"...why is this creaky sound not going away..."

"...why is this creaky sound not going away..."

...I said to myself.

While driving to work last Tuesday, I noticed a creaky sound each time I shifted gears. It took me a few minutes to realize the sound was actually coming each time I was pressing the clutch (to switch gears). After noticing it for 5 more minutes, I made a note in my To-Do list to visit a mechanic for it. However, the creaky sound continued to play on my mind. Then, suddenly, I recalled something from my memory.

Around 15 years ago, I actively participated in a renowned online forum for car enthusiasts. I used to read car reviews and threads on car related issues. There was one particular dude who used to show up with a lot of questions - a lot around noises in his car. "My door makes a squeaky sound when I close it, any idea why?" "My steering wheel makes a clicking sound when I turn it too quick, what could cause it?" "My cabin noise is too much when I drive over 100, how to address it?" "My suspension seems to make a noise when I hit a pot hole. Shall I get them checked?" Given the forum's wealth of expertise, he always received valuable insights. 

One day, he posted yet another inquiry about a peculiar sound. An experienced forum member swiftly responded with a refreshing perspective. He said - "Buddy, it's wonderful that you're so attentive to your car and your driving experience. However, at times you need to chill. You are missing out on the pleasure of driving due to constant worrying about the noise. Sometimes it is best to turn up the stereo volume and enjoy some loud music – all the noises that you may be hearing will get suppressed by the good music. So crank up the music, enjoy the drive. Cheers."

This response has stayed with me. It is so apt for every aspect of life. Often, we find ourselves entangled in trivial worries at work or in our personal lives, losing sight of the positive aspects surrounding us.

So then I turned up the music and the creaky sound stopped reaching my ears. I haven't dismissed it (I made a note of it), but the music helped get my mind off it.

Turn that music volume up, if you haven’t already.

"...sorry, kiti? Samajhla naahi..."

"...sorry, kiti? Samajhla naahi..."

I said in Marathi, with a weak smile [sorry, how much? I did not get what you said.]

A few weeks ago, I noticed white spots on my leather shoes. Despite my efforts with the shoe polish I had at home, the spots remained stubborn. So, I decided to have them polished by a kind cobbler near the railway station. As I headed towards that cobbler, I spotted another one two blocks away from my building. I'd seen him often as I passed by. I had noticed he used only his left hand due to an issue with his right hand. Opting to support him, I approached him for his services.

Approaching him, I requested a shoe polish and inquired about the price. He mumbled, making his words hard to hear. That's when I responded with what I mentioned earlier. He repeated, this time showing three fingers and said, "Tees, Tees" [Thirty, Thirty]. I nodded and agreed to the price before giving him the go-ahead.

He began by taking a polish container and opening it using his left hand and left foot. Hesitantly, I asked, "What happened to your right hand?" He looked up, half-smiling, and replied, "My right side got paralyzed a few years ago." It became clear why his initial words were difficult to understand. Only the left half of his mouth worked. Learning this, I refrained from asking more and observed him silently. He displayed remarkable skill in his craft, despite the limitation of one set of limbs. He utilized his functioning hand and foot, even tactically using his non-functional arm to support his work. It was difficult for me to explain how he managed to execute the task using the inoperable limb, so I shot a video of him in action. 

Upon completion, I felt the urge to pay him more than he'd asked for - just Rs. 30/- for the excellent job. However, unsure if it would be well-received, I paid the agreed amount, expressed gratitude, and left, with a resolve to return for future cobbler needs.

It was another humbling encounter and a reminder that possessing a fully functional body is a privilege not everyone enjoys. Despite challenges, many strive alongside us, raising families and meeting their needs with pride.

If any of you stay in Vile Parle (E), he operates at the junction of Hanuman road and Tejpal road near the railway station. Visit him next time you want to mend/polish your footwear (or get your umbrella repaired). You might just end up mending more than your footwear....

Link to video:  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jimishbathia_sorry-kiti-samajhla-naahi-i-said-activity-7101820490423369728-Fyu8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android