The Kindness of Strangers

RD readers share their experiences of random acts of benevolence and decency from the most unexpected saviours

- Naorem Anuja and Ishani Nandi

BADRI

In May of 2019, my parents and I were in Goa on holiday. At around one in the afternoon, we stopped at a Dhaba for lunch. A young boy, around 11 or 12 years old, came up to take our order. I asked him his name and, in a soft voice, he replied “Badri”. I thought ruefully about how this sweet, innocent little kid had to shoulder responsibilities when he should be out learning at school, climbing trees and playing with marbles.

We were served our food shortly. As we were eating, a large man with a long beard entered the dhaba. He was clearly drunk, unsteady on his feet, and slurring his words. Badri went up to do his job—slowly, unsure of himself. The man pulled the boy towards him roughly and rattled off his food order in loud, incomprehensible words. Hesitant, Badri took the order and scurried into the kitchen. A few minutes later, the man began to get impatient and grumbled aggressively. Badri emerged hurriedly, laden with plates, and started serving the man, but in his nervous rush, he let slip a glass of water, which crashed to the floor, spilling on to the irate customer.

Furious, the man bolted up from his seat, and raised his hand to strike the boy. A terrified Badri cowered in tears before him. I knew somebody should intervene but felt uncertain and even afraid of the inebriated man’s streak of violence. The other diners were, by then, watching the scene unfold. The other staff seemed unconcerned— the cashier looked on vacantly; the cook never emerged from indoors.