Change is never painful, only the resistance to it is painful; sounds extremely deep and wise. If you were wondering that this is quoted by me or has been my life’s philosophy; then you are sadly mistaken. I have been the exact opposite, a planner, a control freak; resisting the slightest of changes. But could not hold on to things too long. Thirteen years ago, a great professional opportunity came knocking at my door; if I chose to accept it, it required a lot of commitment and a change in my lifestyle.

After a lot of consideration, I accepted the offer and joined one of the leading companies in the aviation industry. It was one of the finest decisions of my life; apart from marrying my husband obviously; it tested my abilities and broadened my horizon completely.

Apart from the professional expertise, which added a lot of value to my CV, I had a far more enriching experience traveling to work. Initially, I traveled by radio cabs, spending most of my entire month’s salary commuting from Delhi to Gurgaon and return. This continued for a couple of months, until one day it rained heavily and all cabs cancelled or refused rides to Delhi at the very last moment. In a state of panic, I frantically called my knight in shining armor, my husband to rescue me, but he too was stuck in south Delhi traffic and would take forever to reach me.

Refusing to be the damsel in distress, I mustered the courage to travel by metro; there was a hesitation only due to the frightful experiences of travelling by Mumbai locals. But with no option in sight, I went ahead meekly. Through the way complete strangers comforted and guided me on where to buy the token, which side to board and alight the metro. And in no time, I reached Hauz Khas metro station to be united with my husband, who anxiously waited to pick me. To my surprise, it was such a joy ride, economical, quick and convenient all at the same time.

From that day onward, I started travelling by metro to work. It not only helped me to save a huge chunk of my salary but also helped me become an avid reader; luckily during that time you tube videos and reels were not discovered. I enjoyed the insightful conversations with colleagues and some absolute strangers, really learned ladies, who shared their recommendations on the next book that I should pick. I would reach Delhi metro station in no time and rush to meet my husband obviously after a quick visit to the ladies room to fix my hair and face, who patiently waited to pick me. Once a week, we would go for a romantic drive to Jor bagh sabzi mandi, I would lazily walk around, while hubby dearest stalked veggies for the upcoming week. Go on unplanned dinner dates, followed by late night ice cream treats at India Gate. The long working days never seemed to bother us, we would excitedly wait for one another at metro stations, just to drive back home together and fill in each other with stories of that day.  Oh, I miss those days!          

The only hiccup of traveling by metro was the end to end connectivity. But like how wise men say, if you leave your worries to God, he looks after you like no one else does; I met some really amazing people, who not only looked after me, but also made my every day commute enjoyable.

Amit, who drove an auto rickshaw, would come every weekday sharp at 0545 am to pick me from my residence and drop me to the metro station with his adorable 6 year old daughter, whom he would drop later for her Taekwondo classes. She had the most adorable smile and I can never forget her innocent expression of both shyness and absolute excitement on receiving a box of chocolates for Diwali.

Rahul, also drove an auto rickshaw, waited for me at MG metro station to drop me to office and pick me later in the evening. He was such a bright young boy, pursuing a degree in law, full of energy and endless questions; through the journey, I would give him English tutorials.

Then there was another auto driver, whose name I unfortunately cannot recall, I traveled with him from Safdarjung metro station to Shanti Niketan, whenever I visited my sister in law. We had the most surreal connects; I was coming down the metro station steps holding the book that I was reading ‘The Fakir’, (Sai Baba). He was standing there along with several other auto drivers waiting for probable passengers, there was something about his demeanor that made me choose to go in his auto, I did not ask how much he would charge, will he go as per the meter or not. I simply boarded and we left for Shanti Niketan. Midway, he told me that he was baba’s bhakt and narrated stories of his miraculous visits to Shirdi. The auto ride seemed more like a spiritual congregation, the loud honks or maddening traffic had little to no impact on us. We chatted and in no time I reached my destination. Each time I went to Safdarjung metro station, I always found him waiting there.

Delhi’s extreme weather conditions did not dampen my spirits to travel by metro or that of the lovely souls that helped me commute. Everyone I met, was fighting his/her own battle, facing innumerable challenges with utmost dignity and never showing any sign of remorse. They all were immensely hard working, kind and optimistic about their and their family’s future. Through their actions I learnt to be kind, positive, non-judgmental, and most important resilience; which I could have never have learnt in any of the ivory towers of the millennial city.

I learnt these invaluable lessons only because I agreed to embrace the change and not resist it.