Just a little something...

10-Aug-2009
Yesterday, I went out for a walk in the city. The place I live in is very crowded and... you know, sort of - bustling. And I love to walk around in the crowd, look at people, shops, cars... Anyway, so I went quite far and shopped a bit... And then decided that I was too tired to go back walking... So I started to look around for a rickshaw (the Indian 'cabs' or 3-wheeler thingys)... and suddenly realised that it was their strike!


Now, I was in a jam for the following reasons:

1) Public transportation, like buses, in India sucks. You should not attempt such a thing unless you are, broke, below poverty line, love to get viral diseases, love the smell of sweat, dust, paan, tobacco… etc.

2) I was left limited cash (due to my shopping).

3) Could not call father to pick me up or something, because, obviously, would get yelled, screamed & abused at for “…doing such horrible things & setting a bad example for my siblings…” Blah, blah, blah.

4) Could not use public transportation because of the Swine/H1N1 flu scare (My city being the most affected city in India).

So I tried to hail a few errant rickshaws, which were running despite the strike, but they were asking for outrageous amounts like 100-150 bucks, where generally it costs you around 27-30 bucks for that distance! Besides, I did not have 100 bucks!

The only option I was left with was, to walk home. It was almost dark, & I was too tired. Disheartened, I started to walk homewards. Suddenly I saw a rickshaw standing idle around the corner. I hurried there, and asked if it was available.

He said, "Come and sit inside madam"
I duly sat. Then I noticed that he had not started his (fare) meter.
I asked, "Won't you start the meter?"
He said, "No madam, I can't do that! If someone saw that the meter was on, I'd be in trouble!"
I was thinking oh, so that's why he asked me to sit first... he wants to cheat me!
I asked warily, "How much will you charge?"
He said, "The general charges madam, approximately 30 bucks"

I did not believe my ears!

The driver was a sweet guy, who chatted with me politely all the way home. I was so grateful! He saved me from a sticky situation indeed! Anyhoo, I paid him 50 bucks, of my own free will, and wished him good night. His smile at that time, truly warmed me...

I did feel good after that. Kind people should always be encouraged... It makes them feel that someone is appreciating their efforts.

And I did my one little bit yesterday.