The Man Behind the Wheel

In the heart of Jyoti Market, amidst the hustle and bustle of the day, there’s a man who stands out not for his appearance, but for his unyielding spirit. His name is Baijnath a riksha puller by trade and a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. Every day, as the market hums with the sound of vendors calling out to customers, the steady creak of Baijnath’s riksha wheels adds its own melody to the marketplace’s rhythm.

 Baijnath is not just a riksha puller; he’s a man of quiet dignity and resilience. With sunburnt skin and calloused hands, his face etched with lines that tell tales of a life lived under the sun and stars, Baijnath has been pulling his riksha in Jyoti Market for over a decade. For him, every pull is more than just a ride; it's a connection with people. His passengers vary from local shoppers to visitors new to the market, but for all, Bagnath offers a friendly smile and safe passage through the busy streets.

Being a riksha puller in a place as vibrant and fast-paced as Jyoti Market is no easy task. From dawn to dusk, the narrow lanes are jam-packed with vehicles, pedestrians, and vendors. Yet, Baijnath maneuvers through the chaos with remarkable skill. His riksha, weathered and adorned with colorful decorations, is as much a part of the market as the stalls and shops lining the streets. It’s an extension of him, one that carries the weight of the lives and stories of countless passengers he ferries daily.

Yet, behind Baijnath’s soft smile and hardworking demeanor lies a grief that few know about. Several years ago, Baijnath lost his son, Ravi, in a tragic accident. Ravi was the light of his life, the pride of his small family. Like any father, Baijnath had dreamed of giving his son the education and opportunities he himself never had. He imagined Ravi growing up, finding a respectable job, and lifting their family out of the poverty that had defined Baijnath’s existence.

But life had other plans. One fateful afternoon, while playing near a busy street, Ravi was hit by a speeding vehicle. The accident shattered Baijnath’s world. The loss was not just that of a child, but of dreams and hope. Ravi had been a bright boy, full of life and potential. His untimely death left a wound in Baijnath’s heart that no amount of time could ever heal.

The Weight He Carries

Despite his personal tragedy, Baijnath continues to pull his rickshaw each day, navigating the streets of Jyoti Market with the same dedication. His grief, though heavy, remains hidden from the world. For those who ride in his rickshaw, Baijnath is the ever-patient rickshaw puller who always greets them with a smile, never revealing the sorrow he carries within.

The other rickshaw pullers in the market know of his story. They respect his quiet strength, often lending him a helping hand when needed, but no one dares to bring up his loss. They know Baijnath would rather keep his pain private, preferring instead to immerse himself in his work, where the noise and the hustle of the market drown out the echoes of his sorrow.

His wife, too, shares this pain. She works as a domestic helper, their combined earnings barely enough to sustain them, but they live with quiet resolve. Baijnath often speaks of how his wife has been his pillar of support, how they have helped each other survive their son’s loss, even if the pain never truly leaves.

Baijnath’s journey is one that echoes in the lives of many who face unseen battles. It is a reminder of the quiet courage required to keep going, despite the weight of loss. His story, while simple, is powerful a tribute to resilience and the undying strength of the human heart.

BY- AYUSH CHATURVEDI