Of random acts of kindness

Even as did it, I was asking myself why I am doing it ... I am not one who can claim to have done too many "random acts of kindness".

Last night, as I waited for my cab, in the pleasant drizzle presented by the beautiful Bangalore climate, I saw a very fiesty lady resisting the extortionist proposals of some auto-rickshaw drivers. They wanted Rs 50/- to drive her to her destination 200 mts away. Though she was arguing in Kannada, a language unknown to me, I admired her willingness to stand and wait in the rain, for a fairer deal, than give in to the circumstances, and perpetuate and condone the behaviour of those auto-drivers. Though I have thought of doing helping people out many times before, I never have. What moved inside me, I may never know, but I picked up the courage (those of you who know me, will know I need courage to do such things), and asked her if I could drop her off till the gate of the premises. She smiled and thanking me, gratefully, accepted my offer. We didn't have a conversation ... we didn't exchange credentials ... I don't know who she was, and I don't think she knows who I am. In 5 minutes, with a "Thank you Sir" "You're welcome. Take care", my random act of kindness came to an end. I felt nice. It still feels nice.

What moves one to do such things? How do some do it more than others?