This morning started like any other workday. Wake up early, get ready, sip my morning tea, and head out for work. At the bus stop, I noticed a discussion buzzing in my office group, should we issue an advisory for rain? Mumbai was on red alert.
My bus was running late, and just two minutes before it reached my stop, the message popped up: we were working from home today. I turned back happily – except there was one small problem.
My laptop battery was at 26%, and I had forgotten my charger at the office last week. My brother’s HP charger wasn’t compatible, mine needed a Type-C. We scoured the internet for a converter, a cable, anything that could help power my laptop. No luck. Nothing on Blinkit, Instamart, or anywhere else that promised quick delivery.
I began thinking of alternatives. Maybe I could log into my official ID from my brother’s laptop? But I wasn’t sure my office would allow that.
That’s when my mother suggested, “Put it in the society WhatsApp group.”
I laughed. As if anyone would give me their charger for the day. Still, with no other option, I posted. Honestly, I wasn’t hopeful, I just wanted to keep all my doors open.
About half an hour later, a message came. Someone dropped their house number and asked me to come collect their charger. I was beyond thankful. When I rang their doorbell, a woman opened the door with a warm smile and handed me the charger. I thanked her profusely, promising to return it in an hour. She simply said, “It’s okay.”
Back home, I plugged in my laptop. It took two hours to reach 100%, probably because I was still working. At around 10, I rushed to return the charger. The same lady answered the door, smiling just as before. I apologised for being late. She repeated, “It’s okay.” That was all. A brief, simple interaction.
I’ve lived in this society for nine and a half years, yet I had never seen her before. We had never spoken. And still, without hesitation, she helped me. She didn’t know who I was, where I lived, or whether I would return her charger.
That’s what fascinates me about humans in a city like Mumbai. Traffic won’t stop for an accident, yet a stranger will lend you something precious without thinking twice. Small acts like these reconnect you with humanity. They remind you that kindness exists, that we are not yet stripped of what makes us human.
Today, as I am still touched by this experience I feel the need to express how deeply grateful I am to that lady, and to people like her, who unknowingly teach us the importance of showing up for others. Those that remind us of our humanity, and help us experience it. Even if they don’t know you. Even if they never expect the favour to be returned. It’s not about a laptop charger, it’s never about what you do, but how you make people around you feel. And I think that’s beautiful. That’s what makes us human.
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