I was limping along on my way to Jayanagar 9th Block to draw some money from the State Bank of Mysore, where I have a savings bank account. I was limping because I suffer from arthritis in my right leg.

Hoping to make the two kilometre distance to the bank under my own steam, I had come out without any cash in my pocket.

Having covered about 20 meters and already panting, I was suddenly brought up short by an autorickshaw coming from behind pulling up alongside.

“Hop in, sir”, said the driver. I took a good look at him. Around 30 or so, with an alert and enterprising look.
“I have no intention to hop in, my man”, I told him. “For your kind information, I have come out without any money.”

“I don’t want any money, sir”, said the fellow.

“Don’t be silly”, I admonished. “Why would you carry me for free? It’s not as if I were your grandfather. If you have plans of driving me to an isolated spot and robbing me, let me tell you that I have nothing worth robbing, not even a wrist watch”, said I.

“I noticed that you were limping badly”, he explained, “and since I am heading in your direction I thought I would give you a lift, that’s all.”

“On one condition”, I told him. “After dropping me at the State Bank of Mysore you will wait till I have drawn some money and paid you the fare.”

“Nothing doing. I carry you for free or not at all”, said the man.

“You will at least share a cup of tea with me after I have finished my work at the bank.”

The next moment I regretted what I had said. Suppose he played the Good Samaritan role only till I had withdrawn cash from the bank and then robbed me and drove away hell-for-leather? Anyway there was no going back after I had committed myself. I drew Rs 1,000 from the bank, and we were seated in the adjoining restaurant sipping tea when the driver began, “My own father was a victim of arthritis all through the latter half of his life. He is no more. Seeing you limping reminded me of my father. I wouldn’t have taken any fare from my own father, would I?”

Today, that poor auto driver has entered my little circle of special friends.