Dilo

People like you

It was my second visit to Albany, New York. My work brought me here. I felt honored that my company would send me to solve this difficult problem at our customer site. The tall buildings all around did not hide the wide hearts of the people I crossed ways with. Almost everybody was kind. Their broad smiles in the cold heavy winter air reminded me of the California sun. Well, all except for the waitress at the Spanish diner Sunday night who took away my plate when I had enough in it to make another mouthful, but not enough to object - she reminded me of God.

The work was done. The name was restored. The time was right - for a little celebration. I decided to treat myself to a one and a quarter pound lobster. My purpose in Albany would be complete. Not wanting to risk the clock interrupting my fine lunch, I had collected the boarding pass and checked in my luggage with the airlines at 2. The flight back home was at 5. I had all the time the lobster would demand of me, and still be left with some for the security check before boarding the plane. I loved the way indulgence felt. It somehow brought out my serene memory of the full moon at the heart of that july night that lit the empty dust road by the paddy fields with no soul but mine privileged to enjoy it. Contentment.

It was time to say goodbye now. To beautiful Albany. Albany - which gave me my first snow shower. The place that taught me how ice is fire. I couldnt help thinking - neither Ice nor Fire can wound me any more.

The city whose cold could freeze all motion.

Singing aloud in the car I drove it to the return location. I dropped the red Impala, filled out the form, thanked the attender, and was on my way to the airport building on foot. Then halfway across the zebra crossing, I realized - I had forgotten something in the car. O My GOD, I had bought it after a lot of deliberation on which brand to buy. I stood there for a second thinking if I should go back for it - I still had 45 minutes for takeoff. I turned back.

I walked up and down the lot looking for the vehicle - I was sure the keys would be in the car and I would then just take the cable and be on my way. To my dismay, I couldnt find the car. And I couldnt find the attendant who had helped me but a few minutes back. I walked up to another attender and told him about my situation. He asked me to talk to another employee who was just getting into another returned car. I stopped him and said I forgot something in my car. He smiled and asked me the details of the car and said "Jump in!", shouting to the other man - "He forgot something in the car - I'll be back". He started driving me.

I asked him where they take the returned cars. "5 miles south". WHAT??? My God!!! "I dont want to miss my flight!". He said "We will see" with a smile. I was completely beyond myself on what to expect. If I were to miss the flight, it would be the a costly mistake. He said he will call me a cab to get me back to the airport. Now just hold on one second. I felt comfortable with this man who looked to be in his early 50s. I was sure he was joking, but if I turned out to be wrong, only I was to blame.

On our way we saw a police man questioning a lady at the window of her car parked by the side of the road. Our hero said - "Wow, at last!! - she was talking on the phone driving erratic here and there - and boy, am I happy she got caught". I figured this road must carry my man many times a day.

We entered the open air garage with many many cars parked for inspection - all returned cars. He waved at at least 5 people from the entrance till the time I identified my Impala. I pointed the car to him, he stopped, I got down, ran a few feet, opened the door, and then, there it was - my stereo headphones cable I use for my blackberry phone to listen to music with. I dont know what the reaction of the driver was when he saw what that "something" was, but I know I was not sure if I wanted to know. I was too busy feeling happy I would not miss my music in the flight after all. So I jumped in to the car along with the driver and we were on our way. I couldnt help thinking I cant thank him enough - for what its worth, Im coming back in the same car and not a cab I would have had to pay for. I pulled out a bunch of cash I so characteristically had stashed into my left jeans pocket. I picked out 5 dollars from the handful, and put back the rest.

I asked him if he was allowed to drive customers like this to pick up lost things, to which he replied "Well, I only broke 15 or 20 rules with you today. My supervisor cant question me, you know why? Because he doesnt know. Always remember - no matter what wrong you do, always make sure there is no witness. You can commit any crime, but make sure there is no witness". I gave him a smile of disagreement. Disagreeing that what he did does not come under "wrong". And, disagreeing that the self is more witness than any video camera can ever hope to be. But I did not talk back, since I knew he was proud of having helped me today.

We reached the spot we started our 10 minute journey from. He turned back and smiled - "There! You didnt miss the flight after all". I reminded him that I still had security clearance to pass through. He suggested, "Well talk your way through the line - scare people that you are going to miss your flight - believe me - people dont like to feel guilty". Without letting him turn his eyes away, I offered the money I had ready for him in my hand, "Can I give you this?". It was easy to see he was happy. I could almost sense his satisfaction that his deed did not go unrewarded after all.

He remarked "Of course - thank you very much! Isn't this what makes the world go round - The Green!"

"No" I told him. "Its people like you".

Naim Tabriz Khan.
Albany, NY - February 25, 2009.

posted by Chicken 65 @ 12:10 PM 3 comments