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. β€œGet in,” I said, β€œI will drop you at the cutting.” She moved to open the door, then drew back. β€œIt’s ok,” she said, β€œWe will manage.” β€œI’m only trying to help,” I said, get in, β€œI will take  you there.” She stood, a picture of indecision, then finally opened the door. They slid in.

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

β€œWe are coming in from Pune,” she answered, β€œSo 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. β€œWe 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.

β€œDon’t panic,” I said, β€œStay, I will drop you.” β€œNo,” she said, and leant past the other women,  to open the door. β€œTrust me and stop panicking,” I said. β€œI am only trying to help. I am a journalist on my way to work, just trying to be helpful…”

She relaxed. Sat back. β€œYou 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.

β€œI’ve never taken a lift before…” she said, β€œthat’s why. And we are from near Buldana, not used to the city…” β€œWell, 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. β€œMy CT scan is also clear,” she said, as she got off, β€œand…” she hesitated and said in English, β€œThank you.” And smiled as her eyes met mine. That sign off made my day.