Corona Virus: Heart Warming Stories
We are all connected to each other. No matter how much we think we are independent being, we are because others are, with us and we with them. At no time is this more clear than now, in the times of lock down. I’d like to share my heart warming story of a person in my life: Aslam.
Aslam came into our life is a strange way. Many years ago, as I pulled the car into the Khan market parking lot, a man came up to me and said: you have a dent in your car. Can I fix it? Who are you, I asked? I am Aslam, car mechanic, he said.
He had an honest face, an infectious smile and a confident air. OK I said, how much and how long will it take. Pay what you want, and it will take one hour. OK I said.
He did a good job and I paid less than half of what I would pay if I had sent it to the Honda Service station. After that, Aslam took care of the car many times and we got to know each other better. He would confide in me about his health issues, always with a smile. My son Kabir also started using his services.
Partly because of my surgeries and lock down, I had not seen Aslam for a while. Three days ago, while I was on a WhatsApp call with a friend, his call came in. I rejected it and then spoke to him later. How are you I asked? Good he said. I was calling to ask how you are and if you need anything. We are well I said.
I have a curfew pass he said, so if you need anything delivered to you, I can do it. OK, I said. Let me think about it.
There were things I could get from the market that we could not get around our neighbourhood. No life and death issue here, but preferences, life’s little luxuries. I asked my son if he wanted something (he is locked down in Delhi). I called the grocer in Khan Market and asked if he could put some things together. Of course, he said. I gave him a list. I asked if I could do Paytm or a transfer of funds. We will discuss it later he said.
Aslam picked up the stuff and brought it to my son’s place in Delhi on his motorcycle. His curfew pass was valid in the Delhi area only and we live in the outskirts of the city. I was touched that Aslam could think about me, my welfare and how he could be of service to me.
I am blessed to be surrounded by people like Aslam in my life. The lock down has brought out the best in us I believe. Its showed me how much goodwill I enjoy. For this I am grateful, in and out of Corona times.
