The Auto Rickshaw Diaries

So, while in a rickshaw crawling at the rate of 5kmph thanks to a nasty traffic jam, sharing the space meant for four with five others, packed in tighter than a tin of sardines, holding down a precariously balanced laptop with palm bases to keep it from doing a Superman impression, listening to Dead Poetic (the only saving grace in this image), is far from your ideal spot to type out reflections on life, that’s exactly what this Friday’s trip back from work saw me doing. I did get a couple of raised eyebrows and amused second glances but even the off chance of being featured on the evening news (It’s not all about you, Hoobastank, running through my head right about now) wasn’t going to keep me from pecking away furiously at the keys.

In case you’re wondering what drove me to this compulsive state or what kind of a nut I would have to be to risk life and limb (exaggerating for dramatic effect, but it is plausible you know, there have been many a recent events of involving overturning rickshaws, which I’m told is because of poor design and overstuffing that results in a high positioned COG (center of gravity). Sounded convincing enough to be true.) to type out this seemingly unremarkable post, allow me to elaborate.

Sitting still for 20min (the time I have to spend in these death traps on an average day when the roads aren’t log jammed) I can just about do, but almost an hour, you might as well bring out the catalogue of torture methods and ask me how I’d want to go. I have to have something to do, absolutely hate sitting still (in case you’re going, Oh me too, hi Ma :D. Though it’s really Dad who’d make us both look like Tibetan monks). Something, anything to keep mind and body occupied, and most of the time it’s pretty frivolous endeavours (to support which I believe I am providing more than sufficient evidence).

Other than the little physical challenge it presented, I must say I rather enjoyed the experience. In fact that was another one of the reasons I whipped out the laptop and attacked the keyboard, I really wanted to see what it felt like and I can safely say it makes you feel all important, kinda a journalist trying to beat the deadline on a record-breaking, career-making scoop.

I must also add a note about my co-passengers who were extremely accommodating, sitting politely while my stuff and I bounced about all over, the extremely tiny (which has me considering a career in those acts wherein guys dressed in fancy outfits fit themselves in unbelievably small spaces), place. But more importantly, what I appreciated most was how my fellow travellers were not peering into the screen, as, much to my dismay and despite claims of being mature adults, I’ve noticed a lot of people attempt to do. It’s one thing if it’s the occasional glance while your sms’ing for example, but I find people very shamelessly keep looking at that tiny glowing LCD display as though peering through a peephole desperate for a glimpse into your life. Our otherwise much appreciated “healthy curiosity”, is slowly mutating into a very unhealthy, and not to mention offensive, attitude of voyeurism (reality TV, micro-blogging all contributing in some little way).

As I sat there, sandwiched between people I didn’t know and probably wouldn’t meet again (or perhaps only on another of these excursions) I began thinking of why we make the acquaintances we do. They say you attract the people that come into your life. But why, you ask? I believe it is to learn from the people you choose to build relationships with. I don’t necessarily mean ground-breaking, life-altering learning, but if you look back at the people that have been part of your life even for the briefest of times, and you photoshop them out, you notice that things and as a result you, would not be as you are today. Now I know that holds good for any event, the Butterfly Effect really, but I really believe it is most apparent with relationships (ephemeral or as eternal as mortality would allow). Because after all, man is a social animal, and human connect is more than just necessary for existence, it’s a catalyst for evolution.

So until I find myself in a pensive mood in another three-wheeled rickety mode of transportation then, happy riding and writing to all fellow experimental kooks!