Rainy Night and Heartwarming Light

On August 17, 2023, a Thursday that seemed like any other, I was struggling with a sense of melancholy and had retreated into solitude, withdrawing from the world. Yet, that day, I felt a desperate need to break free and reach out. I reached out to a friend, sharing my need for a change of scenery and a bit of companionship. His response was immediate and comforting "Lets do it".

     With that, I hopped on my scooter, picked him up, and we set off from Tambaram with no clear destination in mind. Our journey took us to VR Mall in Anna Nagar, covering a distance of approximately 35 kilometers. The sun blazed down steadfastly, leaving us fatigued. At the mall, we enjoyed two glasses of revitalizing lemon soda. It was a simple pleasure that restored our spirits and made us feel a touch of comfort.

As we wandered through VR Mall, We considered the possibility of watching a movie. However, we discovered that the film we wanted to see was only being screened at Phoenix Mall. With time ticking past 6 PM and only a late show available, we decided to head to Phoenix Mall. But as fate would have it, the weather decided to change abruptly. The intense heat suddenly turned into a heavy rainstorm, a reminder of Chennai's unpredictable climate. We waited for the rain to subside before heading out on the 16 kilometer ride to Velacheri.

Upon reaching Phoenix Mall, we reconsidered our plans. With a big ride planned for the next day, we opted for a light meal and rest instead of a movie. We settled on having an Ice cola, reminiscing about childhood days when ice colas were a simple joy. The mall’s version, priced at 80 rupees per glass, was a far cry from the 5 or 10 rupees we used to pay. Despite the shock, we accepted the change with a sense of nostalgia.

The rain had resumed by the time we started our journey home. Hunger started to set in, but with roadside stalls closed due to the rain, we regretted not eating more at the mall. However, as we approached Pallikaranai around 10:30 PM, our spirits lifted at the sight of a small roadside stall, "Akka Kadai," set up behind a mini van. 

     The stall was run by a warm hearted family a father, mother, and their daughter. The father served, the mother handled parcels, and the daughter prepared the food. We ordered dosas, the steam from which provided much-needed warmth in the cold, rainy night. As we waited, the rain intensified, and we were left with no shelter other than a small, inadequate auto shed.

In an act of extraordinary kindness, the mother invited us into their car which was standing nearby, where their other daughter was studying for an exam. Without hesitation, she offered her spot in the car to accommodate us. The mother with generosity, continued to bring dosas to us while we sat comfortably in the car. Their selflessness in the midst of their own challenges moved us deeply. When I asked the mother what is the reason behind her kindness, she simply replied, "Enga pasangala irundha naanga pani iruka maatoma," which translates to "If we were her kids, wouldn’t she do this?" Her words were a powerful reminder of the compassion that exists in humanity, even when it seems rare.

As we left the stall, the rain had eased, and we were filled with a profound sense of gratitude. The warmth and kindness we experienced that night lightened my heart and lifted my spirit. In a world often consumed by greed and indifference, this family's generosity was a beacon of hope and a testament to the goodness that resides in people.

     This encounter reinforced a crucial lesson that Kindness, in its simplest form, can profoundly impact others. It reminds us that beneath the complexities and cruelties of the world, the human spirit's capacity for empathy and generosity remains boundless. Sometimes, it's the small acts of kindness, often unexpected, that restore our faith in humanity and offer solace during our darkest moments.

Our journey through the rain, guided by the kindness of a selfless family, was a reminder of what it means to be human. It’s in these moments of compassion that we find the true essence of connection and the beauty of shared humanity. Such acts not only warm our hearts but also inspire us to extend kindness to others, creating ripples of goodwill that can transform lives.