The Hand Of God

It was a foolish decision. The bus was jam-packed, and passengers stood on the footboard and precariously balanced themselves.

It was a Friday evening and my weekend escapade from the mundane food of the college hostel was my uncle’s home a good 20 kilometres or so away. Since it was getting late, and the earlier buses were packed, I had boarded this one out of frustration.

I somehow managed to get a toehold on the footboard and held on to the side-grill of the bus, wrapping my fingers tight on the metal bar. But, the bus started lurching right and left as it gained speed – thanks to the Indian roads. The weight of the passengers soon shifted towards me, and I could feel their weight.

My palms turned sweaty, and the grip on the metal bar started loosening. I looked downwards at the dark asphalt, thinking about jumping off. But, it would have been a very foolish decision on top of the already foolish one.

The bus was speeding, and at any moment, I would fall off. I was sweating, and I felt cold. A desperate cry for help escaped my lips.

At that very instant, a hand emerged from the crowd and grasped my left wrist firmly. I could not see the face of the man. It was just that – a hand from the melee of jostling human bodies. And then he said something unforgettable. I can still hear his words – Thambi, kavalappedathe. Naan pidichirukku (Brother, don’t worry. I’ve got you).

The feeling of relief was so overwhelming as those strong fingers grasped my wrists with a vice-like grip — a right hand, without a face.

The bus arrived at the next stop, and I got off. It took a while for me to get my breath back. Later that evening, as the traffic lessened, I boarded a less crowded one.

But, as I had got off, I had tried to see who that man was amongst the jostle of human bodies. I couldn’t and I will never know who he is.

It’s been a good 25 years. In my mind, I imagine him at peace, happy and doing good to the world.

But, wherever you are, I’d like you to know that I may not be writing this piece if it wasn’t for you. And, possibly everything else in my life after that moment.

Indeed, yours was the hand of God.