"Why Not"

I got into Auto Rickshaw, Are you wondering what an Auto Rickshaw is? Okay let me explain, Auto Rickshaw is a three wheeler vehicle. Its cheap and one of the popular public transports.

Anyway that's not my story. Again I got into Auto Rickshaw and told the driver the place I wanted to go to. To my surprise he said "Why Not". I didn’t say a thank you, I was shocked. I have been living in small towns in India for more than 25 Years. I am sure I would be able to understand what "Why not" means from age of 15. This is the first time I am hearing a rickshaw driver saying "Why Not" in 10 years of my Auto Rickshaw expeditions. Most of the time the words I have exchanged with drivers where argument about the fare, when they tried to over charge me (Way too much than what’s displayed in fare meter). There were some good drivers I have dealt with (me gratefully remembering their service); however they never said "Why Not". I was impressed with the courtesy that this driver showed to his passenger. I am honored.

With that unusual pleasant start of my journey, I was sitting in the rickshaw relaxed and watching the driver cruising through the idle road to take me to the destination. The silence was broke spontaneously. Driver turned back and asked me have you used perfumes? Now I am sure that I smell good, how ever he sounded like I did some awful mistake. I wasn't sure that what I should tell him or what he would say or act if I responded that’s none of your business. I didn't respond to him, I just watched him driving. He continued, "You know what perfume kills sweat glands, don’t apply in on your body". "I won’t" then I smiled. I didn't want to disappoint him moreover I had this feeling that he is different kind of Auto Rickshaw Driver. What is different kind? To this day I believe that there are four kinds of men. Sane, insane, men who are pronounced to be insane by others and men who decided to act insane by choice these are the four kinds. I was trying to figure out category he belongs to. Soon I decided not to think too much about it; sincerely I don’t want to be included in "others" referred in third category. He is just different rickshaw driver who said "Why Not" and thought me perfume kills sweat glands. If perfume I used really killed my sweat glands then he has every right to accuse me for having done that to my body.

Then he started singing some songs, for a moment I thought I am in Venice. How cool will that be if every Auto Rickshaw driver sings all the way he drive? He asked me if it’s OK if he is singing. Its ok I said, for whatever reason I haven’t thanked him for doing that.

After a while he stopped singing, I was just waiting eagerly for next. I had this feeling that he is going to tell me something which no other rickshaw driver said before. He already did it twice, the third is obvious. I didn't have to wait too long. He said "There is nothing in this world, but sex and ego" he said this in English. Allah! I never heard these kinds of philosophies from an auto driver. I didn't say anything. He continued, "Don’t fall for it; I don’t know what kind of man you are".

I was just shocked... then he started singing again.
He wished me good luck and drove away when I paid and got off...
I had everything in that auto rickshaw... music, science, health, theology and philosophy... The fun ride is over... again back to Auto Rickshaw... driver who does not sing... and do not speak philosophy... And who do not speak English.

Now onwards I am expecting more from any auto rickshaw drivers so that I don’t have to write these again.