A small mistake at an ATM, a traveller already miles away, and a stranger choosing to spend his entire day off on the road. That is the story from Kerala that has now been making rounds online, not because it is dramatic, but because it unfolded in such a simple and unexpected way that it stayed with people.
A card left behind without realisation
During a solo trip in Kerala, American traveller India Witkin ended up leaving her debit card inside an ATM. She did not realise it at the time and continued her journey, moving to another city.It was only later, after reaching Thiruvananthapuram, which was around five hours away, that she understood what had happened.She explained the moment clearly in her own words: “I was solo travelling, and I didn’t realise until I was in the capital city, 5 hours away. Earlier that day, I was at DHL trying to ship something to the US. The DHL worker and I exchanged numbers since all transactions in India are basically made over WhatsApp. I had to go to the ATM to withdraw cash, but accidentally left my card inside the machine,” said Witkin.
Trying to trace the missing card
Once she realised the card was missing, she immediately contacted the DHL employee she had met earlier that day and asked if he could check whether the card was still at the ATM.The waiting that followed was uncertain, and she had no clear idea if the card would even be found.She described that moment and what she went through: “As soon as I realised my card was missing, I called the DHL guy. Asked if he could check if it was still there. Prayed to every Hindu god and goddess I could think of,” said Witkin, adding, “24 hours later, he found it. Sitting on top of the machine. A miracle.” Even after the card was located, the challenge of getting it back safely and on time still remained.
A 14-hour journey to return a lost card
The same DHL employee, whom Witkin later identified as Krishna, decided to do something she never expected.At a time when delivery options were limited and travel timing was tight, Krishna chose to personally return the card.What followed was a long journey that surprised the traveller herself.“Later that night, he calls me, and he tells me to come outside. This man drove six hours in a tuk-tuk with two friends to hand-deliver my card. 14 hours round trip. On his day off,” Witkin highlighted.It was not a short trip or a planned delivery. It was an entire day spent on the road just to return a lost item to its owner.
Refusing money after the effort
After receiving her card, Witkin tried to give money as a gesture of thanks. But Krishna refused to accept it.She shared his response in her own words: “When I tried to give him money, he refused. Said he knew I was travelling on a budget and to keep it for myself. His name? Krishna. The Hindu god of love, compassion, and protection. Tell me karma doesn’t exist. Hopefully, this story restores your faith in humanity, because it did for me.”
A story that sparked conversations online
Once the story was shared online, many users reacted by talking about similar experiences they had come across. Several people mentioned instances where lost items were returned or where locals stepped in to help during travel situations in Kerala.The incident continues to be discussed as a reminder that even small, quiet acts of honesty can leave a lasting impression, especially on people far from home.Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared publicly on social media. The events described have not been independently verified by The Times of India.India Witkin has been contacted for comment. The article will be updated if and when a response is received.Thumb image: India Witkin