The night had turned damp and chilly. After an energizing tango session, I found myself stranded—wet roads, no cabs, and that unmistakable post-rain chill in the Bangalore air. It was getting late, and I had no choice but to hop into an auto.

As we rode on, I curled into myself. My small cotton scarf was no match for the breeze that swept through the rickshaw. I held my bag close to my chest, trying to shield myself from the cold, but it didn’t help much. My hands were beginning to go numb. I still had nearly an hour’s ride home.

I asked the driver if we could stop at any shop that sold woolens. He gently pointed out that it was too late—most shops had shut for the night. Still, for about 500 meters, he kept glancing back, quietly watching me as I shivered in silence.

At the next signal, he turned around and asked softly, “Madam, what is it that you’re looking to buy?”

“I need a woolen cap,” I admitted, chattering my teeth. “It’s really cold, and I have a long way to go.”

He paused, then offered gently, “If you’re okay with it… I have an extra cap. I can lend it to you, if you don’t mind using mine.”

Promptly, I accepted “Yes, please!”

From under his seat, he pulled out a clean, well-used monkey cap. It looked like it had seen many winters. I wore it immediately and felt its magic—warm, snug, comforting. A simple cap, but in that moment, it felt like a luxury.

The rest of the ride was peaceful. We chatted about the weather, music, and the joys of quiet kindness. The journey flew by—warm in spirit as much as in temperature.

Upon reaching home, I returned his cap and settled the fare. ‘Thank you,’ I said sincerely. ‘You saved me tonight.’

He smiled and said, ‘Glad you used my cap and saved yourself from the cold. Take care, madam.’

“Sometimes kindness is spontaneous, like a borrowed monkey cap. Other times, it’s an act of responsibility—a small gesture that makes a lone woman feel safe in a massive city.”

Note: This is part of The Cab Travel Chronicles – Why I Stopped Driving My Own Car: The Unexpected Gift of the Backseat