Some days, it takes just one interaction to shake us.
What should have been a routine ride in HSR Layout — from 19th Main Road to 27th Main, Kaushal’s Jewelry — turned into an unexpectedly anxious experience. The driver, from the moment I got in, seemed irritable. I sensed his mood, but chose to stay polite and cautious.
He started the auto, took a turn, and asked how to go. I gently suggested using the app’s navigation. He followed it. But as he waited at a turn, something in his tone suddenly changed. He snapped at me in Kannada, “I could have taken you by another route, this is a long route.”
I replied calmly, “It’s just around the corner, we’ve started already — we’ll reach in a few minutes.” But it was as if I had overstepped some invisible line. The agitation in his voice escalated. Logic dissolved from the conversation. “Get down if you want!” he barked.
I was taken aback. I sat still, quietly, trying not to provoke him further. The destination was close by. I shifted slightly, sitting on the edge of the seat, ready to get down if things got worse. But he kept muttering, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. I kept looking out of the auto. He was watching, waiting for a reaction. I gave him none, and that seemed to irk him more.
What struck me was how personal it suddenly felt, even though I had done nothing wrong. Maybe he was having a bad day. Maybe, someone else had already pushed him to the edge. But in that moment, I became the unfortunate recipient of his emotional overflow.
He brought me to my destination and muttered again that he could have taken a shorter route. He turned around, ready for an argument. I avoided eye contact, paid the fare— more than the meter — and stepped out, heart thudding. I didn’t wait for a change. I could feel his eyes burning into my back as I walked toward the shop. He was expecting something — a comeback, a confrontation, a reaction. But I didn’t give him that.
I climbed the stairs quietly, choosing not to feed the moment. I walked into the shop, leaving that unsettling exchange behind me.
Yet, the feeling lingered. Why do such brief, sharp encounters leave us so shaken?
It’s not just about the ride. It’s about the sudden loss of control. The unpredictability of another person’s emotions spilling into your space without warning. The sense of how quickly something ordinary can become unsafe. In moments like these, we realise how quickly the ordinary can turn uneasy. We carry no armor—just instinct, restraint, and the quiet hope that we’ll reach safely. It’s about the emotional labour — the quiet resilience — it takes just to stay composed, to walk away.
Not all rides are rough. But some remind us of how vulnerable we are in the smallest moments. How courage, sometimes, is not loud or visible — it’s in choosing silence over conflict, calm over chaos, and in simply walking away.
Not all rides are like this. I’ve also met drivers who went out of their way to help—parking under a parapet so I stayed dry, or tilting the auto to make my climb easier. Those moments remind me that sensitivity exists, even if not always. Read Kindness from Autorickshaw Drivers
19 Responses
Wow…you have written so so so well…the last 2 paragraphs are so deep…such an understanding of human emotions…nice ..and totally agree….calm over chaos certainly helps…but it is souch easy to say…it just takes a second to counter react
Thank you! I’m glad you resonated with the message. You’re right, it’s easy to advise calmness, but practicing it in the heat of the moment is indeed challenging. It’s all about perspective and self-awareness.
Wise words! Being cautious and avoiding unnecessary risks can save a lot of trouble.
I got goosebumps!
Your writing is exceptional, Sneha ji. You have a remarkable talent for crafting & compiling words.
Yeah…as is said….better to be safe than sorry. I’m not used to people speaking harshly with me. It hurts.
Thanks for reading and your generous compliments. 😍
Well said. Very true.
Thanks for reading dear!
The rudeness of the driver hurt me.
Wow beautifully written. Especially the last few lines are excellent. Calm over chaos.
Thank you so much! I’m glad the ending resonated with you. Calm over chaos is indeed a powerful mindset, and it’s amazing how it can shift our perspective and outcomes.
I guess I agree with all and you that calm over chaos is the best practice. But not so easily done as said.
Probably I would’ve had a bit more conversation with him. But eventually I would’ve resorted to the calm ending.
Thanks for sharing Sneha.. please stay safe next time.
Appreciate your honest reflection. Thanks for reading, and don’t worry, will take care!
So true , silence over conflict, calm over chaos, and in simply walking away., nice …
Exactly! Sometimes, the most powerful response is no response at all. Silence, calmness, and walking away can be incredibly liberating and effective in diffusing conflicts.
On the same page with you on this. I feel self-control would require more courage than going all out, at times. Thanks for those words of wisdom.
Totally agree! Exercising self-control can be incredibly tough, especially when emotions are running high. Glad you found the words resonating!
Very well articulated. It is how one responds rather than react, which makes it easy to get to the destination, whether it’s a shop or some other goal.
Exactly! Responding thoughtfully makes all the difference. It helps navigate life’s journey smoothly, whether it’s a simple trip to the shop or a more complex goal.
Yes it happens sometimes and tye difference is what very few can control their emotions. Temper is something which I see people loose easily and take it out on anyone who comes their way.
Absolutely, controlling emotions is a challenge many face. Losing temper can be damaging. I was shaken by the auto drivers outburst.