I Know you!!

Train was running behind schedule. It was already 11.30 at night when I reached New Delhi railway station. As I was coming out of the station, couple of rikshaw walas came rushing. “Kahan Jayoge Bhai Saab”, one said. He looked like a young old man, aged around 25 with unshaved stubble and drooping posture. I asked for the rate. “Jo Banta hai de dena Saab”, he said. There was no way I could have said no.

It was about 45 minutes journey till my place. While on the way, he started murmuring “This city is really bad, Saab. I am working here like a dog but still can’t support my family financially”. There was lot of hopelessness in his voice.

“Really”, i asked, “But in city like Delhi you can easily make a decent living out of driving rikshaw as there are lot of passengers here, including foreigners”. “You are right Saab, but I have to pay Rs 200 per day as a rent to the owner of the auto. After paying that there’s hardly anything left. I don’t have anybody known here. Life is so miserable”. After listening to him, I thought for a moment.

“Which place do you belong to”, I inquired. “Kanpur Saab”. “Hey really, I have stayed there for a long time, which place in Kanpur”; we had something in common now. “Just on the side of the old city road, where did u stay Saab”, suddenly there was a new found enthusiasm in his voice. “I also stayed near that area. People of Kanpur are very nice and helpful”, I replied. For the first time I could see a smile on his face.” Ok, if I advise you something, will you listen to it”, I thought it was the right time. “Sure Saab, tell me”, he was looking interested.

“You should buy an auto, even if it has to be a second hand. It will save you a lot more money in the long run”. He started to think, “You are right, but I don’t have that much of money”. “Don’t worry about that. I have a friend working in an NGO, they provide loans to the needy people like you, I will ask him, but you need to promise that you will work harder” I said.

“Sure Saab, I will do that” he was really excited by now. After reaching my place, he refused to take money from me, for which I had to force him. I gave him my contact number and asked to call me after 3 days. He was looking alive now, “Thank you very much Saab”, he said as he was leaving, “Aakhir Kanpur wala hi Kanpur wale ke kaam aata hai”.

I just stood there for a while with a smile on my face. The first thing I did after entering home was to check through internet, where does the Old City road in Kanpur exist!!