Alone in the City

It was a lockdown time in Mumbai. 

I was working in a pharmaceutical industry which manufactures vaccines for Covid 19. All the employees are supposed to switch off our mobiles and deposit it at the locker. So when we are at work, we won't understand what is going on at the outside world.

On that day ,I was working from afternoon to night. The moment I stepped out of the industry, I came to know that stricter curfew rules have been imposed. There wasn't neither any autorickshaws nor any moment to be seen. I was walking alone. It was a terrifying moment.

Then begin the heavy downpours. I had no idea how to go home since it was 19 km away from here. There was not even a single sign of moment. The whole city was under silence. Holding the rosary in my hand, I looked up and as I prayed a little, I continued walking.

Certainly a light fell upon me. On turning back, it was a bike and seeing me, the rider stopped. He was wearing a raincoat.

"Madam, where are you going alone this late night?" He asked.

"I work in a company nearby. I had no idea that the situation would be like this. I want to go home. But there are no autorickshaws or taxis." I replied.

"Madam, please sit, I will drop you home", he took a helmet from behind, giving it to me.

"But I do not know you" I said with hesitancy.

"Madam, please sit, first of all you are alone here, that too this late night. You will not find any vehicle after this. Please trust me ma'am. Not everyone who goes out at night are bad guys." He said with folded hands.

I took the helmet and sat behind him. As we moved, he asked me about my whereabouts and my workplace. 

"I live in Kalyan. What about you?"

I too live in staff quarters near kalyan. About my work, you'll come to know soon."

We spoke about various situations before arriving in Kalyan. No one stopped us on the way.

"I do not know how to thank you. You are like an angel sent from God." I said.

"That's not necessary madam. I was only doing my duty". He replied with a mild laughter.

"By the way, wait! You didn't tell me about your workplace". I was curious to know.

He pulled out his ID Card, "Inspector James D'Souza, ACP of Mumbai Police".

I gave him a salute. "Thank you so much sir. I didn't know you are a Police. You deserve the respect for this. Jai Hind sir."

"Jai Hind madam. Even we salute you for whatever to you do. Hats off to the researchers out there ". 

"Hats off to the Police too" I said as he departed.

Frontline Workers are always there during the difficult times. They are the real Avengers.