Are you okay ?

 Are you okay?

Years ago I used to take subway for going to work. The train would be full of passengers all absorbed in their thoughts. No one would talk and I used to find it strange. Even people who boarded the same train and would knew each other’s faces won’t smile or greet each other. I tried in the beginning to strike a conversation with the person sitting next to me but no success. I noticed one lady in particular who would board the same train as I everyday. She was always smartly dressed, appeared well groomed and confident. She would just stare ahead sitting in her seat. One day we both missed our train by a few seconds. So both of us were alone on the platform. That’s when I noticed her hands were trembling and her eyes were misty. Hesitantly I asked are you okay? 

My words seemed to have broken a dam of tears. She started sobbing so I asked her what was wrong and if I could help her. She started crying more. I suggested that we sit down somewhere and talk. I phoned my office that I’ll be late and took her out of the station. It was summertime so we sat down on a bench and then she told me her story.

She was passing through a tough time in her life. There were messy divorce proceedings going on, her mother had just been diagnosed with cancer and her husband was threatening to take their children away. She was on the verge of a mental breakdown. She was now sobbing uncontrollably. I offered her some water and coffee that I was carrying in my flask. She took a few sips and said, you are the first person to ask me if I am okay. I am at a high position in my office and can’t talk to anyone. I have no siblings. She said she was the person everyone came for advice but she couldn’t share her problems with anyone. But she could tell me, a stranger,  because no one else had ever asked are you okay. With me she didn’t have to maintain the facade of being strong and in control. It was cathartic for her. 

I couldn’t do anything for her but to listen patiently. We sat there for an hour and only when she stopped crying and composed herself did we leave. She thanked me and took my number. I had to take a cab as I had appointments lined up in my office. 

Did she call me ? No. Pouring her heart out to a complete stranger must have scared her. I understood. For a strong person like her it was difficult to show vulnerability. She did send me a heart felt apology and thanked me profusely. She wrote that just my asking her if she was okay meant so much for her. I never saw her again. May be she changed her time or she moved away. I sometime still wonder what happened to her. 

We all have those moments in our life when we feel we are falling into an abysmal pit of negativity. If we have someone to just talk to , unburden ourselves, we feel relieved. 

If we can just listen to someone without being judgmental, it’s enough for them. 

So are you okay? Do share your thoughts. 

Be safe and happy

So be it !!!