Good Samaritans Still Exist

I was browsing through some Indian newspapers online.  I read a very interesting article.  Following is the link:

 

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/a-train-journey-and-two-names-to-remember/article6070562.ece#comments

 

In case you don't have time to read the above link, here is a summary:

 

In 1990, 2 young women boarded a first class compartment (Delhi to Ahmedabad) without any reservation.  The TTE asked them to sit in a coupe till he can find some berths for them.  The coupe was already occupied by 2 guys.  The TTE could not find any berth for them.  The 2 guys said they can stay in their coupe.  All 4 of them had excellent conversation.  One of the guys paid for everyone’s dinner.  When time to sleep, the guys spread a cloth on the floor and went to sleep.  These 2 young women slept in the berths.  The next morning, when the train arrived in Ahmedabad, one of the young women asked their names.  Their names are Shankersinh Vaghela and Narendra Modi.

 

We all think important people are arrogant and self centered.  But there are some nice important people also in this world.  On our way back from Tirupathi, here is what happened.

 

It was already late when we left Tirupathi toward Chennai.  It was around 1:30 am and we were near to Tiruthani.  All of a sudden the car got stuck and stopped. It was pitch dark.  No building.  No people.  We were stuck in the middle of nowhere.  3 adults and 2 kids in the car.  There is nothing we could do.  There were no cell phones those days.  We were just sitting in the car for about 45 minutes discussing what we should do.  Kids were restless.  Thiruthani to Chennai is 107 kms (67 miles).

 

All of a sudden a car came and stopped behind our car.  A guy got out of the car and asked us what happened.  We told him the car got stuck and we have to go to Chennai.  He immediately said: 

 

My home is only 10 minutes away from here.  I will go home and send my car back here to take you to Chennai.  Also, please give me your car keys and address. I will get it repaired in the morning and have someone drive it back to your home.  Until my car comes back, I will have one of my servants wait here with you because it is unsafe to be here at this hour with a lady.

 

We thanked him profusely.  He showed an expression as if it is no big deal.

 

His car came back in 30 minutes.  The driver took us to Chennai and dropped us there.  While driving, we were chatting with the driver.  He said his boss is kind of a big shot in this area and everyone is afraid of him. Alluded that he is kind of a Mafioso.  His 20 year old son died 10 days ago and tomorrow is the 10^th day ceremony (some religious ceremony for the departed soul). I think in the Northern part of India it is done on the 13th day (Teravih).  We felt sorry for him and at the same time admired his helping us.

 

When we reached Chennai, we offered some money to the driver.  He said “vendaam. Ayyavukku therinja konnu potturuvaar ennai”. (Please don’t give me any money.  If my master comes to know I accepted money, he would kill me on the spot.)

 

Next morning we got a call from someone.  He said the car is fixed and someone will drive the car back to our home in Chennai.  He would not tell us how much it cost to repair.  The car was delivered and the driver left.  This guy also would not accept any money either.

 

We still talk about his generosity (at a very difficult time in his life).