A sneak peek into my tete-a-tete with random acquaintances

Many a times, a random and casual interaction with a stranger would leave me with so much of emotions. I am an extrovert and would generally be the conversation initiator. Right from sanitary workers in my office to cab drivers, I always love talking to them and picking their brains about various general topics. Each such conversation would make me reflect about how much we take things for granted and what the world outside the comfort of my home actually looks like. Though they struggle to make ends meet, there is not much of grumbling but carry on lives as it is available before them, just like M S Dhoni says ‘One match at a time’, it is ‘one day at a time' for them.

I have heard many fascinating personal stories too, especially of cab drivers, narrating their rise to a decent position in the society starting with a meagre paying job, how their passion to do something of their own rather than being an employee under the mercy of the employer drove them to buy a car on loan, and how co-operative their wives and kids are. And as a blessing in disguise, such inspiring real stories, would lift me up on my bad and depressing days.

I generally don’t plug earphones in my ear as soon as I board the cab. I would rather prefer having actual human conversation, listening to their thought processes on society, politics and their jobs. I have also met some of the perfect gentlemen, one instance which I still remember is when I was quite sick and was wriggling in the seat next to the driver, he took notice of it and without me uttering any request, he adjusted the AC so that I feel better. The gesture was so beautiful and comforting. Just a reinforcement of the fact that there are traces of humanity left in this money-chasing world.

At times, the conversation would also be taken to the next level where they would start seeking my advice as to how to go about making a particular decision. As the trip ends, both of us would exchange pleasantries and bid adieu, wishing each other the best.  

Though in this digital world, while many are seeking solace from virtual conversation, without even seeing each other’s face, I truly find these random but candid tete-a-tete with strangers enchanting as they give me so much of insight into their world and food for thought to ponder over and course correct my thought process.

So, I would rather replace the word ‘friend’ with ‘acquaintance’ in one of my favourite quotes of Anais Nin-

Each friend acquaintance represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.

And yes, I’m not brushing aside the fact that conversation with strangers could land us in some danger, too. As in every other case, as long as one knows, where one’s limits ends and how and when to stop short, engaging in a random conversation with acquaintance will only bear good consequences.