Cab Driver Tells ¡®Humans of Bombay¡¯ Story Of How He Changed A Young Girl's Life Forever In 10 Minutes

While we are surrounded by increasing evidence of fast-disappearing humanity, there is still some hope.

In the street around the corner, at the bus station nearby, on the busy roads ¡ª there still are people around you, no matter where you are, who reaffirm our faith in the essential goodness of mankind.

TOI/Representative Image

Here¡¯s a story published by the Humans of Bombay that will do just that ¡ª make you believe that goodness still exists. The story, which was published on October 17, received the love of about 10,000 people within an hour of being published.

Facebook/Humans of Bombay

In the post, an elderly cab driver narrates his story and we advise you to grab a box of tissues before you begin reading what he has to say. Here¡¯s the story:

¡°I¡¯ve been driving this cab since 35 years now. I¡¯m old, but I still have to support myself. Over the years there have been so many experiences ¡ª I¡¯ve seen the best and worst of this city.

Sometimes, people like you will talk to me, at least make me feel human and then there are others who come and scream at me because they¡¯re in a hurry and there¡¯s too much traffic.

A few years ago, at around 12:30 am one night, I noticed a young girl, not over 25 walking from the bus stop, possibly towards her home. It was one of those dingy lanes where there aren¡¯t a lot of people. I noticed her, because she looked very anxious and when I looked behind her I saw these 2-3 drunk fellows whistling, and calling her names. They then began to actively chase her and I was still across the street ¡ª so as a reflex I decided to start honking continuously.

The noise created enough alarm, because they were startled and immediately ran away in the other direction. I crossed over, and told that girl I would drop her home ¡ª she was so terrified, she had gone completely pale. We drove in silence for those 2-3 minutes¡­.her house was just around the corner, but when she stepped outside, she caught both my hands, started weeping and thanking me over and over again.

Even though I said it¡¯s okay and I would have done it for anyone, she insisted that I wait outside while she went in to get something. She came out with a tin of rasgullas and told me to take them home to my family ¡ª I thanked her and left. I barely knew her for 10 minutes, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever forget that night.¡±

Two takeaways from this story:

1) Next time you are in a cab or an auto, try not being rude to the driver, he/she has his/her own battles to fight.

2) You can always make a difference in your own little ways. So, lend your helping hand whenever possible.