Hyderabad Auto-Expo

First things first.This post is not about some Auto-Expo taking place at Hyderabad showcasing some ridiculously expensive cars with gorgeous models on them. This post is rather about something much more important.Something much more real to the middle class.This is dedicated to all the Auto-wallah's of Hyderabad who have a unique style of their own and operate only at their terms and conditions unlike any other place in India. They undoubtedly rule the public transport sector in Hyderabad specializing in Hi-Tech city and nearby places.They are no ordinary human beings.They are the real Action Anna's of Tollywood which just couldn't get into movies.But they are in no way behind the heroes on screen.They have attitude, style,pride. And in-meter they don't trust. It has been a year now, so wanted to share a couple of experiences.

Once upon a time, when we were new hires, new to Hyderabad as well, went to see a late night movie show. To go back home, we hired an Auto and told him the address. He quoted a price which seemed reasonable. Actually I was surprised, as at such late hours they used to quote double the usual fare. Anyways, we got in the Auto-cum-Planet M-cum-Roller coaster.We soon reached a place which was half-way our home but the name of the place was similar to our location.Suddenly he applied brakes, which felt more stronger than a standard hydraulic brake of a car.He stopped and asked us to get down.We told him that this was not the place we asked him to drop.We might have been a bit rude saying that but his reaction was outrageous.He threw us out of the vehicle and demanded money. We tried to explain to him that this was not the place we meant.But he was repeatedly said only on dialogue,"Saab, gareeb aadmi ka kabhi majak nahi udhana!".We said we ain't giving him any unless he drops us at the right address.He started to call people from his mobile.We also acted to dial some numbers and call people just to counter his move.Then we threatened him to go to police.I don't what changed his mind but he went back and sat in the auto.We also went assuming that all the drama is over now.We had no clue that it had just started.When he finally dropped us at the right address, he demanded more money. We denied to give anything extra than what we decided. He then said the same thing again,"Saab, gareeb aadmi ka kabhi majak nahi udhana!".And again and again.When he stopped, he threw the money we gave him on the street and said," Aap loga idharich ruko.... main batata hoon aapko ki gareeb aadmi kya kar sakta hai!".Then he turned his auto in full throttle and speeded away from us.We decided to walk to home.Then suddenly we hear a noise increasing constantly.It was the same Auto.He stopped right in front of us blocking the way.He was not looking at us, just raising the accelerator again and again.I was so in fumes at that time but decided to give him at least what we decided on.I put the money in the Auto and the rushed back like a lightning saying," Fir kabhi idhar mat dikhana saab." And I gave him the finger which he might not have interpreted correctly.

I really appreciate people using the public transport options anywhere.It is one of the key factors to control traffic and pollution. But I guess people use public transport till they have a vehicle of their own.That's ok. But in case you dont, travelling in a shared auto/bus/train would be a better option than travelling all alone in a private one.Anyways, people will do what they want and what they can pay for and won't care about the damn problems.Sad but true.So from our location, people like to take private auto's to Hi-tech at a over priced rate.Ergo, a couple of auto wallah's shave formed a gang.They don't allow any other Auto to pick up people from this locality.I have seen many outsiders being threatened by these local boo-hockies.Such low have fallen the heights of humanity.Another interesting ride was when I was returning from office in an Auto and the driver was a Muslim.So we started talking and somehow the talk started about Islam.Suddenly he went all impulsive and was trying to rope me in.He said you should also consider Islam and then gave numerous examples.I told him that I believe in one God. He said, exactly his point, Allah.He went on and on.Even after reaching the destination, he talked for 15 Min's.I somehow closed the argument.It was a fun debate though. So, there are many more such encounters with this third kind.The thing is, you cannot escape them, people's lives have so much dependency on them. You cannot cast them out.They are after all the spirit of the city.

P.S They also accept Sodexo coupons :D