Three years back I was going through
the weird phase of my life. I was jobless, loveless, and aimless. A deadly
combo for a 23 years old girl to survive. I had learned few lessons during that
period. The most important thing life had taught me is that, nothing is permanent,
neither your failures nor your success.
It was time for me to start from
zero. I thought of going to UK for further studies. An international degree
meant better job opportunities for me. In India, we discuss everything with our
parents and proceed only if we get approval from them. My father had dismissed
my appeal saying Indian university would be best for me. However, I did not
give up. I was adamant to convince him somehow.
To study in UK 1 needs to appear
for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The examination
fee was huge for me as I was jobless and I could not ask for help from my father.
Luckily, I had some money in my bank account from my last job. I spent almost
all the amount for IELTS. I did not hesitate twice to add another feather in my
cap of “bankrupt”.
One fine morning, I woke up and enrolled
my name for IELTS through British Council Library. I went through the broachers
given by BCL. For the first time in my life, I felt confident about doing well
in exam.
After all the hustle and bustle
finally, the exam day had arrived. I left home at 6:45 to catch the first metro
train. IELTS was at 8 A.M. Examination center was one hour from my place by metro train. Before leaving home, my mom asked me to recheck my things specially, my admit card and passport without which I would be disqualify for the exam and
I did just that. I kept everything in a transparent file and held that file
tightly in my hand. I was in a hurry as my only option was to board the first
train or else I will not be able to reach my destination on time.
I
felt relieved, After reaching metro station on time. The first train was about to come in 15 minutes and ticket
counter was almost empty. I started walking slowly towards station after buying
my ticket for destination, thinking that I have 10 minutes of enough
time in my hand to reach platform.
Just when I was about to stripe
my metro card to enter the main platform, I noticed from the corner of my eye
that my admit card for the IELTS exam is missing from my transparent file. I
was shocked . My heart started pounding. I felt like crying but somehow
controlled myself. I had just 9 minutes to make a decision. If I miss first
train then I will not be able to make it for exam. If I go without admit card
the examiner would not allow me to sit for the exam.
I turned back and walked until
the entrance to check if I had dropped it there. It was not there. I looked
into my watch and without any sympathy or empathy, shamelessly ; it told me I
have only 5-6 minutes to make a final decision. I started walking towards station to catch the
train. Metro station is not far away from our house but I could not call my
father. I knew being an ex defense personnel, he would first scold me for my
carelessness and that was the last thing I wanted in that situation.
While I was waiting for my train,
thousands of thoughts were running on my mind. I wanted to call my family
members badly but it was not possible. I needed someone who could suggest me
how to tackle the situation. I started going through my contact list on my
phone and found no one to call. Moreover, it was too early to disturb anyone. I
said to myself to calm down first and no one can help me now if I do not help
myself. I needed myself first than anyone else. I had read somewhere in crisis
keep your calm. This lesson really had helped me that day.
I got down at my station. I had
been walking very slowly. I was sure even if I reach on time I would not get
chance to enter hall without the admit card. I called someone to ask if he knew
about any cyber café near British Embassy to download my admit card from my
mail. Soon, I regretted my decision of calling. In spite, of giving me any
solution he replied annoyingly,”why are you like this?” I already knew I had
made a mistake; I did not call to confirm it. For god sake, it was a mistake. I
did not drop it somewhere intentionally. In fact, I had held it very tightly
and carefully. Moreover, File was still there only my admit card was missing. I
had no time to answer his questions. Calling someone and informing them about
your ordeal is another mistake you commit, I had learned that day. If they
cannot help you, they will waste your time.
I started looking around me for signs of cyber café. All I could see is offices and they were closed. It was early morning. I saw two security guards chit chatting in front of TATA
office. I asked, if they could help me to get a print out from their office and
they looked least interested to help me out. Then I asked them if ,there is any
café nearby and they asked me what do I mean by cyber café? I left without
answering them. I was running out of time.
When I reached British Embassy, I
saw two other girls waiting with their father. They were talking to each other
happily. I still had around 35 minutes in my hand. I started walking around the
area. Except a three star hotel, shutters of all other shops were down. There
was no trace of human anywhere. Hesitantly, I approached two security guards
standing at the three star hotel named “the golden”, as my previous experience
in TATA office was not positive. I asked them, if there is cyber café inside
their hotel. They told me they were not sure and I should go inside the hotel
and ask their manager.
I wore just a simple jeans and
t-shirt, not a perfect dress to enter in a star hotel. I was not expecting any
help from them. Still I could not give up. They were my last hope.
A very pretty woman was talking
over phone with someone at the hotel lobby. I regret now I did not ask her name
that day. I stood before her . She looked up and asked me with a genuine smile
how she could help me. I narrated my story to her and told her that my exam is
about to start in 25 minutes. She listened to me sympathetically.
She informed me that their hotel
does not have cyber café but I may download my admit card from my mail by
paying 100 bucks for it. The normal price for a single black & white
printout is 10 bucks anywhere in India. I was ready to pay any amount in that
situation. I readily agreed to her demand of 100 bucks.
A man took me to another room.
There were around 10 computers in that room. It took almost 5 minutes to start
the machine and they were not sure in which computer internet facility was
available. My heart started pounding again. Every second felt like a luxury to
me. I started praying to God to help me. I did not have time to check all the
other nine computers for internet. I thought It would be disaster if I lose
after coming this far.
I thanked my stars when I saw the
google homepage on the first computer itself. I downloaded my admit card
quickly and ran towards the lobby to pay for it. I was taken aback to find that
lady was not in her seat. Then I saw 4-5 staffs approaching me. I wondered, oh,
no! I do not have time to explain you all why I am here. but in spite of asking me anything, one of the staff said,” Madam, you may leave now for your exam.” I replied,”
No, actually, I am looking for that woman. I am in hurry please give this 100
bucks to her and say thanks on my behalf.” The man replied,” Mam, it is okay,
we do not need money for that print out. You just run. Your exam is about to
start in 10 minutes and all the best to you for your exam.” I could not argue
with him due to limited time. I thanked him and started running. On my way out, I met other staffs
and they all wished me luck for the exam. They denied accepting even a single
buck from me. I understood they all knew my story. They brought smile on my
face in that difficult situation.
I came across that charming lady
again at the main gate. She was talking to someone. I ran to her to say thanks
quickly. She wished me luck again, never leaving that angel like smile from her
face. That is how i finally reached my examination center with my admit card. All thanks to the perfect stranger.
Although, UK trip never happened but I will never forget this incident
in my life. I thank that lady every time I narrate this story to someone. This
post is also kind of tribute to her. Because of her, my faith in humanity is
still intact. Because of her, I believe that good people exist on earth.
Moreover, she had taught me to help people.
I am fortunate enough to come across few
strangers like her who had helped me in my hour of need. I will share stories
of those wonderful strangers someday. I met them for few minutes in my life but
they had left permanent marks in my heart.
I just love those moments when strangers are kind just based on the fact that we're all human. Whenever I tell anyone about my trip to Denmark I always make a point to include the part about the kind bus driver that gave me a FREE ride when I was lost. Moments like that always stick with you.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you Aryn...Would love to read more about your Denmark Trip. Thanks for reading my post :)
Deletegood people exist..there is more good than bad in the world..your lovely story is an example. let's all be that good!!!
ReplyDeleteI am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
Thanks for reading and liking it :)
DeleteThank goodness for there are good people still living in this world! A very good example Shainee :)
ReplyDeleteThank You :)
DeleteGod bless the lady and the staffs. They are good samaritans.
ReplyDeleteHey thanks for sharing this post.
Really inspire us to do good deeds more.
Saying hi all the way from Malaysia.
Saying hello to you all the way from India :) Thanks for reading my article Mike :)
ReplyDeleteHey Shaine! I just norminated you for the Laine Blogger awards.
ReplyDeleteCheck my blog for more info.
xx
http://heelsandcrystals.blogspot.be/
Yayyy ...Thank you so much, Nicoleta ! :)
Deletethis brought me a lot of joy :)
ReplyDeletewonderful piece of writing!
~Ashley
Thank you, Ashley :)
DeleteThanks for the nomination, Kacii ! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Shainee, this is an amazing story! It really helps to hear stories like this and to know that kind strangers still do exist.
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking out my blog! I look forward to reading more of your writing :)