The trip was relaxing indeed. To drive by the side of the shore was therapeutic. As the cool breeze hit her face, Juanita felt her worries melt. The driver of the cab was a friendly chap. He noticed her smiling to herself from his rearview mirror and first smiled and then slowly started a conversation.
“Ma’am, you look happy.”
Those words brought Juanita back into the world, and she nodded.
“Is it an official trip, ma’am?”
“No, a solo trip for the soul,” she smiled.
The driver looked at her quizzically. Soul, solo….these are not words his guests had ever used before. Whatever that meant, he thought to himself. “Rich people have their own reasons for spending money. But it is good for me. The crazier they are, the better it is for me.”
“What are you thinking and smiling about? And what’s your name?” Juanita asked.
“Vijay, ma’am. Whenever you think of taking any trip, you can contact me. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, through the length and breadth of the country, there is no place I can’t take you. Besides, I’m more reasonable than others, and you will be happy you chose me. I’ll take you safely; You can rely on me.” He went on to market himself. Juanita understood why. The last two years have hit the travel industry so badly; all travel agents and, drivers, tour operators have literally had no business, thanks to COVID. Now that business slowly started picking up, it was only obvious that they would try their best to network and rebuild.
The next two hours went by as both discussed travel plans, which is the best season to visit which place, tariffs, food, and lots more. Juanita was amazed at how much Vijay knew. There was not a dull moment; he kept rolling out story after story and with so much enthusiasm–it was unbelievable. Besides, he was passionate about his work, and that was visible from the sparkle in his eyes when he spoke. Juanita immediately made up her mind that she will help him pick up his business in whichever small way she could. On the way, Vijay stopped at a small tea shop for chai. Juanita was a little uncomfortable having tea at such a small shop; different thoughts crossed her mind. And Vijay was quick to catch that. He immediately sprung into action. “Can I get you tea? You can be seated inside the car; I’ll leave the AC on for you. You may not feel comfortable in such a small shop. But the tea available here is unlike anywhere else. I’ll get some snacks too.” Off he sprinted before Juanita could even respond. And in 10 minutes, he was back with piping hot chai and pakodas. As they sipped tea together, they started chatting again. Juanita enjoyed listening to him…he was an entertainer.
As they started on the journey again, Juanita was comparing all the friends she knew with Vijay and could understand how contrasting their worlds were. Her friends were educated and well-mannered but artificial. Vijay was not educated but was so genuine. He could understand his customers’ needs before they were spelt and he never spared any effort to amaze them. He was a one-man army who could give many company heads a run for their money. If only Vijay had the right circumstances and luck, he would not be here; perhaps he would be heading a big company and making huge profits. “Why are you silent again, ma’am? All OK?’ Vijay’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “We’re almost reaching, ma’am. You can rest today. We can start fresh tomorrow.” Juanita did not reply. In about 15 mins, they reached the resort, and Vijay helped her with the luggage to her room. “Call me if you need anything. What time do you want to start tomorrow?”
“I’ll call you, Vijay. For now, have dinner and rest. Thank you so much for all the conversations we had today. It makes me feel relaxed.”
“Good night, ma’am. I’m just doing my duty.” He smiled sheepishly and walked away.
At night, after a long time, Juanita was happy to be alone and left to her thoughts. This is what she was missing for so long. As she drifted off to sleep after dinner, strangely, it was Vijay who occupied her thoughts. She chided herself. “Are you crazy!” she smiled and drifted off to sleep.
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