Back on a Rainy Day

You guessed it correctly! After a long break it is raining today evening. As am typing can see gallons of natural water pouring on the dusty and tired lanes of my neighbourhood. Street lights are all on with occasional bizarres of the lightening followed by lousy thunders. Such evening reminds one of various memories... generally the unusual and the unimportant ones...
Fifteen years ago ( trying to be precise) one such evening in the same city of joy had to walk on the wet road from Park Street to Park Circus to board a shared taxi. This was an experience of it's own! Fear of being alone (I missed the office bus ) to cross the deserted footpath by the closed St.Xavier college.. the notorious Malikbazar crossing.. all perceptions and premonitions crowding and at the same go, joy of being able do the same - all alone, overcoming the deep down fear. Uncertainty off course was natural as getting a shared cab from the five point something ( actually it is geometrically asymmetric) remains a challenge, even today.

If you pick up a shot to check out the stretch on a sunny morning am sure you would get me wrong! It is amazing the vibrant lane could be so haunting on a rainy evening.

The next day in office was little beyond the regular consultancy ( used to work for Engg Consultancy firm) experience. My mentor was a workaholic man and usually spend his lunch hours reading letters to editor of "The Statesman" news daily. Those were my initial professional days - wanted to make the boring ambiance bit energized in my own way. Lunch hour I went gaga about the last evening - while intended to share the experience had a sense of self achievement too. Reactions were of various kind - some of pat , some of caution, some of ignorance..All while my mentor never reacted.Post lunch, my mentor left a note on my table along with the news daily . Note said - "Read the 2nd letter".

As I recall - The author had been to the city a week back. Had to make it to airport from Maniktalla - northern part of the city which was badly drowned in water due to persistent rainfall. Had made a Rs 500/- deal ( this is quantum assuming the decade am in) with a cab-guy. But unfortunately the cab had mechanical issues half way thru, at Ultadanga crossing ( considerable Kms from airport). After a few futile requests to stop plying cars a private car stopped. A gentleman rolled down the window pane. In a brisk exchange, author got to know that the car owner was heading for his home. It was stressful drive, as not much could be seen ahead and hence not much dialogue happened till they reach the airport.

- "Can I have your name and address?"

- "Why?"

-"What to thank you back , even your phone number would do?"

-"You thanked ! That is enough . "

-"Still.." - author had the sense of gratitude and really wanted to do something..

Easing his hesitation the car owner said - " Some other day in some other city render someone the same help..That would be the best return...Have a safe flight!"

I was amazed reading the letter probably more than the what author himself was post the brief communication. He went about saying - his experience as a guest in this city not only made him spellbound but he boarded the flight with an asset beyond business.

Gyan #13 - Accomplishments are more rewarding when it propagates beyond you and more.