[nukkad] Irani Chai Wala

["aryaone" <>]

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IRANI CHAI WALA

Khodu, Jangu, Mehelli, Sarosh
Permanent fixtures in a Bombay of 1950s.

They sat behind the galla of their hotels
In Dadar, Bykhala, Bandra, Mahim.

Poker faced, forbidding of mein
Keepers of the Institution of Chai.

Marble topped octagonal tables
Names of lovers carved in stone.

Waiters, old, faithful
As much fixtures as the Chai:

"Ek maska-nban maro!"
"Kuch khaya na piya, glass tora, char ana lo!"
"Saab ke liye ek single chai!"
"Lamba dudh maro!"

Ramu, Khudadin, Khairu, Jamlu
Waiters in name, gods in essence
They made the chai, served it
Kept track of who did what
Saw to it office going girls
Were untroubled at their tea.

I saw a woman grow old
A regular at the table in the corner
At Rustam's dukan off Dhobhi Talao
>From a young girl to a woman
To an old bent derelict.

I was in and out of the place
With decades in between
And never forgot to take my chai
At Rustam's in the mornin.

After an incredible 30 years
Rustam deigned to unbend
And smiled when I paid at galla.

How are things Homi?
Homi!
The man knew my name
And I his and never
Two words passed between
In 30 years of time.

I am fine, and you Rustam?
I am Khodu, Rutam was my father
He built the place in 1923.

Where are you stationed Homi?
Sat the moment in San Francisco.

My son is in San Fran
Says Rustam. He is in
Castro and may run for
Office in his small town.
It's Palo or something.

Pause. Traffic's roar
seeps into the cool cavern
Of the decades old hotel.

In passing, I ask
Who is that woman?

She is pagal. From grief.
Her husband killed her son
And himself and burned the house
And she snapped the same night.
That was long ago.

They met here when 
He was wooing her.

Therefore I have reserved 
The same table for her.

At the door I turn to ask,
Till when Khodu?

Till me or my blood
Owns this place.

Accha Khodu, pachi malsun.
OK Homi. Take care.

I am on the street
Khodu sings out
Sala yaad karto raheje!

So Khodu, I have remembered
On the golden waves
Of ether people call
The Net.

I keep my promises
Just as Khodu kept
Humanity ..

In Dhobhi Talao.

Arya.


















































































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