26-02-2016
I am in a hurry for work. Meeting would be starting at 10 am and I am leaving from home at 9.40 am. This is all the time I need to make it to office on time (20 mins), no time to waste, I leave home without breakfast, riding at maximum speed possible.
I did not check my fuel tank even though Mr. P (dear hubby) has warned me against riding the bike with fuel indicator as “empty”. I do not have time to waste checking the fuel now (funny).
I ignore everyone along the street, no looking here and there and just drive past the beautiful Mandovi and sun rays shining on the water… I drive past the national flag; I don’t have time to salute today, no time for reciting the pledge in my mind (that’s my daily routine…when I am not in a hurry)
And then the worst happens, bike stops in the middle of the road, near the divja circle, I know the reason and I also know my fault. I look for my phone in the bag to call Mr.P, I am already prepared for the firing, but I know he would still come and help after all the grumbling; but right before I tap on the call icon, a young gentleman stops by and inquires "what’s the issue", I tell him petrol is over and tell him its ok, I’ll walk to the petrol pump and get it so that he may proceed but he parks his bike aside and tells me to allow him to check. I open the dikki for him to have a look, and he looks and laughs informing me that the tank is completely dry. (I know that, I say in mind)
He tells me not to worry, parks his bike to the side of the road and comes back and takes my bike to the other side. I just watch and try to tell him that I will manage and he can go ahead for his work. He doesn’t give me any chance to speak. He tells me to just sit on the bike and balance and he would keep his one leg on my bike and ride me till the fuel station. Oh no, I have never done this before I tell him, I won’t be able to do that, I’ll walk to the petrol pump I insist. He tells me not to worry, just sit and balance, nothing else and he starts his bike…
Wow, that’s fun, I enjoy that ride, just sit and the bike is moving on its own… he instructs me when to apply brakes and when to not, I panic looking at the traffic and he tells me not to get scared. I make speculations in my mind, thinking he would be from the police department hence helping people by going out of his way… we reach the petrol pump before I complete my thought. And he takes a turn and drives vroooommmm…..
I did not even say thanks… I keep cringing... where would I find him again.. I quickly fill the fuel and rush back to the place where the bike had stopped. I ask the traffic police there if he knows the person who just helped me… and he says NO; I ask him was he from the police … and he says NO..
He was wearing light khaki pants and a printed white formal shirt, black anti- pollution mask covering his nose and mouth and a helmet. It was a white motorcycle. This is all observed of him. I curse myself for not noting the bike registration number, for not asking his name and for not saying “Thank you”..
All would wonder why I feel so gratified; It was his attitude that blew me. I had not asked him to help. Still he helped with a cheerful tone, making the other person feel comfortable, without behaving as if he is doing a favor. This is not easy!!!! And I realize that I have to go a long way…..
Mr. P tells me to Thank God for him and to ask God to bless him. I just say a silent prayer for him so that God blesses him with abundant happiness in life..
One of my friends tells me that if I continue helping others like him it would be enough gratification for my Good Samaritan.
I learned some great life lessons today:
· Take time to help.· Help just for the sake of helping.
· Slow down the pace of life.
· Appreciate the beauty around.
That is all I can do!!! But Mr. Gentleman, I would always want to meet you again and say my pending thanks :)
