The Story of Kindness

It was the summer of 2020 in Bengaluru, India. I had been riding my motorcycle for over six years since now. However, the joy of riding my vehicle came to an end due to an unexpected maintenance requirement which costed a deep hole in my pockets. I wanted to be with my vehicle as I depended on it for my daily outdoor activities and solo rides across Bengaluru city. I have traveled extensively on my vehicle for long distances and it had been my best friend. However, over the years the vehicle began to fade with the glory owing to consistent repairs and damages including a flat tyre and frequent engine oil change requirements.

I realized that it was the time to sell my old vehicle and look out for a new pal for my solo rides. I began to search the internet for the latest models and it was learned that the Bharat Stage -VI vehicle was the best in the market as per emission norms. I zeroed on TVS Jupiter Grand special series with BS-VI emission norms. Thorough research was performed online to understand the nuances of the new vehicle. It was decided to purchase the vehicle immediately without much delay. I made consistent inquiries across many dealers within the city limits based on the information available on the website.

I was thus very excited to purchase a new vehicle after a gap of three years by selling my old two-wheeler. The new two-wheeler bookings were open and I and my mother were invited by the dealer of the showroom to complete the purchase formalities. It was a very special day as I was looking forward to driving my new vehicle with added features and technology. We arrived at the showroom and completed the formalities within 30 minutes and we were assured of the delivery within 2 days. As it was a Friday, it was a huge relief for me as I didn't need to commute over the weekend.

I handed over all the documents and papers of my old vehicle to the dealer for the sale of ownership also. However, the helmet was very comfortable and had decided not to part with it and carry it along with myself. We decided to return by an autorickshaw to reach home. Within no time we boarded an auto, I was surprised by the welcome gesture by the old man of over 60 years greeting us with Namaste. This is a rare sight you witness in a busy city like Bengaluru! We were much overwhelmed.

Since it was an autorickshaw ride I decided to keep my helmet at the back-rest and thought of collecting it later. Our destination soon arrived and we were home within minutes. The auto driver was once again courteous and greeted us Namaste after collecting the auto fare. We were happy to note that he is one of those good human beings striving for customer excellence even at such an old age!

As it was a weekend the next day I wanted to travel by a shared commute vehicle for which riding with the helmet was mandatory. I desperately searched for my dear helmet but all efforts were in vain. As also it later stuck to me that the helmet was left in the back-rest of the autorickshaw ride undertaken yesterday. I cursed myself of having been a careless and irresponsible man by leaving behind the helmet in the autorickshaw. My mother was convinced that I had both lucky and unlucky days yesterday. I resigned to my fate and was planning to buy a brand new helmet- an unnecessary and futile exercise owing to my irresponsibility.

But God had made other plans and saved my day. Ten minutes post my realization of losing my helmet, I saw an autorickshaw parked outside my home and someone calling "Sir- please come here". We were expecting our aunt as a guest that day and I thought it was her autorickshaw driver calling us out to drop her bags. However, to my surprise, I saw the same old man who had dropped home the previous day with my dear helmet in his hand.

I met him immediately, collected my helmet, and thanked him profusely for his noble intent of returning the customer's item. As guessed earlier he was truly customer excellence oriented professional and proved that values such as honesty and integrity still thrive in today's thankless society.

The above true incident has reinforced faith in myself to be helpful to others as much possible and not to expect anything in return. As otherwise, god will help you back with such good deeds done by people like this old man which itself exceeds the expectations. I am thankful for this old man who refused to accept any gratitude but helped me to strengthen my own beliefs and convictions to be true to yourself at all times