Saturday Night Saviour

I wasn't planning on writing my next blog so soon, however; on Saturday night in my local Indian restaurant. Whilst waiting for my order, I experienced a heart warming and true "Keep It Real" event.

My last two blogs have been about the lack of "keeping it real" by the Arabs & closer to home... *ankers and I have to say my opinions have slanted towards highlighting their pathetic behaviours and uber arrogance which is due to having some money.

Tonight whilst in my local Indian, a family much like my own of a father and 2 sons were sitting behind me and they were enjoying a drink whilst awaiting their large family takeaway. It was a Saturday night and it was busy.  After some time the waiter announced that the father/sons take way was ready. The family  walked over to the till to pay the bill and one by one they had realised they had all comically forgotten their wallets and left the house with no money.

They started to talk in Gujarati (my mother tongue) saying "how did this happen & what shall we do now?"...  At which point two other men who were waiting; one of them stepped in and said in Gujarati "don't worry,  I will cover it and you can send me the money later"...

There was some discussion and finally the addresses and mobile numbers exchanged, the £46 bill was settled by a complete random stranger.  I was so surprised and started to scope this generous person up and down, he was wearing designer togs and had the typical Indian mans "Mercedes" key fob in his hands. One would surmise he was well off, judging by his outward appearance, but unlike many people with this look, he demonstrated tonight the true essence of this blog.....

I really felt hope and happy that people like this existed, people who trusted and helped out complete strangers, knowing fair well that he may never see his £46 again.  It wasn't just the fact that he paid for this family, but he smiled and laughed as if it was OK and these things happen. He made the family feel on par and level with him.  I don't know if i would have stepped into help, maybe I would have and this would have been a  truly  nice test for me. But this stranger made me realise that I could have easily and it is OK to help and not expect back.

What is it about people (well off or not) that makes them want to give back? A selfless action with no expectations or a helping hand to walk someone cross the road? Where does this come from? Is it a cultural thing, is it innate or is it just basic human kindness? It made me think that I should look inside myself, take stock of what happened this evening and go out and help someone, be it pay for someones bill, let someone out of the door first or for me not to expect anything back from someone who I have helped.