The auto driver and the road shortcuts

A few months back, I had taken an auto to go to office in the morning. At that time, I did not drive my two wheeler regularly to office.

The auto driver drove through some of the usual roads that I used to take. In the end, he took a different road to reach my office. When asked he told me that this was a shortcut. I ended up telling him that I drive to office occasionally. He continued to explain to me the route and advised me to take that road since it had less traffic and was better maintained.

Finally, before dropping me he asked me if I had memorized the route. I thanked him for his advise and was glad I took the auto that day. 

After a month, I started driving everyday to office and diligently followed the route that the auto driver had taught me. It helped me in saving time and in avoiding traffic. Bless that man.

Fast forward to this week -
It had rained a little heavily in Chennai this Monday and I had to ditch my bike. After failing to get a cab, I finally booked an auto in the morning. How frustrating it is to wait for a few minutes for your booking to be confirmed and then getting a message saying "No cabs available at the moment". I don't like it when I get that message 👿 

Anyways, back to the point. The auto finally arrived and as soon as I got in, the driver asked me if I know a route that has less traffic and can get us faster to the destination. I told him I do know one.

I usually refrain from giving directions unless asked since some cab drivers tell me that they want to take the route that the app advises.

We finally got started and I patiently gave him the directions. I quickly surmised that he did not know the route since he kept asking if he has to take a left or a right turn at every corner. When we reached a junction, he asked me what road should he take.

Me: The one in the left is in a bad condition. The only advantage is you will have a traffic signal to cross the main road. 

Whereas the straight road is maintained well. The only problem is at that connecting junction, there is no signal. You have to cross to the right looking out for vehicles coming from behind. I leave it to you on which road to take.

Driver: It is ok, I will take the straight road. The other road is bad.

Me: Ok. you are right

When we were just a few kms away from office,

Driver: Actually I know two more shortcuts to your office.

Me (getting interested): Really. Can you please tell me the shortcuts?

Driver (dodging the question): The amt is ###. Do you really want me to go inside the campus.

Me: Yes. That is what I have given as the destination. Although they will not allow autos to go to my block. You need to take a "U" turn as soon as you bypass the security.

Driver: I know that. I have been to DLF.

Me: Then you should know that they allow autos to go just upto the Auto dropping point. By the way, can you pls tell me the shortcuts. I know this one because of another auto driver. He was the one who helped me understand this route. 

Driver (again dodges my question)

My mind voice: Leave him, R. Either he does not know any of them and was chumma saying it to you or he is selfish. 

I finally got down at my drop point, paid him the amount and thanked him for the service.

I am still not able to get past that conversation - did he really know two more shortcuts or was he selfish?

What happened after that - well, Iam trying to take a little detour whenever possible and discover another shortcut on my own.