Have you met Amit?

Met Amit today. Amit was my Uber driver for the evening. 

The journey started with music and open windows. He greeted me, started the ride and politely asked me if my office was open today and if I had gone to cast my vote or not. 

I told him that my office was indeed open and no, I had not gone to vote. I felt guilty, and so I also explained why I did not (rather, could not go to cast my vote).

Amit seemed satisfied with that answer. He asked me if we have elections anytime soon in West Bengal. I had no answer to that. And so I shrugged. 

He was between the age of 28 - 30. Amit has been driving Uber for about 10 months. Was rated 4.67 stars. And had received some great compliments from other riders. Oh, and he also had some great choice of music.

I had to look through the ratings and compliments Amit had received. It was unusual for him to have 4.67 stars. One of those riders did say that ‘He deserves so much more’. 

So why 4.67? Maybe his songs were a little loud. Maybe he just thought natural air is better than that of the AC. Maybe he drove a little fast. Maybe he enjoyed every second off the ride. 

I don’t know why. But what I do know, is that Amit was a true professional.

No. It’s not me who is saying this. Another rider wrote in the comments. Someone said he is also very knowledgable. I couldn’t experience his knowledge, being less talkative. But it felt like he knew the world around him.

He did truly love music. He would sing in between the songs. Sometimes the whole song. He simply wouldn’t stop changing and picking his songs. Often some Uber Partner appeared telling him some privacy thing to which he abused him and begged to let him ‘Drive’ and not bullshit. He also abused Gaana.com for the ads in the middle of the songs. He also made fun of some songs with Jalebi and Fafda in it. He helped another fellow rider with the right route. He shouted on another driver for blocking an ambulance. He truly loved every bit of the ride and probably his time.

He stopped at the destination. Worried about the immediate next ride. I said ’Thank You’. He responded without looking back. I said again. This time tapping on his shoulder. ’Thank you, Amit’, shook his hand, ‘It was a pleasure meeting you.’ Surprised, he smiled, and said 'Thank You’.

And that’s how I again learned how you can love what you do.

P93