The Good Samaritan

No matter how corrupt and unsafe Delhi might seem to be, it still strives, thrives and survives on the ‘Good Samaritans’ we have in the city. They actually are the pillars of strength to the city. I’m sure you all will also agree with me once you read this till the end.

On 30^th (March,2011) morning, around 8am I got a phone call. The voice on the other side said, “Hello madam, I’m S.P Singh. Have you lost your credit cards?”

“My credit cards?” I was irritated, thinking it to be a prank, nevertheless said, “Just hold on, let me check,.”

Putting the receiver down I quickly checked my clutch purse. To my horror all five cards were missing and I didn't even know about it.”

 Hurriedly I picked up the receiver, “Oh my God, yes they are missing and wasn’t even aware of it. Where did you find them? How did you get my number? And where are you speaking from?” I rattled all in one go.

 “Calm down Madam,” the voice  explained, “I’m S.P Singh calling from R.K puram. Yesterday in the evening while walking in the deer park, we found these cards(three credit cards, licence card and pan card)  lying on the ground. I tried calling ICICI and SBI bank to block them but they refused as a policy matter. Your name and address was there on the licence. From the MTNL directory, I got the landline number…that’s how I’m calling.”

It then dawned to me that while walking yesterday I had given my keys and purse to my maid, who was walking along with me. She also didn’t realize when the cards slipped out .The whole scene flashed in front of my eyes.

Realizing the seriousness of it I got chicken skin. Had it fallen in some wrong hands, my accounts would have been swindled by now. The man saved me from so many implications.

Taking the address I drove to R.K Puram and got the cards from that person, thanking him from the bottom of my heart. Any amount of gratitude would be less for whatever he did.

Thank you my ‘Good Samaritan’… You make Delhi very proud.

'Atithi Devo Bhava'

The memory of that day is still fresh in my mind. I had gone to Srifort Auditorium to watch a show for which I had an invite pass. After the show around 8.30 pm, as I drove out and reached the intersection I took a left turn.

My car had yet not geared into speed. In a flash of a glimpse saw a middle- aged phirang (foreigner, from where I don’t know) standing on the footpath crying away tears. I had just passed by. An image registered in my brain and my feet applied brake.

“Why are you crying? Where do you have to go?” I asked with concern.

“Par..ya..wara..n  vi..har”was all she could utter in her anglisized tone.

I tried to stop a few autos but they buzzed by. Finally an autowala stopped.

I rushed to him and said, "Bhaiya yeh aurat videshi hai.Apne desh ki izzat hai isme, agar ek anjan ki maddat karen.Please inko jahan kehtai hain le jao.Kya mein tum par bharosa kar sakti hoon."

The man (god bless him) immediately said, "Don’t worry madam. Take my auto no. I’ll drop her."

The lady sat in the auto. The smile on her lips and gratitude in her moistened eyes said it all.

 They are still fresh in my mind.

Sitting back in the car I blurted out, "Atithi Devo Bhava."

I think I did my bit. With immense joy I drove back home feeling that I created one ‘good karma’ for myself.