To be bluntly honest, I began using Uber pool to save money ! Compared to the Uber Go prices, the pool prices were a STEAL. But then there was an issue of privacy, which I got over quite quickly because I realised passengers rarely wanted to even make small talk let alone have full blown conversations. This left me free to dig deep into my phone or listen to some of my favourite tunes ( I also had dozed off quite a bit and snored away to glory ….probably why I have just a 4.7 rating ! )
Now I did meet quite a few fun people during these rides where I connected over similar interests or a funny incident during the travel, but nothing quite prepared me for this ride.
After a trip to Trendy Hair & Beauty ( in Juhu ) I decided to take an Uber Pool. The cab arrived empty and we were on our way home until ** buzz buzz ** we had another passenger that we had to turn back for. With a bit of time on my hands I didn’t quite mind. The cab driver told me that this particular passenger is an old man who travels almost daily from Juhu to Powai, which we assumed was from his place
to his childrens or vice versa.
As we reached the pick up point, a girl approached us cross checking the cab details, and from a distance I saw a very old man, wearing dark black shades being assisted while he wobbled towards the cab. I instantly shifted towards the right to make place for him to sit comfortably, thinking to myself, ‘ This will be a quiet ride, maybe I can catch up on a few winks.’ As soon as my co-passenger came to the window he stopped, gave me a 50 watt smile and asked, “Hello, May I please sit on the seat next to you ? ” to which I replied….
quite stunned at his chivalry, “ Please be my guest sir.”
As the cab took off the gentleman began telling me bits about his life. He was 90 years old travelling from work ( near the Juhu pick up point ) to his residence in Powai. He used to have a car and a driver but found Uber Pool much more convenient than co-ordinating with a driver. He loved working and couldn’t sit at home all day so the travel was worth it. I interrupted his story by telling him how much he reminded of my late granddad who made a vow to work till his last breath ( which he did ), and I missed him so dearly.
Me : “ Working at 90 ? That's incredible ! My granddad loved his job too, and he had a hard time reaching where he was… I mean being a Medical Rep, studying Law and running canteen in Trombay… I wonder when he got the time to breathe ! But it all paid off and I am proud to say he was a director of a pharmaceutical company.”
Him : “ Which Pharmaceutical ? ”
Me : “ Sir, Centaur Pharmaceutical. Its near Grand Hyatt in Vakola and...”
Him : “ Are you Sawants granddaughter ? ”
Me : “ No, but I know Mr. Sawant, he worked closely with him.. wait how do you know….”
Him : “ You are Rangnekars granddaughter aren’t you….”
Me ( With Goosebumps all over my body ) : “ Did you know my Ajoba ? ”
Him : Yes my dear, I knew him very well… and his brother too….
And that’s when I thought I was about to pass out. I turned my mobile recorder on began recording as he fondly began telling me stories of my granddad S.K. Rangnekar & his brother M.K Rangnekar. ( My hands are shaking as I write this ). There were so many stories, I could go on listening forever, I mean…
I felt that my granddad was alive, through him !
As he spoke about my cousin granddads death… I saw a tear roll down his eye and he quickly
wiped it off with a handkerchief.
“It is so difficult knowing your friends, your wife, are not around anymore.”
I choked. I fought my tears back with a lot of difficulty.. I just wanted to hug him tight
but was so worried I would hurt him.
We were joined by another passenger who thought we were crazy with me gasping and shrieking at the parts I knew…. But I couldn’t care less… I wanted to relive every memory with him. With the traffic,
it took us forever to reach and I cherished every moment of the ride.
All those who know me, know I am TERRIBLE at taking selfies. But as we reached the end of the ride,
I could not resist. I had to save this memory, I just had to!
To my misfortune, my phone gave up and I lost almost all my data just a day after and I am unable to connect with him. All I know is he lives in Powai and I would love to reconnect. ( contactnehasclicks@gmail.com )
So If you are reading this, do share this post and help me reconnect with him and the treasures
his memory holds… I will be forever grateful.
Thank you Uber pool for the wonderful ride :)
Thank you Uber pool for the wonderful ride :)
