In a reflective mood, I often think about the various modes of transportation I’ve used over the years. My earliest memories involve bus rides. As children, we were fascinated by the bus drivers—how they shifted gears, applied brakes, and maneuvered the steering wheel. Some drivers, aware of our curious gazes, would add a touch of flair to their actions.

Next came the auto-rickshaws of Chennai, known as Delhi scooters. Back then, drivers rarely haggled for fares, unlike today’s norm—perhaps inflation and changing times have influenced their behavior.

Train journeys were another thrill. I still marvel at how I traveled for nearly two days between Delhi and Chennai without ever feeling bored, simply enjoying the fleeting scenery, stations, and vendors. The rhythmic movement of the train must have lulled me into a half-dream state, making time fly by.

I also experienced bullock carts during visits to our village. While these rides were slow and nerve-wracking—especially with the constant tilt of the cart—it was a unique adventure. We even once traveled from our hotel to Chennai Central Station by bullock cart, turning a five-minute walk into a fifty-minute ride!

Then there were tongas in Delhi—more comfortable than bullock carts, but still prone to tilting. Riding in a tonga had its challenges, especially when the horse decided to relieve itself mid-journey!

After moving to Chennai, I was introduced to cycle rickshaws. Although hand-pulled rickshaws were still seen in certain areas, I couldn’t bring myself to use them—forcing a human to pull a cart seemed inhumane. Yet, I often wondered if I was denying someone their livelihood by refusing the service.

Over the years, we developed friendships with some rickshaw drivers. They were kind souls who always checked if we needed a ride. I even ran into one of these drivers years later on a bus. He recognized me, and we had a brief but warm conversation before parting ways.

Today, I continue to take auto-rickshaws and enjoy chatting with the drivers. Many have shared heartwarming stories of putting their children through good schools and colleges. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve strived for a better future.

With limited means, we sometimes struggle to manage household expenses. But I’ve always believed in being generous with these hardworking people. After all, kindness costs nothing.

Contd. 371. Hurt Me to Humour Me