Long thread:
The best part of my entire day is when I strike up convos with my cab drivers. 15 days going to office I've had talks with about 9-10 of them
All of them unique, yet bound by the perils of a gig economy

From someone who claimed to be 'khaas' of Rajnath Singh to a man who vowed not to marry unless he buys a Porche (Yes, you read that right), the wide spectrum of drivers that I've encountered is fascinating

It doesn't take much to strike up a conversation. I go home late and i just ask them how was their day. They're starved for affection. A lot of customers are rude, and a lot of them just don't talk. Majority of time, they're just alone

And they tell you everything. Like their life stories, no holds barred. About them, their childhood, about their children, about their wives. Almost all of them love their wives to bits. I've had drivers show me their family photos.

These are the drivers who work from 4 in the morning to 11 at night, don't see their wives or children and when you ask them if they miss their children they tell me they do 'par ye sab unhi ki bhalai ke liye hai'

This makes you sad and angry, but there's always hope in their words. The pandemic hit all of them, no one gave EMIs for three months, but slowly things are getting back on track.

Not everyone is a talker though, and you've to respect that. I still ask about how their day was and a few other questions, if they don't seem interested I leave them as is.

But Shubham, is it like important to talk to them? YES! The things they tell you teach you lessons no degree in the world can. And they give you perspective, and a reality check. Most of you guys are living in a bubble, talk to people who aren't friends, family or colleagues

So, go ahead. Strike up a conversation with your cab drivers. Ask them if they're doing good and then sit back and let the driver talk- You're in for a ride!