It’s summer time already with day and night being like a furnace. My daily routine consists of moderate office and heavy classes.. after which I walk till the crossing where I find an auto home.
Among the usual spottings on the road was a brand new corner of sugarcane juice. A bright yellow cloth tied over the machine to a tree with shiny orange designer hangings made a makeshift roof. The vendor was very basic, a man in his 50s.
Me and my friend found respite at his cool corner and he served us two big glasses of sugarcane juice. Overhearing us talk in Hindi, his eyes twinkled. We thanked him for the juice and complemented him for the cleanliness he’d maintained.
Next day, we again went to him on our way back home. My friend happened to ask him if he’s new to the place. He answered that he came here all the way back in 1975 from Uttar Pradesh. His one son was doctor in the Civil hospital and other son was Laywer in district court. Third son owned a medical store.
My friend asked him that why doesn’t he rest now as his sons are well settled. To that he answered that he’ll die if he rests.. he was so used to the work. The most amusing thing that I felt was, he didn’t mind to vend inspite of being economically sound.
After a gap of two days, we again stopped by for a quick glass of sugarcane juice. He was quick to ask why didn’t we turn up for 2 days. He offered us with chick peas and jaggery telling it’s from his hometown. I looked at him amusingly.. as in this world of comparison, this guy didn’t bother about his status of being a sugarcane juice vendor. All that mattered to him was vending with all his energy and a unconditional smile on his face.
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