In 2003, I was doing my internship and i had to travel 12 km daily to reach hospital. I used to go by Vikram-auto [common in Lucknow] in rs five and ten minutes. My hard luck always moved ahead of me and there was indefinite strike by auto drivers . It was a trouble for many of us but i was in serious trouble, waiting at the stop, looking for Rickshaw and bargaining with Rickshaw puller as their rates went irrationally high due to strike.The time to reach hospital and return home increased five folds. The situation was annoying but i had no other option.
At that time I was posted in Pediatrics under Dr. V P Singh. All my mind was focused about standing at Hazratganj square and looking for Rickshaw in the scorching heat of May month.
Around quarter to two, Dr. Hiten [ My fellow Intern ] came in our room, he greeted Dr. Singh, kept his Helmet aside and sat silently as if he was waiting for someone. Senior doctor Singh and I was unable to understand for whom he has come and what he is up to.
Around 1400 hours, when the time was over and Dr. Singh left for his home, I also headed to the gate, cursing the auto-tempo strike. Dr. Hiten softly asked me to follow him . I followed him to the Bike stand. He started his Bike and asked me to sit. I was hesitant, the fear was evident on my face. We were at a very formal terms with each other. He guessed my fear and reluctance . In his graceful voice he said, "Divya , i will pick you and drop you to home till the strike is called off and you don't have to stand in sun , looking for conveyance.". I was speechless and obeyed his command in a mechanical way.
Next morning, when i came out of my house, he was there to pick me up. After a formal exchange of greetings , we were again on road, with hardly any exchange between us.
From hospital to home and home to hospital,it was the most beautiful routine of my life. Along with me, my senior doctor Singh also kept wondering that who is he, what is the relation between two of us and how particular he is in coming to Dr Singh's room and sitting there silently till the clock tells two.
The strike was called off after eleven days and the beautiful routine was broken. But next month we were posted together in Dermatology under Dr.K P Pathak. From eight till two in the noon it was a great experience being with him. He used to discuss diseases and topics and follow up cases with great expertise. I was mesmerized by his knowledge and intellect. He motivated me to purchase Kinetic Honda or a scooty for myself . I paid heed to his advice and purchased 'Sensation scooter' of LML.
On my first day to hospital with my scooter, i was scared of entering the hospital gate , as the area near gate was in a bad shape and a new driver like me was very likely to trip and fall. But to my utter surprise Dr. Hiten was waiting there and saved me from the embarrassment of falling at entrance. Since then it was again a routine for him to park my scooter in the stand in mornings and take it out for me in the noon daily.
He completed his internship and left after five months. I continued for another seven months.
After four years i received an invitation card of his marriage, which i did not attend due to my own busy schedule.
I still wonder who was he? A friend? or an angel in disguise?
