FROM WILDFLOWER HALL, SHIMLA

PLAN C -THE STORY OF A CHARISMATIC CHAUFFEUR 

It was yet another cool Saturday morning in Shimla. It was 22 August 2015. I checked out from Clarkes Hotel,Shimla.

Time was 7.30 AM; Mehar Lal Chauhan was my Chauffeur (See his picture with Sumit Joshi, General Manager, Wildflower Hall, Shimla).

Next stop: Chandigarh Airport, Reporting Time: 12 noon

Shimla is in the hills. At 8000 ft. above the sea level it used to be the summer capital of the Britishers. The rain gods were merciful that morning. It was drizzling. Half an hour into the journey, we observed a long queue of vehicles in front of us. Chauffeur Mehar could smell something wrong. He excused himself, got down from the car, connected himself with the local onlookers; collected the dope...came back to me and announced:"Sir, there is a massive landslide. We will have to take another road". I agreed. So we switched to Plan B.

Now, we were driving on a narrower road to our destination. From the Clarkes Hotel to Chandigarh Airport, it will normally take three and a half hours. The road was narrower, but thankfully not battered. We were moving along, albeit a bit slowly. After driving down for another 20 minutes we realised that there was a problem with this road as well. There was 

an accident which had happened ahead of us - a head on collision!

Oh! No, I said to myself. But Mehar quickly switched to Plan C, with ease and agility.

Our third option was a battered road though. I was very anxious whether I will be able to reach on time. But Mehar was cool and collected.

"Sir, don't worry, we will reach" says Mehar.

It was already 9 AM and we had barely made progress. I was praying to God that there should not be any blocks on this road. Almost instantly it started to rain quite heavily. The terrain got really tough. The hairpin bends aplenty, made me weaker. On my way, I even threw up… which made me even weaker.

Now, let me cut the long story short. Though I was very anxious and concerned; but, my Chauffeur was calm and confident. That said, around 11.50pm we reached the airport. I was still on time to catch my flight back home. Thanks to my smart Chauffeur.

Now, let’s come to the real story ……

I do not carry a cell phone with me (I am a peace loving person). My wife and one of my students were constantly in touch with the Chauffeur on his cell phone. Mehar was constantly updating them on my location and health and even taking calls from the Airport Manager at Chandigarh who was also tracking my movement.  He was so very well mannered, patient and yet so focussed. Hats off to his presence of mind in navigating the terrain so deftly. He was clearly the real hero of that trip!

Tailpiece: Though I have been teaching hotel employees since 1999, I began to realize the value and contribution made by the chauffeurs only after 2005. That’s when I started flying for my lecture engagements. In fact, I realized that the chauffeur happens to be the first point of contact for the guests. He is the person who is the face of the hotel and delivers the first moment of truth. I have great respect on chauffeurs. It continues even today. I thought to myself: They also serve....lovingly.

Mehar is one more glorious addition to my list.

Text: R Kesava Mallia in Shimla 

Pictures - Courtesy: Wildflower Hall, Shimla