When I sit behind the steering wheel, images of Jason Statham flash in my mind. Not that I zip around the city like him but like what he does in the movie Transporter , I too take extra care of my passengers. I feel more responsible for their safety.
Though I became a driver out of compulsion, soon I realised it was a blessing in disguise as I could travel to many places. Even as a child I loved to tour but I was able to do that only in dreams as my family, living a hand-to-mouth existence, did not have the wherewithal to support my studies. With two more younger brothers I was forced to discontinue after ninth standard.
Once I helped a van driver, who was working for a logistics company, to load and unload milk crates. Later, he allowed me to work with him. As a 14-year-old I could do only that job. In the next eight years that I was with him I learnt driving. The owner of the company was vey kind and he got me the licence and the badge to operate tourist vehicles.
I joined a tour operator as cab driver and gained much from the experience. As a youngster, I was interested and would go off sight-seeing with my passengers. But now I stay back to take care of the valuables left by the passengers in the car.
Gradually with my savings, I was able to buy a car. As an owner now, I follow certain principles. I am a teetotaller and do not allow smoking or drinking inside my car. If any passenger wishes to, I politely request them to do it outside. I am satisfied with my earnings at present. I am also a fitness freak and try to maintain myself. It helps me as a driver.
My job is round-the-clock and I rarely take leave. I am married and have two kids. I have to work hard for their well being.
