On December 9th, we were gearing up for a 10-kilometer event run planned for the next day, December 10, 2023. Akshay and I decided to go for an easy 5-kilometer run together. It was meant to be relaxed, just chatting while we jogged. It turned out that on the same day, there was also a Gurgaon Half Marathon Promo event happening. At DXR point, provisions were made for hydration and a photographer was also placed to take free pictures. Our plan was to have some photos taken without feeling pressured to run fast like we would on race days.

As we were nearing the finish line, which was about 100 meters away, Akshay suggested, “Minal ji, let’s sprint to the DXR point.” I agreed and ran as fast as I could. Surprisingly, there was a photographer there. I anticipated Akshay to run past me, but he didn’t. I was a bit surprised and glanced back slightly to see why he hadn’t surged ahead. But I continued sprinting, and we finished together.

After catching my breath, I felt a bit annoyed wondering why Akshay didn’t run faster (and why he didn’t go past me). When I asked him, he casually said, “Aaj tez bhaga nahi gaya; par aap acha bhaage.”(I didn’t feel like running fast today, but you did well.) His answer made me more annoyed, and I told him,” Bewfkoof mat bnaao mera” (Don’t make a fool of me). Akshay, maintaining his calm expression, gave his usual smile without saying anything more.

I couldn’t understand why he didn’t run ahead of me. I’m aware of Akshay’s capability to surpass me easily in a 100-meter sprint. We all know he is faster than me. We do sprint every week and we are all aware he is faster. Infact, we feel happy for him. He goes way past me in all the practice sessions.   I kept thinking about it for nearly twelve minutes until I suddenly realized something: “Oh, maybe it was because of the photographer. Perhaps Akshay didn’t want me to look like I was trailing behind in the photo.” This realization left me so astonished.

I was immensely surprised by how considerate Akshay was about such a small thing. It made me realize that he often performs these small acts of kindness subtly uplifting those around him without demonstrating in words (and without expecting anything in return). In that moment, I felt insignificant. I knew I couldn’t repay him for his thoughtfulness. Infact, it would be foolish to even think of giving back in any form to him. But it inspired me so much to be more kind to people around me. I vowed to replicate and spread the same kindness to those around me in my own little ways.

I rummaged through over 300+ photographs (of that event), but I realized that the photographer had taken separate pictures of us. I wished there had been a single shared image. Deep in my heart, I envisioned framing that moment as the inaugural picture if I ever curated a wall of running photos in my home. Yet, alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

Thank you so much for being who you are and what you do on daily basis to everyone Akshay!!

Did you ever face a similar experience while running? Let me know in the comments below.

By Minal