Taxi Driver

13 Feb 2009, Friday.

I woke-up late in the morning. I wanted to visit Matunga temple before going to Office. So I fresh-up in hurry, by 8:15am reached GTB station & took a taxi to Matunga.

As usual, I pulled meter down & sat beside the driver. I looked at that Man. He was very senior person, between the age of 65-70. He was very week, skinny, wearing old spectacles. His hands were shivering, was trying hard to balance steering & gear.

I watched him for a minute & asked “Baba, Kya Main Aapse Kuch Poochun..... Bura To Nahin Maanenge..?”

Taxi Driver (TD) in his weak voice, “Nahin Beta, Poocho.”

Me “Aapko Thoda Aaram Karna Chahiye....” (I Paused), “Matlab, Is Umar Mein.....” (Didn’t Complete)

TD “Jaanta Hoon Beta.. Magar Zimmedariyaan Kuch Aisi Hai Ki Mujhe Roz Kaam Karna Hi Hai.......”

Me “Aapke Bache...?”

TD “Sab Log Hai.. Ek Beta, Ek Beti. Bachon Ko Bada Kar Diya. Apneliyebhi Unke Paas Waqt Nahin Hai .....”

He paused & contd

“... Maine Do Bachon Ko Goad Liya Hai.. Ek Barah Saal - Aur Doosra Dus Saal Ka.. Unko Main Hi Sambhal Raha Hoon.. Aur Iskeliye Kaam To Karna Hi Hai ...”

He Smiled without feeling any burdon, which got faded within the Large wrinkles of skin.
Before getting to know - Whether I was surprised or shocked, we reached Matunga. I stepped-ahed to temple...!