TAXI DRIVER

• NAME :. P.N ROY
• AGE : 27
• PROFESSION : TAXI DRIVER
• LOCATION : Cab ride from Deshapriya Park to Tollygaunge
• ETHNICITY : U.P. 

Vote is over and Narendra Modi has been appointed our Hon'ble Prime Minister. Politics and vote fever seem to have died down from the papers but it is still quite fresh in my memory. Apart from the meetings and the morchas and the verbal fights on t.v. and every other vote centre the heated debates, one feature that marked this year votes for me is the acute lack of public transport. As it is the cab drivers in Kolkata derive some sort of a sarcastic pleasure in refusing passengers. And just before the vote even the few cabs which would have considered not refusing seemed to be all booked for vote duty.

One such harrowing hot and humid May late evening I got down at DeshaPriya Park hoping to catch an auto and could not find anything. I saw this cab coming towards me and although it had "ON VOTE DUTY" written on the front shield I hailed. I was tired and desperate. He told me he will only go if I am going towards Ranikuthi. I climbed in gratefully. For some reason he took a liking to me and started talking.

He is originally from U.P. and like million others heard that Kolkata would give him an opportunity to survive and came over to try his luck about 4 months back. He did not have a choice other than leaving U.P. because he fell in love with a girl there he was not supposed to and if he did not flee he would have been dead. As soon as he got this assignment of driving one of his boss's three cabs his cab got stamped for vote duty. So every morning at around 6 he has to go down to some government official's house in Alipore and has to mandatorily stay there till 6 PM. This particular official hardly ever gets out of the house. The cab is instead used by the wife and the teenage daughter as their personal car. The routine is that around noon everyday the wife and daughter goes out somewhere or the other and comes back home after 8 PM. That however does not mean that he can report late or he is getting paid more than his promised stripend. He was telling me that he knows that he is just starting and that he can barely afford his meals but at the end of the day he knows that he does his job well.I actually asked him why do you guys keep on refusing passengers.And he said that he never does. Only when he is really tired. He knows that other cab drivers do and he thinks no better of them than the government official to whom he is working for now. He made that very clear in quite expletive terms, because these cabbies give honest cab drivers like him a bad name, or that is what he feels.

It was a little difficult understanding his heavily accented Hindi, but it was nice and friendly contrary to most other cab rides where I always stay on the guard and keep a finger on speed dial.

After paying him and before getting down, I asked him if I could take his picture and told him I will share it on the internet. He was taken aback, but he was still talkative and then asked if he would become famous. I told him, I hardly think so.

And then I asked him what happened to the girl ? The one he was in love with. For the first time he went quiet and said "I hope to God, she killed herself." Then he drove away.

The Master, The Mistress and The Bachelor of Arts.

Disclaimer : I did record all of their voices, but when I came back and replayed the recording it was all gibberish. So this entire post is from memory. 

Location :  A very well known silver shop in Hoggs Market(popularly known as New Market).

It is a Saturday afternoon. This tiny shop is very busy as usual and brimming with customers. I was here a week back and had wanted this particular piece of earring which they were  nice enough to bring. Me, KB and SB as usual are also checking out 75 other different things. This shop has an array of breathtaking pieces of jewellery and every time I come here I keep on wishing if only I could afford to buy every piece they have. I am pretty sure I will not even mind the duplicates. But this Saturday I had another agenda. I wanted to feature them in my blog.

NAME : Vashi
AGE : 60
ETHNICITY : Sindhi

From the first day itself I like this vital middle-aged man. He always has a friendly smile and is quick but genuine with his compliments. He reminiscences about his grandfather who came and settled in Kolkata from Sindh Punjab post India partition. The shop he tells me was established in  1962. This shop was also his father's baby. He used to be an accountant in a reputed Engineering office and did not initially have much interest in the shop. Now he is nurturing his father's dreams by taking forth the tradition. He also mentions that his son (who is his constant companion) is very interested and he is happy to transfer the responsibility to his capable hands.
He talks about the Kolkata of the 60's and the people then and the people now and how the customer's profile have changed throughout all these years.
He asks me jokingly about the Prince Charming in my life with a twinkle in his eye.
He is one of those very few people who know how to live their life to the fullest and be happy and makes others smile around him.

NAME : Rupa
AGE : 56
ETHNICITY : Sindhi

Rupa just like her brother has an easy smile and a friendly attitude. But at the same time it is easy to figure our her deep perceptive inner core.Talking with her reveals more and I wanted to talk with her more. It felt like she believes in the same philosopy of life as me. Also she is one of the very few people who guessed my age correctly. She is a professor and she is single. She lives by herself. I asked her if she has any pets and she told me she does not. She said she is happiest with herself. She talked about how losing her elder brother suddenly made her seek solace in meditation and spirituality. She has this aura of calm reassurance and she imparts it to everyone around her.

NAME :  Vinayak
AGE : 23
ETHNICITY : Sindhi

The cutest looking boy with a shy yet charming demeanor enticing with his lovely pretty fares. He feels like the life of the shop. He is passionate about this shop and it shows. He even designs some of the jewellery himself. His father calls onto him for every minute details and he seems to know all those minute details. He is calm and collected and seems to be everywhere at the same time. The only time I noticed he looked a little uncomfortable was when he had to bargain with two older ladies. But he was polite and firm with them at the same time. It was highly admirable. He is also the solver of all problems silver. All you need to do is present him with the problem and he will definitely resolve it. He also likes dancing and was sweet enough to invite three of us to his concert.

For me personally it feels great just being in the shop and talking with them and looking at all the pretty things. They never force you to buy. They never stop you from trying. The never tire from showing you whatever you want to see. And they do it with a warm and friendly smile.


Actual Address: Asian Arts , F61 New Market. Kolkata - 700067.

SANDIP

• NAME : Sandip
• AGE : 25
• LOCATION : Rabindra Sarabor(Lily pool aka NO LOVER's POINT)
• PROFESSION : Art Student.
• ETHNICITY : Bangali

Me and KB took a long cut through the lakes one afternoon while on our way to lunch to Mandarin. We ambled along and we were accompanied by BP and MKRR and were just ambling around beside the lake. They were visiting our city from Blore and KB decided to take them to "No Lover's Point" i.e. the Lily Pool. As we enter we saw two boys sitting there with their canvas and their art supply and lost in their painting. They were painting the trees and did not even look at us goofing around. I went up to one of them and asked him his name. He replied without even looking up "Sandip". At this point I inquired if I can go ahead and bother him a little. He looked up a little startled and then said "You are not disturbing me".

Me : Do you come here often?

S : Yes

Me : Why here?

S : Because of the trees

Me : But why trees?

S : Because a tree has rhythm, it grows, it has life and it is its ownself ! That is why.

Me : Is it not difficult to depict a tree in your painting ?

S : I am not sure I get you.

Me : A tree is not stagnant. It constantly moves. The leaves move. How do you capture that in your painting?

S : Well that is the secret. Until I can capture that I will never be a true artist. There are some paintings where you can feel that the tree is moving that the river is flowing. That is a true painting.

Me : Do you have any favourite painter ? Are you inspired by someone?

S : As a student Everyone is my favourite. I must learn from all of them.

KB : Where did you study before joining Art College?

S (smiling to himeself): Before Art College I studied Mechanical Engineering Diploma for 3 years because of my parents and that is what they wanted. 

Me: Dear LORD ! I understand what you mean.

S: But I hated it. I was unhappy. I hated  everything. I hated working and so I quit and joined Art College.

Me : But tell me something, even Mechanical Engineering has Art and Drawing and sketches.

S (looks at me as if I am the stupidest person on earth) : But they are not trees. They don't have Life.


P.S : Picture courtesy BP(Black Peeper).

Devarchan and Sayanton or The Kool Kul Story.

At the beginning of this post I would like to profusely apologize because I will not be able to post a picture. I had taken a very kool picture of both of them eating kul . But I lost my phone and along with my phone their pictures and their details. I remembered the name of Devarchan (probably because I asked him to repeat his name some 17 times) and the rest as they say is Google .

• Name : Devarchan and Sayanton
• Age : 20 and 20
• Profession : Engineering Students
• Ethnicity : Bangali
• Location : Mini Bus from rubi

Let us go back to the beginning of the story. It was a winter Wednesday evening. On my way back to(TO and not from) work I decided to take a detour through Gariahat. So I got on a bus from Rubi and promptly sat down on the first available seat. Two boys got up and looked around. There was only one seat left and both of them in the spirit of brotherhood decided to stand.

The first boy (whose name I later found out was Devarchan) offered the second boy( a million point for whoever guesses his name) Kul.

For those who are thinking what is this thing called Kul (jake banglay bole khay na mathay makhe?), it is a kind of fruit and here is a picture.

But I digress as usual. So here is the conversation that forced me to feature these two in here.

D (offering a Kul to S) : Here have a Kul.
S : Nooooo. Thank You.
D. But why? They are awesome !
S : Nooooo. Thank  You.
D. But why ?
S : I don't like them. They are so sour.
D : But these are not those type of Kul. These are Narkeli Kul, They are delicious.
S : Actually I am scared of them.
D (pushes a Kul into S's hand) : Everyday you should do something that scares you (shitless!)
S (all eager to face his fears gives a tentative bite) : I actually like it. I don't know why I was scared of it.

At this point C(that is me) tentatively poked S and politely asked both of them if she could feature them in her blog. They both agreed. Posed for a picture too. D was nice enough to offer a Kul to C just before she was ready to get off.

P.S - So after C googled Devarchan and hunted his gmail id, C actually mailed him asking for a picture of him and his friend and also his friend's name. By popular opinion , does this qualify C as a weirdo ?

P.P.S - Thank you Devarchan for reverting back to my email and mailing me your friend's name. 

The Players

KB was feeling not so great and I wanted desperately to be out of the house last Sunday evening. We were both restless and was looking for some place which will help us calm our insides. KB said that we could go to Shibpur Botanical Gardens. We got on a cab and requested him to drop us off at Babughat. He instead dropped us off at Princep Ghat. From Princep Ghat we walked with the intention of reaching Babughat on foot. The banks of the river from Princep Ghat till Outram Ghat have recently been paved as part of the Ganga Beautification project. It is a commendable project and I think it needs to be applauded. Anyways so we went about asking people from where we can get a Ferry to Botanical Gardens. One very nice gentleman informed us that the Ferries do not ferry on Sundays.I wanted to watch the sunset at the least but KB does not like beautification. To her it is artificial and not organic enough. She then pleaded and proded me till I agreed to go to Bagbazar. We got on another cab and he took us to Bagbazar through these roads I have never been before. It is lined with palatial houses standing solemnly holding secrets, tall and grand even in their state of ruin. We finally get off at Bagbazar. The roads are narrow here and the river broad. The narrow lanes are lined with temples dedicated to different Gods. We went and sat and gazed at the river for hours. After the sun set we got up and walked to a road-side tea-shop. We ordered quintessential "dim toast" ( omelette wrapped bread). It was delicious. There were four boys playing cards sitting their on the cemented seats beside the river. This place is all lit up and we decided to sit and eat there.

Usually, the general reaction of most women (including mine) would be to avoid a group of boys just sitting and playing cards. I soon found out they were playing Call Bridge. We could hear bits and pieces of slangs floating our way as well. But they were talking among themselves and were totally absorbed in their game. I wanted to talk with them. One way to let go of my reservations and secondly was to humanize the female species to these boys too. I seriously doubt if any other women have approached them like this.

I started by telling them that I would like to take their picture and I will put it up on line. One of the boys, whose name I later learned to be Subroto simply got up and left. He was initially vehemently opposed to have his picture taken. He was telling the rest of the group that he might get into trouble with his parents later. I decided to ask my ultimate question to him, then and there.

I am trying to capture the snippet of conversation here but it is difficult because everyone was talking and cross talking. 

• NAME : Vivek , Mohit , Anirban , Subroto.
• AGE : 21 , 17 ,  19 and 22 respectively.
• LOCATION : Bagbazar Ghat.
• PROFESSION : Commerce Students.

Me : So what's your name ?

V : Vivek.

Me : How old are you?

V : 22.

Me (in an incredulous tone) : Seriously?

V : Not really I am 21 +.

Me : You are hardly 15 or maybe 16.

V : No I am 21.

M : He is telling the truth. He studies is 3rd year of college.

Me to KB : I have found my soul brother.

KB asks V :  How old do you think she is ?

V looks me up and down and stares at my eyes and guesses me to be about 6 years younger than my age. At this point KB looks at me and says in what she believes is a soothing tone, " Atleast he did not call you 15" .

Me : So what do you do V:

V : I study Accounts Honors. 

Me : So why do you come here to play? Why cards and why this place? How often do you play ?

All of them gives a collective reply which summarizes to that this place is convenient since all of them live nearby. And they gather at that point every Sunday.

V: I live just a little further away.

Me : Where ?

V : Rajarhat near CC2.

Me : It is not a little far away. It is  very far away.

V : Yes. It takes me an hour to get here. My parents think I have come to collect notes.

At this point I give him a very meaningful look as to I know all about class bunking and going off with friends( which I actually don't).

V : Are you a journalist?

Me : Absolutely not !

V : Why are you doing this ?

Me : A social experiment. (And I try to describe my intention behind this.)

V  : You are doing this voluntarily and you are not getting paid.

Me : Yes you are right.

V : So how old are you exactly ?

At this point I turn my attention to M.

Me : So what's your name?

M : Mohit.

Me : How old are you?

M : 17

Me : You are still in school !

M ( a little shyly) : Yes

Me : So what do you want to do when you grow up? Have you ever thought of making cards your profession ?

M (laughs at the degree of ridiculousness of my question) : No. My passion is guitar. I want to make that my profession. I also want to travel like a Hippie.

This was a strange answer. Something I did not expect:

Me : Why a Hippie ? What is the difference between travelling normally and like a hippie ?

M : I will have no responsibilities. No family ties, no liabilities and I will be free like a bird.

At this point KB asks M : Do you know any hippies ?

M : No, I have read about them.

V : He knows me. Every Sunday I travel from Rajarhat just to play. I have turned into a Hippie.

We all have a good hearty laugh on his comment.

Me : Is that what you want to do after you finish school ? Travel the world.

M : No I want to get a job in a call centre.

I was again surprised with this answer. At this point one of the guys got very irritated and said rathar harshly that he has to leave. If they are not playing then he does not want to hang around. So I obviously go and start bugging him more !

Me : What is your name and how old are you?

A : Anirban. I am 19 .

Me : Dont you feel cold? He was just wearing shorts and a tee and the temperature was about 12 C.

A ( a little flabbergasted) : Not much.

Me : Why are you so irritated ?

A : They are not concentrating and I am in a hurry.

Me :Or is it because that someone strange girl had descended on you and asking you absurd questions and ruining your game ?

A ( a little embarrassed) : No not at all. Actually we have "KaliPujo Bhasan" today. "Poush-kali."

Me : Oh ! So you will be coming back to this ghat ?

A : No we submerge the idols in Babu Ghat every year. 

Me : So you don't think that playing cards is bad, like your friend. ( I look pointedly at S). You are not running away because you are doing something you think you should not?

At this point S jumps in, because he knows that I said what I said because of his comment.

S : It is not that playing cards is bad. But our parents will not approve. They will get upset and fight as to why we came here to play cards.

A then adds : I play cards with my brother inside our house. So playing cards is not the problem.

Me : So is the place a problem ? Also what is your name and how old are you?

S : Subroto and I am 22.

Me : You study commerce as well ?

S: Yes

Me : So tell me what is wrong with this place? It is beautiful with the Ganga flowing by. It has all these cemented chairs. It is a comfortable place to come and hang. So much better than any malls in the city.

S : But the automatic assumption of people is that since boys meet here and play then something wrong must be happening. They must be into gambling and drugs. And this is something that you cant really exlain to parents.

At this point V played a bad hand and everyone had a heated argument and it was over in like 5 minutes.They gave up on their game and KB and me ended up having a adda session with them, panning their ideas and experiences and our ideas and experiences, from philosophy to human behaviour to social evils to what is happening in our city. In the middle of our discussion, a group of men around the age of 30 came and occupied another spot and started playing cards. They were getting rather irritated and expressing it. I have a suspicion, it maybe was because we were not paying any attention to them whatsoever and not because they were actually getting disturbed.

I will like to end this really long post with two quotes that stayed with me.

The first one from V. The only boy who unlike the other three did  not grow up beside the river. "Ganga is our guest. She keeps on moving but thankfully never leaves."

The second one from M. The 17 year old school boy who wants to travel the world like a hippie, and has no idea that a call centre job will crush his free bird spirit. " What we see all around us right now, is someone's imagination. A hallucination. And when this hallucination fades away, we as humans will not know how to cope. We will all be broken."