MUSINGS FROM A CAB RIDE
Kunal Khanna
Insurance & Reinsurance Professional | Chief Happiness Officer | Pursuing my passion of Writing, Coaching, Counselling and Mentoring | Distinguished Toastmaster - Public Speaker | Making Happiness & Humanity trend.?
I was in Fort Area today whole day for various meetings. I kept a constant eye on my watch to leave town in time so I don't get stuck in peak traffic for hours before I get home. Mumbai friends would understand the significance and gravity of this "time checking act" of mine.
As I finished, I didn't have the patience to let an Ola or Uber driver to ditch me so I raised my hand for the first available Kaali Peeli taxi and there it was, ready to go instantly. They love long distance rides, don't they.
I instantly put my head phones and played my new favorite song which I have been hooked to over last 2-3 days. The journey was normal like any other happy day while I was looking out at the various genre of people sitting on marine drive, couples holding hands stealing their own moments, friends taking selfies with the serene calm background, healthy lot walking while letting their app count their steps etc.
We soon crossed the sea link and the cab driver asked me to pay for the one way toll. I asked him to pay and add to the fare which I will pay at the destination. He said " Sir, mere pass paise nahin hain. Main ek ladke to panvel se churchgate le ke aya. Uska bill 1500 aya. Woh ATM se paise lene gaya or wapas nahin aya" ( Sir, I don't have money. I got a passenger from Panvel to Churchgate. His fare was 1500. He got down to withdraw from ATM and he never returned)
At this moment he broke down and tears rolled down his eyes and cheeks. Let me tell you he was a big guy, in late forties, huge built and could just fit in the Santro he was driving. Somewhere I could feel his utmost pain and for a micro second seeing him crying I had moist eyes too.
I told him " Himmat mat Haaro, sabka hisaab yahin poora hota hai. Or ek baat yaad rakho duniya Main imaandaar log zyaada hain or baeman kum. Kharab din soch ke bhool jao" ( Don't lose hope, everyone will get what they deserve. There are more honest people than dishonest people. Think about it as a bad day and forget it)
He smiled. I offered him two apples which I couldn't eat during the day due to my meeting schedule. Maybe, they were meant for him.
I got off at my destination and we parted ways. I felt bad for him but sometimes that's how life is, unfair. We just have to forgive, forget and move on.
Tomorrow is a new day!