A Trip Down Memory Lane

The year was 2010!!

I had just landed in Mumbai from Surat all set to start my dream job with a multinational advertising agency. I got out of the Mumbai Central Station and started looking out for Ved. He was my only contact in Mumbai, my cousin Dhruv's friend who had found a rented flat for me close to my office.

Ved was supposed to receive me at the station but he was nowhere in sight, his phone unreachable. I thought of calling Dhruv but decided not to as he was preparing for his MBA entrance exam which was the day after.

I was skeptical about taking a cab alone as I was not familiar with the place where I had to go, so I decided to go for a cab share. It took 15 minutes for the cab to arrive and there was a guy already in the cab.

As soon as I got into the cab, he gave me a nice friendly grin. I must say he was very handsome. We started chatting, I learned that his name was Ahan, he was from Mumbai and was a full-time food blogger. He was headed to a popular restaurant in Bandra (by invitation) which he told me was quite close to the place where I was about to be put up.

Our non-stop banter was stopped by my ringing phone, it was Ved. He had met with a small accident on his way to the station. I assured him that I was on my way and about to reach my destination. He told me that the keys of the house are with the neighbor and he had already informed them about my arrival.

As soon as I hung up, Ahan asked the driver to stop the car. He told me that there is a famous Vada pav stall out there and quickly got out and bought one for each of us including the driver. I must say the vada pav was deliciously yummy.

Soon, we arrived at the residential premises where I was to be put up, I thanked Ahan and the driver and got down. The cab drove away.

I never met Ahan again but his kindness has stayed with me till date.