A couple of years ago, I had my book, Deserving, printed by a local printer. So, whenever someone placed an order, I had to post it myself. For decades, I’d been out of touch with the post office—I had always used courier services.
One day, I packed the book the way I usually would for a courier and set out to find the post office. Even that turned into an ordeal. Google Maps led me to a non-operational post office. A kind gentleman informed me that the post office had closed and relocated elsewhere. A bit anxious but determined, I booked a Rapido bike and rode off to the new location.
When I finally reached and spotted the post office signboard, I felt an immense wave of relief. I stepped in and joined the queue, five people ahead of me. I felt lost. I began observing how others were handling their parcels, hoping to figure out the procedure.
A couple of people glanced at me. I smiled nervously at the young girl in front of me and admitted, “This is my first time.” She looked at my envelope and gently pointed out that the written address was incorrect. A man nearby showed me the instructions pinned on the board— the To and From addresses must be on two sides of the envelope. I scratched out the sender’s address and wrote it on the other side of the envelope.
Then the girl added, “You’ll need to tape the envelope tightly.”
I gasped. “Oh no! I don’t have tape!”
Sensing my panic, she reassured me, “It’s okay, I’ll help.” She called her brother, who handed her some tape. He even helped me seal the envelope securely.
I sighed in relief, thanked them, and thought I was finally ready. But just then, I realized the post office only accepted cash. Spoiled by years of digital payments, I didn’t have a rupee in my wallet.
“I’ll come back another day,” I said, flustered and defeated.
The girl gently stopped me with a calm wave of her hand. She estimated the postage cost, turned to her brother, and asked him for cash. He handed me a 100-rupee note. I sent her the amount via GPay and thanked her for the timely help.
Finally—finally—I was ready. When it was my turn, the transaction went smoothly. By then, the girl had already left. I stood there, overwhelmed. I’d felt completely out of place, but her quiet kindness had grounded me. I never got their names, but I’ll never forget what they did for me that day.
From then on, I made sure to write the addresses on two sides of the packet, tape the parcel securely, and carry cash. Every time I visit the post office now, I send blessings to that girl.
** Deserving is available on Amazon.
18 Responses
Digital world, everyone seems to have adapted to it but not the government offices. I had a similar experience at the post office, a lesson learnt. But you meet angels too, you were lucky to meet one.
What a lovely perspective! Yes, government offices can definitely seem stuck in the past when it comes to digital adoption. You’re right, I did meet someone special, and it’s great to focus on those uplifting experiences!
Good experience.
Such stories of post offices will become histrionic stories for new generation kids.
Ha ha, historic stories indeed …!! “Back in the day…” stories about snail, mail and paper forms might entertain kids who’ve grown up with digital convenience! 😁
Yes, this is a very big lesson learned for me as well..we are so used to digital money, I had experiences where I had forgotten my phone at home, when the phone switched off if I was out for an entire day with no charging access or the bank server being down…this leaves you helpless and sometimes embarrassed if u don’t have a rupee to pay…so always keep emergency money in your purse’s secret compartment so that you don’t end up using casually…only when when you really require it……..and sneha miss always finds angels around…as I say you attract what you are🩷…stay blessed…and may you have always have angels around…
Totally agree! One must carry some cash.
And I love your positivity about attracting good vibes – thanks for the blessings, sending some right back your way! ❤️
Very nice 👌
Glad you thought so. Thank you! 😄
We’re always learning & unlearning….that’s life.
Beautifully said! Life is indeed a journey of experiencing, learning, unlearning, and growing. And sharing those moments with others through helping and interacting makes it all the more meaningful. You’re absolutely right! 🙏❤️
Have ran into similar situations where strangers helped out and quickly left even before I could thank them properly. Glad you could mail successfully that day, I was actually wondering if you had to take rain check.
It’s amazing how some strangers help and are gone before you can even say thanks.
Luckily, didn’t need a rain check. Everything went smoothly, and I was able to get the mail sent without any hiccups. Appreciate your concern, though!
It’s truly incredible how the most stressful situations often throw up the unsolicited kindness of strangers.
I guess I’d be no better at the post office; I did not know these rules and am often carrying just my phone to make payments.
I’m so grateful when strangers show kindness in tough spots. Definitely a good idea to carry some cash as a backup, just in case! 😄
There’s always a first time and there will always be someone to help out in such situations😊
Absolutely! And it’s heartening to know that kindness and helpfulness can come from unexpected places. It’s a great reminder that we’re not alone, and there’s always support available when we need it.
Banking, post office, insurance are places where you go for the first time sometimes even after many times, there is always a sense of being lost and we keep looking for some help, that too from total strangers. It is an experience always and believe it or not 2nd time you go sometimes the same process might differ.
Also to trace the helpful girl you can always use the gpay number and try contacting
True that! Feeling lost in these places is super common. Still, it’s nice when strangers offer a helping hand.
The incident happened a few years back so tracing the Google Pay number is tough.