will make her a doctor.
He got out
of the auto. He was crying. He hugged me and cried more. He said, “Bhai, this
is not for the money. Thank You for talking to me. Had I not met you and taken
another passenger, I would have probably come under a bus or truck today. I'm going back to the hospital, Jo Hoga Dekha
jaayega”.
So many of
my neighbors were staring at me with disbelief ! But I felt at peace and I
walked back still humming “ barbaadiyon ka shok manana fizul tha, barbaadiyon
ka jashan manatha chala gaya…. Mai zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya “…
