ONE GOOD TURN

Let me tell you about me first. I am Joe. I am 6 feet tall and a body building enthusiast. Consequently I have strong biceps and have won a Mr.GYMN AST title in Reed City where I live. I am patron of a gym with the funny name of Zelch near where I live. I am 30 with a balding head. I did my graduation and turned to vocational training becoming a sales specialist. I work as salesman for a paper manufacturer.

It was a hot summer day – actually Monday - when I was walking along with my cap on my head. I had a cylindrical cardboard container under my arm and was carrying my bag. I was on airport road in search of a new stationary shop.  I saw I had to cross .There was not much traffic and I managed to go half way across the road and stop. Selling paper isn’t particularly easy. Stationary shops are few and far between. But I have to make living! A couple of cars went along and then I saw the bike coming with a woman on the pillion. It was speeding and suddenly the woman oblivious of speeding traffic jumped from the bike. Traffic came to a halt as the woman landed on the road. I dropped my belongings and raised her and took her to the pavement. I said “Wait here. Let me collect my goods.”

When I rejoined her I found she wasn’t hurt except for a few scratches on both elbows. Suddenly she shouted “There he comes. He is a rascal. He spoke nicely to me and said he would drop me where I wanted to go and in between started to grope me.”

The fellow stopped his bike near me when she said “Stop him. He has to be taken to the police.”

I asked the fellow “Who are you? Why is she so scared?”

He said to me “Mind your business.”

She said “I was on my way to college when this rogue offered me a lift.”

The fellow again said to me “Mind your business and go your way. Leave her to me.”

The woman started weeping and shouted to me “Save me from this rascal.”

He ordered her “Climb on the pillion immediately.”

She said “I won’t. You’re a rogue.”

When he went to assault her I stopped him. He tried to drag the woman when I punched him in the arm. He was puny and growled in pain at my assault. I said “You bloody creep get lost or I will tear you to pieces. I would’ve liked to take you to the police but I’ve other engagements.”

He stood still glaring at the woman when I said “Get lost I say again. I’m going to kill you if you are here one more moment.”

Hearing my stern voice he started his bike and was gone. I told the woman “Never accept rides from strangers.” As I was again on my way the woman shouted to me “Just a minute. Please give me your name and address. If I complain to the police they will want a witness.” I gave her my card and went my way.

I lived in a one room apartment of an old house in Reed City. A week passed after my encounter with the woman who jumped off the pillion. I had almost forgotten about it and was relaxing in bed when there was a knock on my door. I opened the door to find a middle aged man standing outside.

He asked “Are you Joe?”

I said “Yes.”

He said “I’m the father of the woman who had jumped off the pillion.”

I was half expecting him to offer me some money and was preparing to refuse it. I said “I only did what anyone would have done under the circumstances. I don’t need any special thanks.”

He said “I want to talk to you.”

I said “Please come in. You can sit on that stool while I sit on my bed. You see I’ve rented only one room.”

He came in and sat on the stool.

Before he said anything I said “Now that the ice is broken please wait a moment.” I went out and returned with two cups of tea.I offered him a cup and said “My courtesy.” I had an understanding wtih a neighbor who was a tea vendor.

He sipped it and said “Tastes nice. Thanks.”

Sipping my tea I said “Now tell me what you’ve to say.”

He said “I’m Garg and I own healthcare products sold under the name KISMET. I need people to promote my products. Would you like to join me?”

I laughed and said “I know nothing about your products. I only know paper, its sizes, its weights  and so .on. I’ve been selling paper since two years and I’ve learnt about different applications of paper in inches and millimeters. I have identified shops which sell paper and go to them. I don’t think I’ll be able to sell whatever products are marketed under trade name Kismet. Also the paper manufacturer has a great deal of confidence in me and has encouraged me by giving me increments. How can I leave him?”

Garg laughed and said “You’ll learn that to earn more and climb career ladders you don’t care for loyalty. You must jump on to any wagon on the move. I need sales staff who will push my products. They have to travel and knock at doors everywhere they see an opportunity. Think over what I’ve said. If you’ve been good at paper you’ll also be good at healthcare products. Here is my car d. Come and see me if you change your mind.”

Garg was gone. It was his car which had been parked outside. He was a big man and he had come to my hovel to see me and thank me. I thought over what Garg had said and decided to call him. I asked “I’m free on Sunday. Can I drop in on you next Sunday?”

‘Sure. Come at 10 AM. I can offer you breakfast.”

I said “I’ll be there.”

I joined Kismet healthcare and now I am a partner!

END