In the misty mornings of 1998, amidst the backdrop of a simpler time, my journey with Narayan, the rickshaw wala, began. Each day, like clockwork, he'd arrive at our doorstep with his trusty rickshaw, ready to ferry me off to kindergarten. His arrival was always accompanied by a cheerful greeting, his face illuminated by a warm smile that seemed to chase away the early morning chill.

Narayan wasn't just a means of transportation; he was a cornerstone of our daily routine, a steadfast presence in an ever-changing world. His rickshaw became a sanctuary of sorts, where the cares of the world melted away, replaced by the simple joys of conversation and companionship.

As the seasons changed and the years rolled by, Narayan's role in our lives only deepened. He became more than just a rickshaw puller; he became a trusted...