I am calling him CM because I fear that he might lose his job.
CM works as a book vendor for Bahri Sons, Khan Market.
At this point, a couple of words about Bahri Sons.
It is one of the oldest and well reputed book stores in the posh Khan Market, Delhi.
Intellectual hob-knobbing and idea shopping is what the best of Delhi does there.
It is a much loved hangout place for a lot of us.
But when CM is asked to deliver books at places often more than 20 kilometers
from Khan Market, all he is provided with is a BICYCLE.
Please note the mad traffic on Delhi roads, the heat and his age.
He is thin and gaunt. Nearing late fifties I say.
And so I overheard him say, " Main to cycle chalate chalate mar jaoonga".
(I shall die with so much cycling).
The store insists that he wear a clean blue uniform.
An embroidered tag on his shirt pocket reads "Bahri Sons".
I am still wondering are they mindless about this negative publicity if nothing else?
In the past, CM has protested but nobody at the Store has listened.
He cannot leave this job because there is no other way...
even this job came after so much wait and effort and he cannot go through that again.
He says no energy now.
My friend Ramesh and I are appalled. Morally appalled.
Because the order was to be delivered to him, he dials up Bahri Sons
almost fearing for the old RP.
He is connected to one Mr. Manager who speaks with an affected twang.
He pretends to know nothing.
CM has a glass of water and leaves.
Ramesh and I talk of him and Slumdog Millionaire.
And it seems so trivial.
So when you go to Bahri Sons next, just think of yourself being there...in a kind of reflexive way.
Protest such that CM does not lose his last job.
This sucks.
No comments:
Post a Comment