Cobbler and Tirupathi Laddu

Work from home (WFH) became the new norm following Covid-19. Almost the entire working class was confined to their homes or, at best, their building complexes, and societies. The routine was to stay indoors and attend Zoom or Microsoft Teams meetings.

I was in my hometown of Tirupathi, Tirumala, when the MHA issued guidelines for the phased opening of offices and other essential services. So, I was expecting a communication from HR to re-join the office. Backend began making plans to return to Mumbai. While packing my meagre belongings, I discovered that my shoes need to be redone by a cobbler. I took the pair to the corner shanty to make them suitable for work. Andradite, the cobbler, was in his forties and frail. Simply stated, I placed the shoe on his mat. I asked him to make them bright because the offices were about to reopen. He said Rs 10

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0, and I nodded while looking at his belongings.

He took my shoe, looked at what needed to be done, and then looked at me. I made myself at ease in my two-wheeler. The shoe was finished in about 15 minutes. And believe me, he was watching my every move while he was redoing my shoe.

Here's your money, Anna. Wrapping them in newspaper, I placed them in a polythene bag and hung them from the luggage hook.

He abruptly stood up and handed me a packet of fresh Tirumala Laddu. This is for you, go and lavish it with family. Before I could say anything, he was back to his old self, polishing another pair of shoes.

I spoke to my family about this unusual occurrence, and before we ate the Prasadam, we all silently prayed for the wonderful soul. 

"Na jane kis roop main mil jayange, Narayan".