It
was cold and windy night. Me and my friend met after a long time and
were chatting for hours. We did not notice that time flew away and it
was close to ten. We decided to take an auto rickshaw to go to our
room.
It started raining and we hurried to get
into an auto rickshaw and reach our place. None of the auto rickshaw
stopped for us, except one.
The driver asked us where we want to go
and we told the place. Without talking anything about the fare, he
said, ‘please get in!’ We thanked the auto driver for stopping by us.
Since it was very cold, I asked the
driver to stop in the mid at any small restaurant or a tea shop. We
liked to have a cut of hot tea. The driver stopped near a small
restaurant.
We ordered for tea and asked the driver
to join us and have a cup of tea. The driver refused. I insisted him to
take a cup as it could be refreshing.
Again the driver refused to drink tea.
My friend asked, ‘Will you not take tea from this shop or what?’
Driver replied, ‘No Sir, I don’t feel like having tea now.’
I asked again, ‘But why a cup of tea will make no harm.’
Driver with all smiles replied, ‘Thank you sir, but I’m sorry.’
My friend asked, ‘do you have any habit that you won’t eat outside?’
Driver said, ‘No!’
My friend became angry on the driver, ‘You think we are not equal to share a cup of tea with you?’
Driver remained silent and never replied.
I was really surprised at his behaviour and asked my friend not to compel him.
In 15 minutes, we reached our mansion. We paid the fare and he thanked us.
I stopped him, as I really wanted to ask him why he refused to drink tea.
He was thinking for a minute, and
replied, ‘Sir, my son passed away this noon in accident. I don’t have
enough money for his funeral. So I promised not to drink even water
until I earn enough money for my son. That’s why I didn’t drink tea
when you offered. Please don’t mistake me.’
We both are shattered and offered him more money for his son’s funeral.
I said, ‘Please take this.’
He politely refused, ‘Thank you for your
generosity sir. In one or two hours, if I get one or two more
customers, I will earn the sufficient money I need.’ And he left the
place.
He could have charged us double or even
triple the usual rate due to rain. Still, he received the nominal auto
fare. In spite of his poor financial condition, his deep sorrow, the
auto driver remained honest and stood by his words!
Be honest to all because honesty is the right policy. |
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Thursday, 19 June 2014
The Honest Auto Driver
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Stories
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