I met him near the token vending machine at Kashmere Gate. He seemed to be in a hurry, standing at one of the smart card recharge machines. I saw him press a few buttons, insert a ₹500 note, and then frown slightly. That’s when I walked up and said, “Hi, I’m writing stories of people who travel in the Metro. Can I ask you something?”
He looked at me, surprised, then laughed and said, “You’re just in time—one’s happening right now.”
He pointed to the screen on the machine; it said Please take your note back, but no note came out.
“I was in a bit of a rush. My card had run out of balance, and I needed to catch the train. I thought I’d quickly recharge it. I put in 500 rupees and poof—it vanished. The note got stuck inside somewhere,” he said.
He called one of the staff members, who came with a key. They opened the machine as if it were a mini locker. Turns out, his note had curled up and gotten stuck inside. They pulled it out carefully.
“Thank God,” he said with relief.
We moved to the side to talk more. He told me he’s an Income Tax Officer, currently undergoing training in Delhi.
“Since I haven’t been posted anywhere permanent yet, I take the Metro almost daily. It’s the fastest way to get around in this city,” he said.
He usually doesn’t get a seat.
“Most of the time, I stand. Even when I do get a seat, I give it up if there’s an elderly person or a woman nearby. It’s just basic manners. I’ve grown up watching my parents do that,” he said.
Then, as the next train arrived, he walked toward it—and just like he had said—he stood at the perfect left spot where the right-side doors opened. No pushing. No rushing. Just calm, quiet confidence.
He blended into the crowd once again—and now, I had his story