There are few memories that stuck with you even after leaving a place. Some food, some cultural differences, some people, some stories, some incidents, some lessons, experiences and the list go on. This story is about someone I met on my way back to Pune from Lavasa. Lavasa is an Italian model built city in the State of Maharashtra, India. I was travelling solo and it was not a pre-planned trip.
I was waiting for the last bus from Lavasa to Pune and I was pretty worried if I missed it. I was the only one at the bus stop and there seemed to be no other way to get back to Pune at that time. Taxi services take only round trip between these two destinations. It was then an elderly person came to the bus stop. I was assured the bus is going to come and he is someone who comes here often for some works in the city. A little while after someone else joined us. By now it was about to rain and I didn’t have an umbrella.
The third person, in is thirties enquired about the same questions I had; is there a bus at this time? Is there any other way to get to Pune?! He was also given the same answers and three of us started to wait at the stop and that was when the intro session was going on with everyone stating their intent of visit.
This third person said he came here to meet someone, like an interview. This is someone local to Pune. After sometime he started to talk more about his visit, like he just wanted to let it out. He was nervous and in a little bit of shock it seemed. He was there to meet someone wealthy, someone who is known by many and has a huge social and political reputation. He continued: “I am actually here being referred by a friend of friend and this meeting was for a job position. This man I met is so wealthy, controls pretty much everything in this area and he is looking for a personal driver.”
He still was little bit shivering and was so eager to talk to us. I thought he is excited for his new job and that’s when he started talking again. “You know what, he was armed with a gun around his waist. We talked for a long time and he told me about the risks involved in the job. He said there are many who is just waiting to finish him. And you know what! His driver was shot dead last week.”
That gave the rest of us sudden chills and he went on explaining about this man’s job, home, social circles and so on. He just could not stop talking and there was fear, happiness and many mixed emotions in his words.
He said: “We talked for hours. He told me things very clearly and asked if I was ready to join. The pay is good but there is a huge risk on shoulder if I take this. You see I’m no one but when I am with him I am the first and easy target. Oh my God, the moment I saw his rifle I got a little bit scared. I have never seen one so close and he can easily use it on me and no one will ever know.”
We both were looking at him making restless small steps. I honestly was hoping he denied the offer. Nodding to what he was saying the other one in the group asked “It sounds pretty risky. They will be protected no matter what. They are valuable to many. Did you take the job then?”
“Yes I did. I don’t have another option you see. I told him that I will protect him, I will make sure that he reach safe to the places. If I am scared then I cannot work. I just had a child and our family is going through a lot. I am sure they will be fed and secure. Whatever comes we will face. But it just gets me that the previous driver was shot dead. Right now that is just getting played in my mind. Oh God!”
There was a confused silence for a moment and then the elder one said “let’s hope for the best. In today’s world getting a job is difficult. Take care of yourself too.”
Rain had already started and we waited for some more time. Someone else came towards us for the bus. He said the return cabs take passengers on sharing basis. Luckily we got a cab that was going to Pune and it was a long ride. Sharing a cab with 4 other strangers kept my mind busy and alert. Three of them chat the entire ride. Knowing I was travelling alone just to see the place, they shared many information about how Lavasa was built into what we see today. How things have changed in that area and many more that only a native can explain.
We all parted out ways after reaching Pune. This person who is going to take the job pointed to a place and said that’s where he recently shifted with his family. He didn’t seem like a gangster or someone who is so bad in character. Just someone who was desperately looking for a job to survive in this city. I really wonder how his life might have changed.