The Smile That No One Would Return

Today, there a was a gentleman who was perhaps 55 plus, balding but cheerful gentleman who sat smiling genially at everyone. But, unfortunately no one returned his smile. Several college girls, housewives, working women got in but none smiled back. Everyone was too engrossed in their own thoughts or studiously ignoring a stranger smiling at them.  I offered a tentative half smile and then quickly looked away. Why?

Years of living in a big city had robbed the women of their ability to trust any person openly to smile back including yours truly.

The day a lady offered to pay for me.

Folks who travel in share autos come form all walks of life. But, it is generally the folks from the lower-middle classes. Housewives, students and working classes. People who don't own big fancy vehicles or homes or big bank balances. One day I forgot to get change before boarding an auto and all I had was big denomination note. The fare costs hardly Rs. 7 and all I had was Rs.500. I tentatively approached the driver and asked him if he had change and he said no, sorry. I was feeling a little apprehensive about how I was going to pay him. A lady sitting by my side looked at my worried face and smiled and said don't worry, I will pay for you.

I was so touched that day. I could not even imagine some body I had never met and who probably did not have much spare cash would willingly offer to pay for me. I thanked her and she waved me off that it was nothing.

I eventually managed to get some change at a store next to my stop and paid the driver. But, the generous offer of a stranger remains with me.

I have missed many opportunities to help people in situations worse than mine because apparently it never strikes my stupid brain that I can help others. Like the other day when I missed a chance to pay for the groceries of poor lady. But, sometimes when my brain does start working in time I do try to help others just like that lady taught me to. I am trying to get better every day.

Optimism, Thy Name Share Auto Driver

How many people can fit into an auto the size of small car? It is designed to hold maximum 6 people in the back and one in the front. Most autos will have extra 2 seats in the boot section. Now the auto can comfortably seat 6 in the middle, 2 in the boot and 2 in the front plus the driver. But, is the driver satisfied? No, he will manage to fit in 2 extra people by asking the folks in the middle to adjust. Even though it is uncomfortable I have never seen anyone complain about it. I see people exchanging smiles and simply moving the accommodate the extra folks.

I am always left amazed by the optimism of the driver who thinks he can always fit in an extra member of the public into his small auto. I am also amazed by the fact that paying people adjust to the demands of the optimistic driver even though they are more than a little uncomfortable sitting squashed against each other. They know that the driver is trying to make an extra Rs.10 for each trip by taking in more customers and they don't grudge him that extra bit of money.

When I first started taking these share autos I used to be highly annoyed at these drivers for trying to pick up so many customers. I used to curse them silently for being so greedy. But, just after a few weeks of traveling in them I stopped being such a sour puss. Reason, I saw folks around me willingly move and share their space with new entrants. They would always say with a smile "Get in, I am going to hop off in the next stop."  

Note: Rs. 10 is about 15 cents.

The Unwritten Rule

There is unwritten rule of traveling in a share auto. The person sitting closest to the door opens or closes it, if the person getting in or off the vehicle doesn't do it or forget to do it. Newbies who travel for the first time in a share auto invariably forget to close the door when getting in or off.

One day a gentleman sitting close to the door was so lost in his own world that he did not notice the door being left open after an old lady got off. Others had to lean in and close it. The same gentleman got off the auto a few stops later and was engaged a long time with the auto driver for nearly 3-4 minutes getting back change for the money he had given.

I had been observing this guy to see if he would close the door. I wondered if he would do it after collecting his money. Though he passed the open door he kept walking despite reminders from the auto driver and other co-passengers sitting in the far corners. He was completely oblivious. I leaned out and closed the door. Everyone smiled and went back to their own world.

I wondered if he was going through some major problems in his life which made him so completely unaware of his surroundings. Traveling in share autos had definitely made me a lot more sensitive to others around me. While earlier I would have cursed at his insensitivity and lack of courtesy for others now I was considering that there might me some other explanation for his behavior.

My Auto Diaries - An Intro

Everyday I take a shared mode of transport called share auto to my swimming club. I meet interesting folks on my ride and learn simple lessons about life. The ride takes hardly 10 minutes but the incidents stay etched in mind long after. I wish to share this with others. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.