Olatales

It was a long day at work and I was dreading driving the car to visit my sister. So I booked a taxi on Ola, soon a shiny beige Chevrolet Enjoy landed on my doorstep.

I got in and sinked comfortably into the plush seats. I immediately noticed the car was brand new, the smell of the new car had not even escaped the AC comfort, the plastic sheets on the seats were still intact and the paper mats beneath my feet.

Having a driver to take you around in Chennai is luxury by itself and now not only did I have that but also a ride in a brand new fancy car! I already felt like a prince, now I was like cruising with my princess by my side!

I looked at my fading subjects on the road from my chariot and soon I saw a big black bible on the dashboard and on enquiry the Christian driver Rajkumar (Hindu convert) told me, I was his very first customer! His car was only two days old and after taking blessings from his church priest, he drove straight to pick me! How privileged I felt and I was very happy to share in his joy.

I told him I go to the nearby church and I am visiting my sick sister with fruits etc. He expertly manoeuvred his huge car along the narrow roads to Kolathur, all the while talking about himself, his family etc. and asking me what I do etc. His father is a government staff, mother works in a canteen, his only younger sister is doing her BE project in Cognizant and that he is single.

His family are on the look out for a good, God fearing Christian for his sister. By the time I was near my destination, I had known almost everything about him and his family, but for what he had for breakfast, lunch he told me though!

As I got down at my sister’s house, I wished him the very best, good luck, shook hands and generously tipped him almost double the fare! He promised to save my number, be in touch etc. Before I stepped out, he asked “Sir! Neenga singlea?”.

I just smiled, opened the door and silently walked away..