When Things Get Tough; Tough Gets Going.....2

Now I can begin to narrate, in short, 2 of my experiences which reflect the life and its many funny, serious or dangerous faces.  The period of incidence was 1980 when I was on a Rajasthan tour promoting and overseeing the dealers’ sales performance.  I was travelling by Luxury AC bus to Bikaner from Jaipur.   I rushed down at an intermediary district Bus Stand for relieving myself of long accumulation after a non-stop drive of about three hours during its short stopover.  While on journey I usually keep my wallet carrying large amount of cash and travellers cheques in my brief-case which was safe in the overhead rack.  While coming back after a great relief, I noticed to my utter horror that bus had already started and was about to cross the parameter gate.  I started yelling in my excitement; STOP, STOP, STOP……. But I forgot to realise that since bus was air-conditioned, neither driver nor conductor could hear my animated yells.  I was stuck like by lightening since I had no cash except 10 or 15 Rupees in my different pockets together and all my luggage and clothes in the bus.  I was running like a madman yelling stop, somebody stop that luxury bus and I do not remember what else!   I reached at the gate running and watching the bus getting out into the main road and picking up the usual speed by which they FLY and not run on the road.  People were watching me and me praying God to save me out of this situation because I was sure if I narrate this incidence in the office it would invoke hilarious laugh and rebuke from my Big Boss and thrown into corporate corner for incompetence.  All unholy and wrong thoughts were coming to my mind while running like:

                       ‘Raging waters rarely show mercy, it uproots everything on

                        Its path’              

                                                                            - Unknown author.

Truly, I felt same way that my flourishing career is just uprooted and have to just reach back Pune to be handed over a pink-slip.  But destiny had chosen otherwise.  Just then a Good Samaritan appeared from nowhere with a good fast bike to help and chase & overtake that bus since he had been observing discreetly all the unfolding drama.  He asked me to sit pillion and to where that bus was heading.  I told him my destination.  The Hollywood/Bollywood chase revved up on top gear and after a chase of say 6 or 7 kms the bus came into sight.  Slowly the gap between us narrowed and ultimately our frantic waving and honking of horn made the driver look into his rear-view mirror and knew something is amiss and ultimately stopped after being followed for about 10 kms. 

            In that Good Samaritan’s respectful and grateful memory I cannot resist quoting a very good quote which is very dear to me which I want to dedicate to him even after so many years,

                        ‘The world is his who does his job with Compassion’         

       -  Thiruvalluvar.

            I just could not control my emotions and tears flowing profusely I thanked him again and again and boarded the bus with heavy heart and with all blessings for that compassionate helpful Soul.