It was likely both that I was sleep-deprived, and the black mask on his dark skin tone that made it hard for me to see clearly. I could not figure out if he was the chef who would take my order. I had checked into the hotel the prior night after a 20-hour flight, slept fitfully and was now in the restaurant downstairs, bleary-eyed for breakfast. I stayed in this hotel on each annual trip but I did not remember him from last year.
He was getting some prep work done at the “eggs-your-style” counter. As I was still debating, he politely asked, “Kya chaahiye aapko, Madam?” (What would you like, Madam?”). That immediately perked me up and brought a smile. The joy of being one of one billion plus trumped the discomfort of having roots in a country with the dubious distinction of the being the most populous nation in the world!
After the first omelet on Monday, I had a second one the following day. I came to know this young chef’s name was Srikant. My omelet routine was set, even as I tried other Western and Asian breakfast items.
Soon enough it was Friday, time to wrap up the business trip. I asked Srikant if he had made any visits to India recently. He responded with a happy nod, glad to share that he had made trips in the past and was planning to go again later in the year. “All is well, all is well” – he assured me that he got ample amount of vacation time and paid public holidays on top! Much to his surprise I was not from Mumbai but from California, and much to my pleasure he was from Hyderabad which I am fondly connected to in more ways than one.
It was a casual collision that brought me a smile every morning that week and a feeling of belonging in a place far away from home!
~AK Irvinekar
Reminds us of our recent visit to Chicago, taking Uber to the airport and the driver asking “Kaisa Laga Chicago”? There is always someone who connects with u either by language we speak or hometown we belong!! Beautifully penned down Archana!! Keep sharing.
Glad you could relate Reshma! 🙂