Lessons of life- Be careful not Judgemental

Many years back, during my second visit to China, I had to travel from Guangzhou to Shanghai to meet one of my leadership managers. There was a nip in the air, and the bright sun wasn’t helping in that chill. I had a flight to catch back to home/Post the meeting i went to the nearest Metro station to catch a train to the airport. There was severe shortage of English-speaking people in China back then. I was looking for a ticketing window, not able to find it. Suddenly a girl appeared and in her broken English managed to inform me that the ticket can be obtained only through automated vending machine. I thanked her and approached one the ticket vending machine. It was all written in Chinese including the destination map. I was again at my wits end to overcome that, and the girl appeared again, took money from me and got me a ticket to the airport. I once again thanked her and started walking towards the platform as I was getting delayed for my flight. Suddenly I realized she was walking behind me to the same platform. Assuming it to be coincidence, I passed a smile and continued to wait for the train. Soon the train arrived and the girl boarded the same compartment as I was in. There was no place to sit, and she stood along with me. Now this got me suspicious as I had heard from my colleagues that China is not completely safe. I started visualizing many scenarios and motive of the girl. My suspicion grew big when even after many stops, she did not get down. I was now very careful with luggage, passport and Forex. She then approached me and again in her broken English, asked what my name was, where I was from and what was my purpose of visit. I reluctantly responded but avoided any further communication trying to ignore her. She went on to say, she was not originally from Shanghai and worked here, it was her week off, so she was just enjoying train ride as she didn’t have any friends in the city. It wasn’t of any help to my suspicion. Suddenly the train jolted and stopped. Seemed like some technical failure. I was on a tight schedule to catch my flight. Every announcement was in Chinese, and I was trying hard to decipher it. But to no use. It was around 5 minutes since the train had stopped, she suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the train in a hurry. I was shocked and ready to defend from being mugged or she running away with my stuff, she then said something in her broken English, which I did not understand, and took me to the other side of the platform and pushed me in to the train that was about to leave. Before I could understand what just happened, we were both again in the train. I rudely asked here, why did she do this and where was this train going. She then politely informed me that the previous train had broken down and would be towed to the yard for repairs, and passengers were asked to alight. She realized that I wasn’t able to understand the announcement and decided to help me reach the airport in time as it involved changing 2 more trains which would have been difficult for me. Still unconvinced with her explanation, I held on to my luggage tightly, alert to foil any attempt of snatching. After few stations, we boarded another train and I could see boards referring to airport on the roads visible from the train. It was a sense of comfort that we were on the right path. Once again, my judgmental mind started pondering what her motive was. I was almost sure; she would ask for money in return for the help. I was ok to pay as her help was crucial, but how much? Since I had very little Forex left and was to stay for a day in Thailand.

The train finally arrived at the airport station, she got down with me and we both rushed to the gate. Once at the gate, I thanked her and took out my wallet, when she shook hands, smiled and said “one day I want to visit Indo (India in Chinese), I will send you an email”. Embarrassed at my thinking, I offered her a cup of coffee (there still was time to board the flight), she refused, turned back and went away and disappeared, leaving me with a heart filled with gratitude & embarrassment.

A lesson for life time - Never approach people with pre-conceived notions. Most of the people are humane and nice, treat humans as humans and believe their genuineness.