How are you doing (Kaisey ho) ?

Every day, as part of my routine, I go for a walk. It’s a simple habit, a moment of peace amidst the chaos of life. But over time, I’ve added a small ritual to my stroll—one that has changed my perspective on human nature. I ask people a simple question: “Kaise ho?” (How are you doing?) And let me tell you, the responses are nothing short of fascinating.

At first, I expected the usual, automated answers—“Theek hoon” (I’m fine) or “Bas chal raha hai” (Just going on). But as I started paying closer attention, I realized that the way people respond varies wildly based on their personality, mood, and sometimes, their entire outlook on life.

The Spectrum of Responses

1. The Polite Default Many people stick to the script: “Badiya hoon, aap sunao?” (I’m good, how about you?). It’s the classic social contract at work—acknowledge, reciprocate, move on. It’s polite, expected, and often delivered with a practiced smile.

2. The Honest and Raw Then, there are those who surprise me with their honesty. “Kya batayein, bhai, mehngai bahut badh gayi hai” (What to say, brother, inflation has skyrocketed) or “Zindagi kaafi challenging chal rahi hai” (Life has been quite challenging). These people remind me that behind every passing face is a story. When I stop to listen, I sometimes find myself in deep, meaningful conversations with complete strangers.

3. The Overly Enthusiastic On occasion, I come across people who radiate positivity: “Mast hoon, sab badhiya hai!” (I’m awesome, everything’s great!). Their energy is infectious, and even if my day isn’t going as well, their response lifts my spirits.

4. The Philosophical One Every now and then, I meet someone who takes my question as an invitation for a deeper reflection. “Zindagi ek safar hai, manzil toh door hai” (Life is a journey, the destination is still far) or “Jee rahe hain bas, kya aur kar sakte hain” (Just living, what else can we do?). These encounters remind me that a simple greeting can spark profound thoughts.

5. The Unexpectedly Humorous Some responses make me laugh out loud. “Bas, Modi ji ki kripa hai!” (Just surviving, thanks to Modi ji’s blessings!) or “Aaj khane mein kya milega, usi ka tension hai” (The only worry is what’s for dinner today). Humor is a universal connector, and these interactions often turn my walk into the highlight of my day.

6. The Silent Responders Not everyone is in the mood to talk. Some nod, some offer a weak smile, and others just keep walking. And that’s okay. Not every “Kaise ho?” needs an answer. Sometimes, the question itself is enough to show you care.

What I’ve Learned

This small habit of asking people how they are doing has taught me a lot about human connection. It has shown me that we’re all carrying something—joy, sorrow, stress, hope. It has reminded me that kindness matters, that sometimes, people just need to be heard.

So, the next time you ask someone “Kaise ho?”—really listen. You might be surprised by what you hear.