The year was 2009. At the time, I was single, living in Mumbai and working as a Research Analyst for a Financial Services firm.
On the surface, it was like any other day. I boarded my regular train to work. My mind, however, was in a huge turmoil. Sometimes, when we overanalyze the small little things in our lives, then add a dash of guilt and a heavy dose of self-pity to it, we can feel the weight of the world on our shoulders. I can see that now. However, at the time I just could not seem to stop the downward spiral of my thoughts.
It was at this point that I heard a voice break into my thoughts..”Beta (Child)…” Before I could figure out the source of the voice, I felt a hand on my shoulder. After the initial shock and disorientation that I felt, I realized that the lady beside me was trying to get my attention and say something.
This is what she said: “Beta (Child), I see that you are disturbed about something. I don’t know what you are going through. I don’t even know who you are. However, there is one thing that I do know. I know that it will all be ok. I know this because nothing really bad can happen to good people. So, cheer up.”
In my state of utter surprise, all I could really come up with was a “Thank You..Thank you so much Aunty”.
That little exchange on the train jolted me out of my melancholy mood, instantly. I realized how trivial my problems were, and was totally amazed at the kindness of a random stranger. She did not know me at all. She could have cared less about what I was going through. But she chose to reach out and offer comfort.
After all these years, that time in my life, that train ride, and that lady, appear to be from a different lifetime. However, I never quite forgot how she made me feel that day.
Kindness might just be a word, but one word of kindness can have a huge impact on someone.
Have you ever experienced kindness from unexpected quarters?
*This post is written for the AtoZChallenge.
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Hi Shanaya,
Awesome writeup. Since i too am from Mumbai, i have also encountered such amazing warmth by strangers.Could totally relate to what u say. It is,when chips are down and unknown people say something positive that we feel all will be well soon.
Truly. Kindness from unexpected quarters does brighten one’s day. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
I’ve not experienced it. But surely it must have been really comforting for you to receive it unexpectedly.
It was. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
That was so nice of the stranger on the train, Shantala. I have had such situations too which make me wonder firstly as to why was I chosen for the random act of kindness. Later I realize the purpose of it and feel happy or blessed. Thanks for sharing ! 🙂
Eloquent Mind recently posted…Oxygen #AtoZChallenge
Thank you, EM. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
I love random acts of kindness. You have no idea how it can help some people. That’s a wonderful situation that occurred for you. I’ve had several acts of kindness too and I feel ever so grateful. One thing that happened a couple of years ago was when I was at a set of traffic lights near home, I heard someone suddenly tapping on my window. It was a stranger who told me my back tyre was flat. He then changed my tyre for me {as I have no idea and was going to call roadside assistance!} which was just a really nice thing to do!
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted…K is for Kainophobia #atozchallenge
That was truly very nice of him, Sanch. Kindness costs us very little, but goes a long way. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
That’s sweet that she brought you out of your miserable mindset! 😉 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted…#A to Z Challenge: L is for Laughter
Very sweet and kind of her, indeed. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
This is such a heart warming anecdote. 🙂
arpita recently posted…Five ways to be kind to yourself
Thank you. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
Being kind to others is not very difficult, but we do not care, and blame it on our “hectic lives”. What a stranger understood, many of our own kin do not.
I agree, though we need to make an effort to make it a part of our everyday lives. But I guess, it is easier said than done. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
How wonderful of that lady to say something that you needed to hear that day!! It is true that one small, thoughtful gesture can make someone day, for we do not know what kind of battle they might be fighting! 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…K is for Kindness #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
True that, Shilpa. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Valentine’s Day for Toddlers! – Why does this exist?!
A little kindness can go a long way in helping someone go through their life in a better way. The world surely needs more kindness.
Jyotsna Bhatia recently posted…K – Kids
It does. Thanks for reading, Jyotsna. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…A Random Act of Kindness by a Stranger #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
So kind of her to talk to you and leave such an everlasting memory. Random acts of kindness are never forgotten. 🙂
Parul recently posted…K for KSBKBT
I agree. They make a lasting impact. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…A Random Act of Kindness by a Stranger #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z