Sometimes mundane experiences of life present striking examples of eternal paradoxes mostly overlooked in our myriad busyness.
Yesterday an experiment with myself – ordinary one – a long ride alone after a very long time (was I nervous!).
A cab to the salon at the other end of the city for a hair cut. Why travel such a distance for a routine thing ? Take it as a whim…some me time….the exotic wanderings of a mind on wheels….a minor extravagance to luxuriate in…at least for the time being.
Self care!!
The going was uneventful.
Just a few minutes job.
Then return back home.
As I made myself comfortable in the cab the anathema hit me. The cabbie , a thin bearded fellow with long discoloured hair tied in a bun!!
The interior of the vehicle had a forceful stamp of his presence. Being allergic to overbearing odour I anticipated a nasal revolt. But as the vehicle picked up speed the AC became active – a respite!
I observed him. Neat attire. Cautious driving well within the speed limit. No overtaking. Sticking to the rules. Lane conscious. Courteous reticence. An air of aloofness about him uncommon to the clan. Almost like detachment. His casual hair knot somehow invigorated my imagination.
Before I dozed off….
Soon the tresses would grow into a tangled mass. Soon he would leave his job and everything material that comes and goes with it. Soon he would be off to an isolated cave amidst iced peaks. Smoking marijuana and contemplating higher thoughts.
Now I could decode that bothersome aura about him. One could say almost a kind of “spiritual melancholy”…???
Reaching the destination I confirmed the fare before paying off.
“475”, He said
I corrected him.
“478.95”
Again unlike his breed he dithered.
“479”. I rounded off and paid online.
When I asked whether he had received the money again that uncharacteristic indifference, ” Aagaya hoga, ma’am.” It must have come. I could detect a note of exhaustion in his voice.
He carefully and efficiently parked the car for me to alight. Again unusual. No hurry.
As I entered the gated block my last nagging thought was hope he would scrub that smell off his body…a regular bath greatly needed.
Funny.
A very ‘earthy’ wish for a man who was on his way to renounce the world in quest of self realisation!!!
What a ride!🤭 I can survive without perfume, but can’t without deodorant. 😁
I’m glad you survive 🤭 Happy Friday, gc
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True. I am always anxious whether I’d get a clean cab and comfortable ride
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An interesting experience Geeta. Will you share a picture of your new haircut?
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Hee…Hee…Like yours….it had just grown long…I will share over mail but my pics are never good 😊
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Okay. ✅ Looking forward to seeing them.
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Fascinating
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Thank you so much Derrrick 🙏
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I find it so interesting how mundane tasks can become adventures when viewed the right way. A wonderful narrative!
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Thank you very much for your kind appreciation
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“I opened the window and let the morning in.” 🤍 Such a simple line, but it says so much about letting go and starting again. Beautifully written Geeta ji. 🌸🦋✨
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Thank you so much Rajeshwari.
But when did I write that line ??? 🤔
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There were so many notifications coming in that I think I got a little mixed up and ended up replying to the wrong post. 🙈 Sorry about that, Geeta ji! Next time se dhyan rakhungi😅🙏🏻
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No issue dear girl. Have a great day ☺️
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Thank you so much🙏🏻
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What a paradox, so masterfully observed!
It’s amazing how a simple taxi ride can transform into such a profound and spiritual reflection.
I find it a wonderful reminder to observe the world around us more carefully.
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Thank you Luisa for your kind appreciation. Indebted.
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It’s good to know I’m not the only one. I often have issues with unpleasant smells in cabs.
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दुनिया में कोई चीज बेकार नहीं,केब में बदबू नहीं होता तो राइड adventurous नहीं होती.
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It was less an adventure and more a flight of my imagination. Not bragging but I am a keen observer of humans and their behaviours.
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Ha, your ride home was interesting 🙂!
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Yes, wasn’t it?
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If he does become a mystic man some day, famous for his powers, you will have a story of how he was your charioteer for one afternoon, revealing in mystic dreamy ways of life 😀
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Hehh ..Hehh….well said Parikhit
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