His name
was Abey. He didn’t seem to mind as I asked him about his life
and his family and cheerfully answered all my questions. He was
a 24-year-old Roman Catholic and lived with his parents and
younger brother on the outskirts of the city of Cochin. He had
been an auto driver for nearly 4 years and by now had a few
regular customers.
“My day
usually begins at 6:30 in the morning,” he said. “After
breakfast, I go to the nearby residential colony to pick up kids
and drop them at school. Then it’s on to the town. My passengers
are usually college students and people on their way to work. I
have my lunch by 1 and usually park my auto for a short rest
till 2:30. Then I have to get to the school and pick up the
children and drop them back home. After that I usually cruise
around the streets or wait at the auto stand near the colony for
passengers. I usually return home at around 8 – 8:30 in the
night.”
“Sounds
like hard work!” I said. “It is,” agreed Abey. “But its good
honest work and a good source of income for my family.” “How
much do you earn in a day?” I asked tentatively. “About 300 or
400 rupees. Sometimes even 500. Since I own this auto, I don’t
have to give a percentage as rent. Of course I still have to pay
off the loan and…” SCREEECH!!! Tyres squealed as Abey hit the
brakes hard and swerved to avoid a collision with a car and a
bicycle. “Eda thendi, vandi noki odikan ariyathille?”
yelled Abey. (Translation: You @*#$% can’t you see where you’re
going?)
“And what
else do you do, apart from dare devil driving?” Abey chuckled.
“I love watching Malayalam movies, especially Mohan Lal’s. My
favorite movie is “Aye, auto” (obviously!). I also love
listening to Malayalam music and I sometimes perform as a
mimicry artist at small functions in churches and schools.”
“So, do
you have any plans for the future?” I asked. “Sure. I want to
get married someday, but only after I’m financially secure. My
brother is still studying. Right now my entire family depends on
me for support and I can’t afford a wife. Besides, it takes time
to find the right girl.”
By now, we
were nearly home. As Abey pulled up in front of the gates, I
paid him and thanked him as I got out. He grinned and waved.
“Anytime.” And him and the auto disappeared into the river of
traffic.
