Recession, Job losses, salary cuts and Motorcycle Ride

4.6 km is the distance between my office and home that i cover on a daily basis, via auto in the morning and by foot in the eveningNormal day to day life doesn't provide such opportunity that i can join a gym so some 4 months back decided to shun my bike (Contributing my bit in reducing carbon) and take a mass transportation system for morning and walk down the lane in evening.It's 8:30 pm comparing I with X i was walking towards my home suddenly a motor bike stops and biker asks "need a lift" i was amazed what a change i haven't asked for the lift neither i was looking back again and again and this gentlemen has showed concern... great man As i was late for the day decided to accept the offer.A minute or 2 later he started the conversation Biker -- You must be software WalaI-- No sir a bankerBiker -- It doesn't matter both of you receive huge salaries... Don't YouI-- I am still a new comer sir just 4 years exp i don't get that muchBiker -- still you must be receiving more than your father... don't you?I -- Silence (I believe Biker must have been the age group of 40-45)Biker -- Do you know how much inflation has happened in the prices of food/vegetables/ fish?I --??????????Biker -- I am working with a auto components manufacturing company in khadki they have just reduced our salary by Rs.1000 a month. This might be the amount which you spend monthly on auto while i get only 8k as a salary and it is now getting even more difficult to even pay for the basic necessities .Did you have ever visited that vegetable market near ghorpadi?I -- No?Biker -- I have not gone their for 2 days as i need to pay Rs 20 to the vegetable vendor then only i can purchase fresh vegetables from him... I (blank) Silence... After a minute i am at BT kawade road he stops bike so that i can get down, removes his helmet ( from looks he is like any middle income group Indian ) A bit of salty water in his eyes ...Sorry dear i just got emotional and frustrated due to my current state of affairs...While searching through my pocket i could find a 20 rs noteAs i handed over that 20 rs note to him and looked in his eyes...They carried nothing but even bigger question about his existence, for me it was first exp as to how deafening silence can be...Regards,Abhishant Pant