Taken for granted
Let me be frank! Going by Autos is not something that I love doing. But I do not have a choice you see. Am too scared to drive on these roads. Can't abide by the company cab timings. So I have to surrender to this mode of transport very often.
Anyway much to my dislike I found myself walking towards the Auto stand in front of my apartment complex. I knew what was waiting.
I enquired with the first guy if he would take me to my destination. "80 Rupees Madam", he said giving a smile. For a place that you can reach in 40 bucks they charge double the amount. I knew immediately that either this guy does not want to go and wants to enjoy with his fellow Autowallahs or his wife must have thrown him out saying go and work and it is his way of refusing to work.
Anyway he knew that I would not agree to his exorbitant demand. Seemed quite contented as I walked towards the next fellow. This guy too was in no mood to go. He simply chose to shake his head and didn't bother me through the ordeal of negotiation.
Those were the only two fellows in that auto stand. I knew I had a long way to go till I find an auto to take me to the office. I was already late. The sun was slowly starting to show his presence too.
All sweaty and tired I started walking towards the main road. The high heels where no help either.. anyway.. ..
Two Autos buzzed past with passengers in them. The third one came. I was unable to see if anyone's inside. I tried my luck. There was a girl sitting inside. But the Auto guy suddenly stopped and enquired where I would like to go. No argument whatsoever. He readily agreed to take me to my destination.
As I sat inside the Auto the cool morning breeze hit me and all the anger I had against these Auto guys seemed to vanish.
I started observing the school girl sitting next to me. She seemed to be busy studying for her exams. After a few minutes the auto stopped and he asked the girl to get off.
She sheepishly got down and started walking. I asked the auto guy if her school was far off from that place. He simply nodded. I told him I didnt mind getting a little late and that it was okay for him to drop her to the school.
He seemed quite thankful and took a turn and reached her. She saw us and looked at him enquiringly. She got into the Auto.
As the school approached the girl got down and the auto guy wished her luck. The girl turned back and waved at him before disappearing.
He then headed towards my destination. Suddenly half way across he turned and thanked me for allowing him to drop her to the school. He told me that she was his sister.
A conversation struck. He then went on to tell me that he had two sisters and was the only bread winner for his family. He had completed his 12th and was driving the auto due to family problems.
"What kind of jobs are available in your company Madam?" he asked inquisitvely.
I told him the detials. From his expression I could make out that he is actually wondering if he could fit into the system.
As I appraoched my office I got down. He didn't demand anything extra. Returned the change.
"Join the evening college. You should study further" I told him. He looked at me sadly and gave me a week smile.
As I turned around I had a lump in my throat. Could I have helped this guy? How? So many questions were running across my mind. What stopped me from giving him extra? I could easily have given him some extra money which other Auto guys demand as though it is thier rights. His honesty perhaps.
We take so many things for granted. Education is one of them. We should be lucky that our parents had a vision for us cut out. Due to which we are were we are today.
Looking at the brighter side I at least felt good that I was able to inspire him to study further. Sometimes inspiration counts.
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