On exam day, I was going to be late. I rushed to the nearest auto stand and asked one of the drivers to drop me at my college as fast as he could. Seeing me in a hurry, he said, “Get in, child! Now you will see me flying, not driving. Come on and enjoy the ride with me!” Hoping that he doesn’t get me admitted to the hospital, I got inside. In 20 minutes, he dropped me at the college safely. I reached for my wallet to pay him and as luck would have it, there was no wallet. Not only did I not have the money to pay, but the little which I studied for my exam also vanished from my memory. I imagined my ears bleeding from his abuses.
He saw my worried look and asked, “What happened, beti ?” out of fear, I mumbled, “ Anna ...” He waited for an explanation. “Yes, tell me.” I cursed myself and hesitatingly said, “Sir, I forgot my wallet.” ‘ Anna ’ now became ‘Sir’, surely not out of respect. I knew what was coming next.
However, in a soft and gentle tone, he said, “Don’t panic! Everyone forgets things. There is no need to worry. You’re like my daughter. I’m happy to have helped you and you are very much happy to have received it. Now, go and write your exams well.” I was dumbstruck. I thanked him profusely for the timely help and ran into my exam hall.
In this fast and impatient time, we judge people based on recognition and ambition to amass wealth. A humble person taught me what being simple and helpful is. I realised that there are still a few people who value morals more than dollars.
Of course, I paid him double the next time.
The writer is 20 and pursuing CA
