Reciprocation

It was a normal after-office rush hour in a public bus. People packed everywhere, all trying to reach home after a long day at work. The seats were fully occupied and I was standing along with a bunch of people. Then someone in front of me got up and the seat became vacant. There was another person standing next to me who also looked ready to grab the seat. For a second, it was that usual silent competition we all have in a crowded transport. We made quick eye contact, and from his expression and slightly tired posture, I could almost feel how much he wanted to sit. He was quite desperate to sit and relax.

Even though I’m on my way to physiotherapy for my knee pain, something in me felt he might need it more than I do. So I slightly stepped back. And he noticed. He looked at me for a moment and there was this subtle “thank you” in that look. No words, but very clear gratitude.

He then moved forward and was about to sit… and that’s exactly when an older man stepped into the bus. And I watched this small shift happen. The same man, who just felt thankful a second ago, stopped himself. He looked at the older gentleman and silently stepped back. He clearly chose to give up the seat for the old man.

I just paused internally and thought—this is reciprocation in real time. It’s not always loud or evident. Sometimes it’s just a chain of tiny choices passed from one person to another. Without words - just a natural flow of humanness.

This is obviously not just about a seat on a bus, it is mainly about how these subtle acts of kindness flow in everyday life. One small gesture triggers another, and eventually it reaches someone who really needs it.

And I genuinely believe that the older man will pass on and reciprocate the same kindness when his turn comes.

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"Be kind to the inhabitants of earth, and the One in the heavens will be kind to you." - Jami' al-Tirmidhi