The ride to remember.

My Uber driver today asked me if he can pick his daughter on the way to accompany till mid-way during my ride to office.

With an obvious smile I nodded “yes”.

After a while he parked his auto near a bus stop. A girl in a magnificent red gown with sparkling white bangles embodied with golden gemstones approached near, carrying an enchanting smile. Looking at her the driver said, “Sir, she is my daughter. Today is her birthday.”

“Ohh! Is it!” with an amazement I replied making some space for her to sit.

“Please be comfortable” I said once she boarded in.

“Thank you, hope I’m not creating any discomfort.” She replied with an honest voice.

“No, not at all. By the way Happy Birthday!” solacing her I wished for her big day.

“Thank you.” She replied and this time her smile was evident enough.

For the next 15 minutes I was witnessing the beautiful conversation between a daughter and a father.

“Did you have breakfast? Did you drink ample of water? Come home early this evening.” A father was ensuring his daughter’s wellbeing. I was only thinking how my father asks the same list of questions and how these questions are universal for fatherhoods.

To every question of her father, she was responding affirmatively with a glad, serene, and tender voice.

15 minutes later the driver again parked the auto crossing the traffic junction, this time to bid adieu her. She then got down and with a soothing tone said, “Thank you Baba (Dad)”

“Thank you” and this time she rendered her gratitude to me looking straight into my eyes.

“Pleasure! Hope you enjoy your day ahead.” I reverted with a friendly smile. To which she smiled and whispered, “Thank you.” again.

Waving a goodbye to her we continued our journey, as my office is 10 Mins ride ahead from that junction.

“She travels with her bike daily, today as it’s raining, I offered her the ride” the driver said breaching the silent.

“That’s absolutely fine, what does she do?” I asked to continue the conversation.

“She works as an Operation Manager in a private sector” he replied with a sense of pride in his voice.

“Wow! brilliant” I bewildered.

“My elder daughter works as an HR and my son is a Sales Manager in TVS Motors” he elaborated further.

Controlling my astonishment I replied, “Amazing!”

“They always ask me not to drive auto anymore, but Sir, this is my passion and I love doing this. When I had nothing, this city and this auto gave me bread and shelter. Now my kids are educated and are earning in  fancy digits, everything I have achieved in life is due to this profession. I cannot leave hands of this auto now when I am happy and probably have everything.” He transmitted arguably the best wisdom.

In awe of emotions I replied, “Feels so good to listen you. Sir, you’re an inspiration.”

He Smiled.

“Save my number, my name is Rajesh. You can save as Rajesh Auto.” He asked.

“For sure, I am keeping your number.” I replied.

“If you need any support locally, just give me a call. I own 6 autos, all with the same number in different series. Should you require any help anytime anywhere, just give me a call I shall sort them out for you.” This time his voice sounded more like of a father.

“Thank you, Sir! You’re the best man I’ve got a chance to ride with.” I replied with innate gratitude.

He beamed and replied, “It’s my utmost pleasure to serve the mankind.”

I smiled for bumping onto a human with such wisdom.

In no time the big wide office gate alerted me for the arrival of my destination.

“Sir, here is the scanner for payment” he said showing me the G-Pay scanner to pay the fare.

“Have paid Rs.100 extra, please gift a chocolate to your daughter from me for her birthday.” I said while gradually stepping down from auto.

“You don’t need to do this Sir.” He replied.

“Sir, this is my pleasure, I know perhaps you don’t need this, I however shall be pleased if you accept.” Persuading him I said.

He then got down from the driver seat and offered me a handshake. The joy in me floated across my endocrine glands. My face illuminated like never before.

Shaking hands with him we both thanked each other.

I pondered how I mean nothing to this man. For the very first time we met each other, yet the impact of this 30 minutes ride shall motivate me to become a better human and maybe wiser.

Undoubtedly why Lord Krishna said in Bhagvat Geeta, (chapter 18, verse 53)

अहङ्कारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं परिग्रहम्।
विमुच्य निर्ममः शान्तो ब्रह्मभूयाय कल्पते।

Translates as :

Free from egotism, violence, arrogance, desire, possessiveness of property, and selfishness, such a person, situated in tranquility, is fit for union with Brahman (i.e., realization of the Absolute Truth as Brahman).

Bow down to such true defining Brahmans wherever you see them. They are the true pillars and living examples of what is called Dharma.