Helping out

I was starting my car, when I saw them. Two women, in saris,  one with a scarf over
her head. A scarf on the head outside Dadar station only means one thing: she  was there for a cancer check-up.

I waited as they blocked the road, asking the  cabs one after the other,  to take them to the  Tata Memorial. Of course the cabs refused; it was not a profitable distance. I drew up alongside and asked them where they wanted to go.  Sure enough, the scarf woman replied, Tata Hospital.

I knew the drill, I had been through it before. “Get in,” I said, “I will drop you at the cutting.” She moved to open the door, then drew back. “It’s ok,” she said, “We will manage.” “I’m only trying to help,” I said, get in, “I will take  you there.” She stood, a picture of indecision, then finally opened the door. They slid in.

“The door is still open,” I said and taught her how to close it. We drove along in silence. “You are here for a check-up?” I asked, “Is it not better to get off at Parel?”

“We are coming in from Pune,” she answered, “So we got off here where the train ended.” My phone rang. I was at a signal, so I quickly checked the name. Then put the phone back in my bag. It could wait. “We will get off here,” she said, and moved to open
the door. The phone had scared her, I realised; put thoughts  in her head. I was most likely being guided by an unseen abductor.

“Don’t panic,” I said, “Stay, I will drop you.” “No,” she said, and leant past the other women,  to open the door. “Trust me and stop panicking,” I said. “I am only trying to help. I am a journalist on my way to work, just trying to be helpful…”

She relaxed. Sat back. “You have come out of such  a big illness safe. Do you think God will abandon you  to danger now?” I asked. I could see her watching me in the mirror. She smiled, her shoulders relaxed.

“I’ve never taken a lift before…” she said, “that’s why. And we are from near Buldana, not used to the city…” “Well, it’s good to be cautious, but you are safe with me,” I said, and we turned into the road that led to  the hospital.

I dropped them at the circle opposite the hospital. “My CT scan is also clear,” she said, as she got off, “and…” she hesitated and said in English, “Thank you.” And smiled as her eyes met mine. That sign off made my day.