(Dedicated to all my friends who love “Aamichi Mumbai”)
Auto-rickshaws in most parts of the India are horrible. At some
places they never ever run on meters (Chennai), at others they would ask for any
multiple of metered fare, depending on time and alcohol level (Bangalore) and
in some places, they would never like to go where you want to go (Delhi). Such was the frustration that some of my
friends told me they take taxi than use auto, because you almost end up paying
the same but travel more comfortably!
As I came out of the Santacruze station at Mumbai in rain and
scanned the autos there, I was disappointed. I was more concerned about my
laptop and was prepared to be fleeced. One auto-wala, as if to have read my
mind, came swiftly and stopped near me, signalling me to step in. Wow, he did
not even ask where I wanted to go.
As the auto sped on the highway, I was wondering how he knew where I
wanted to go. My thoughts were distracted by sudden screech of brakes. He just
saved me from a huge barrage of muddy water from a speeding SUV. When the auto
stopped at the signal, he said “Sir, if u get down at Vile Parle station, it’s
a 5 minute walk to Airport. You won’t have to take an auto.” Wow. I was amazed.
This auto-wala was not cheating but showing concern!!!
At the airport, I gave the auto driver all the 40 rupees change I
had against a metered fare of Rs 24. I wanted to take a pic. As I was readying
my shutter, he asked me, “Where are you from, Babu?” Patna, I said.“ Remember,
all the people here are not bad.” I was stunned. And before I could click my
shutter, the traffic constable dashed ahead, blowing his a whistle and signalling
at the growing line. The auto was gone in a second. I just kept staring at the
picture of Raj Thackrey painted at the back of auto till it vanished far away.
~Penned by Mr. Rohit Kumar
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