~ ALI...~

 He came running upstairs and whilst he was in a hurry, he didn’t respond to my customary “Hello” and went of in a whisker… he was running late and had to do his task well in time and that was to wash the utensils so that we can all have a cup of evening tea – He is employed by an office lady who seems to be helping him in find an employment while he goes to a temporary school.

The best part being “ALI” as he likes himself to be called, is a reticent fellow, all of 15-16 years of age. His mother is a homemaker and father a factory employee who masters in knitting and stitching. Just yesterday when he came on a tight timelines – As I asked him why he was in such a hurry, his caring reply had touched my heart… “Madam, staff and you must be waiting for evening Tea…” , this he spoke in a smiling gesture and we all sitting there were somewhat touched though none of us showed that in an overwhelming emotion.

In next 10 mins, he was almost through with the utensils which he had washed in a flurry of dashing noises symbolic of his eagerness to serve us tea – The fist time I met him and said a “hello” to him, he dint replied but passed it as reverting reply… I was immediately told to have tea made by him… As I am a “TEA- totler” of sorts, with an elegant knack of good aromatic tea populated with ginger, I took up the challenge to taste its aroma.

Ali doesn’t like study and wants to open his own food stall, he is saving money and plans to hit the turf in next couple of months, and you know what… “He wants to begin with a ‘Tea Stall’ of his own. His passion to cook some fine delicacies also came out of the woods when one day he made us all eat one of my favorite recipe “ Rajma Chawal” … it made my day… As my perception of India got justified… This country is full of exemplary talent the only flaw being the pedestal… if Guys like ALI get a hand holding, he can be a full-fledged entrepreneur in some years…. And who knows “Chaayos” is a thing of the past…

Mind it, I have had a tea cuppa there too… with all exotic flavors one can get in that mega Tea restaurant, Ali certainly can be a tough challenge to their founding fathers….

As he was done with his chores, smilingly came to me with an expectation and that was of his feedback. As usual, I gave him 10/10 for his Midas touch, his shyness and smiling glance always add flavor to each cup we all have… Ali you are what you are, all we want us is to see you doing something good in times to come… You have been certainly bestowed with talent .. marketing is what is need of the hour… lets see when this gets open to the world….