Driver story: First Trip (Foodie Family- 1)

 

Explore the Way: First Trip (Foodie family -1)
By Bajini

I'm not a full-time driver. I'm a freelance driver—I take jobs when they come. That day, I was feeling completely bored. I didn’t have any ride, no plans, and no money in hand. But inside, I really felt like escaping somewhere. I wanted to be alone, in peace, in some far-off place.

I kept thinking about it—how nice it would be to just go. Go anywhere. I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep with those thoughts running in my head. Then, suddenly, a phone call woke me up.

I picked up the phone and checked—it was Amit. He usually talks a lot, and to be honest, I was still half-asleep. I didn’t really feel like answering, but I did.

Me: “Hi Amit.”
Amit: “Hi Bajini!”
Me: “Yes, tell me.”
Amit: “I have an acting duty today but I can’t go. Are you free to take a ride job for me?”

He said it’s an outstation ride—it would take six days. I was surprised. He said it would be exciting, but I didn’t show too much excitement at first.

Me: “Give me five minutes. Where is the location?”
Amit: “Kerala. Thrissur".

I ended the call and immediately googled the place. The pictures, the backwaters—it looked peaceful and beautiful. My heart started beating faster. I called Amit back.

Me: “Hello, Amit. It’s okay. I’ll go.”
Amit: “Great! They’re planning to leave by 5 PM today.”

I checked my phone. It was already 2:30 PM. Just a little over two hours to get ready. I started feeling a bit of nervous energy buzzing inside me.

Amit told me he had already shared both our numbers—mine with the client, and the client's with me. I asked him, “How is the client?” He replied, “He’s a good guy. He’ll take good care of you.”

We ended the call, and I took a deep breath. Since it was an “acting driver” job, that meant I’d go to the client’s place, take their car, and drive for them.

Soon after, I got a call from the client. He asked about my experience. I told him honestly—over seven years of driving, and yes, I had done outstation trips before. He told me to come to his home by 4:30 PM sharp, and I agreed.

I live in a metro city, and I’m not someone who sticks to just one job. I keep learning, grabbing opportunities wherever I find them. And now, I was free—so why not?

I reached the client’s home exactly at 4:30. His name was Antony, around 44 years old. He greeted me politely and shook my hand. Then he showed me his car—and honestly, I was shocked. I had never driven a vehicle like that before.

It was a huge SUV. Powerful engine. Full of advanced control systems.
He asked me, “How does the engine feel?”
I started the car and revved it a little. The engine roared. I said, “It sounds good. Very powerful.”

I checked everything—air pressure, wipers, engine oil, horn. Everything was fine. But I was nervous. I’d never driven a car of this size and model before.

Antony asked me to take a short test drive with him. As I drove slowly, I noticed the brakes were very sensitive. Even the slightest touch would make the car stop suddenly—it gave a heavy jolt. Antony said, “Don’t worry. We just got the car serviced yesterday. The brakes will settle once you drive it a bit.” That made me feel better.

When we returned, I sat in the car waiting. Around 5 PM, an elderly lady came out of the house—Antony’s mother. She was 67 years old, and around 86kg. A servant brought her luggage, and I helped load it into the boot. She got into the front seat beside me. I smiled at her, and she smiled back. She asked for my name. I said, “Bajini.” She nodded, but I think she didn’t quite catch it—or maybe she didn’t like it much.

I noticed something strange—Antony wasn’t coming with us. Suddenly, I had so many questions in my mind. What if something happens to her on the way? What if there’s a medical issue? What do I do?

Antony came to me and gave me ₹10,000 for fuel. I tried to hand it to his mother, but he insisted I keep it. He told me I’d have to pick up a few more people on the way. I nodded.

I had no idea that this ride was going to turn into such a wonderful experience.