Life In A Metro

Its often that you listen and hear to the philosophy of life in the most uncertain circumstances and the most unusual places. The story goes like this. On a typical Monday morning, some work with the authorities (so expect the long waiting hours) as usual I was very early to the office. The typical govt office had not opened its doors to anyone, not even the morning sunshine. The cobwebs on the door were undisturbed for the last 1000 years. So I had time, lots of it.

Like every average Mumbaikar I decided to have a 'cuppa' tea... Cutting chai of Mumbai. This cutting chai has been the lease of life for countless, a part of lunch for some and the only food for the day for some. So sipping on the cutting chai, I tried to strike a conversation with one of the employees there. Of course I had to spend time. He told me he had migrated from Rajasthan doing this work at this very chai stall for the past 20 years. He was cleaning the glasses, the benches and serving customers. As conversations went on it was surprising to know that he was the owner of the shop.

Like our stereotype societal behaviour I asked him casually, why do u have to work when you have a workforce of 4 people with you. This sort of triggered the philosopher in him. He said 'what's yours what's mine? The things that I own today someone else will claim it tomorrow or probably I will die as the owner of this place. If I die as the owner its ok. But if I have to leave this place for some reason, I need to have all the skills to survive in this world. And that's why I don't sit but choose to do the work'. Simple people often teach you great things albeit in the most unusual circumstances.