The fantastic journey to Goa was coming to an end. I didn’t even consider travelling to Goa, and the first hangover I’ve ever experienced was not pleasant.
I, therefore, waited near the bus stop as my friends proceeded to return the rental bike.
Near the bus station as my friends went to give the rental bike back.
I’ve been watching this one person who appeared to be a middle-class man yet was soliciting money from strangers. Soon after, he approached me; he requested for 20 rupees. I wondered why he was asking for such a particular amount, and as I was about to confront him about it, he mumbled something in Tamil. “Hindi-English”, I asked. He answered with hand movements, attempting to communicate NO, before saying “ElLLA”, which I recognised as it was kannada. I glanced at him and said, “I don’t have cash, I only have online”, and he seemed perplexed, so I replied, ‘ONLY GPAY,’ even though I had 60 rupees cash because I suspected it was a fraud.
He just needed money, and to be honest, I only give money to women with children or those who are disabled! He gave me a pitiful look before nodding and walked away!
After that, I began searching for my friends, but then I saw this guy again. He approached a group of youngsters, who appeared to be making fun of him. Then he approached a lady and demanded the same 20 rupees.
I asked these guys what the person was asking for, and they responded 20 rupees before laughing and moving on. I was still staring at him. He strolled towards the bus stop, looking exhausted.
After seeing all of this, I realised he really needed 20 rupees to get home! He had to go somewhere, even if it wasn’t home!
So I pulled out 20 rupees and went hunting for him with all of my luggage, and he was around 100 metres away! I tapped him on the right shoulder and handed him 20 rupees. He began to smile, as if he had won the jackpot. He was overjoyed when he spoke something in Tamil. The smile most likely saved my vacation. He looked at me and then at my bags. He began picking up my luggage, and it appeared like he was going to leave me at the first place where we met.
But I said no, I’ll take it, and I insisted three or four times before he agreed.
He thanked me with the greatest smile he could muster! I merely nodded, and I was even smiling! Then I proceeded to find my friends after picking up my luggage. I turned around and saw him putting all of his efforts to get in the bus [simply trying to squeeze himself inside].
It is often the small things, rather than the big things, that truly matter.
Giving the 20 rupee note brought me immense joy that cannot be replaced. It’s amazing how something so small can bring such happiness to someone.