~ Meeting with a Porter...~

 He came and stopped by abruptly without a knack and gentle asked “Pithoo?” – with no shame and eager for work, his smile as he spoke these words made all the difference….His age with salt and pepper look showcased his predicament to be a hard task master though he had still taken his situation with a pinch of salt.

As I turned around and said in affirmation, he grimaced and started to untie the robes around his waist – the sole purpose was to tie a punch of suitcases and bags which were part of our travelling kit. It was mundane task for him as he slowly and meticulously arranged all the bags in his trolly and started to try the knot with a soul purpose of not loosening every bit and thereby avoid falling.

But behold! He didn’t negotiate at all “as one of my friends gently whispered in my ear – “How much has he asked for this service?”. To be frank his gentle presentation and style of marketing himself was taken over by petty business thought – I really didn’t care if he overcharges at all as seeing his age and the amount of sincere effort, he was doing was for everyone to see and understand.

But still as my friend again insisted, “Please negotiate with him first?”, he might overcharge us for all of this!” – I patiently waited and let him do his work with ease – after some time when he was done with his “Packing”. I asked him “Bhaiya kitne loge?” [ Brother, how much you will charge?] – He turned around and laughed and quickly responded “ Bhai, jitne bhi aapka mann kare!” [ Sir, whatever you feel like!]

He was making me his fan with each passing moment – here was a man in his septuagenarian age but with the zeal of life and with almost no greed! – his predicament was too visible and for sure he had earned respect and not much money – As I loosely negotiated with him, to his favour and further asked him his name and that where he lived and since how long he has been working here .

With a smile he politely answered, “ Mera Naam Saiffudin Khan hain” [ My name is Saifuddin Khan and I live in Kashmir and have been working here for last three decades , doing this when I was in mid 30’s].

As As I further enquired about his family and kids and there well being, he was charmed and with a shy smile, he spoke about his 3 sons and 2 daughters who were all settled and living their married lives, he never wanted to be sitting idle and be a burden on their earnings and that he had well tuned body and wanted to work till the very end of his living....

As the deal was jammed, he told us to start moving along with his tugger and efficiently transgressed through narrow streets avoiding heavy traffic and pedestrians – his skill was too efficient and almost unmatched – of course his experience was at display! – Walking through 1-2 kms as we reached our destination, he seemed to be little exhausted but was not complaining – of course his age was overtaking him day by day and the need of earning was the pull of his life – as he unpacked our luggage and cleanly piled up bags just like a professional coolie, the next moment he was expecting his remuneration.

As I paid him what was negotiated, he had broad grin on his face – he looked satisfied as he asked him – why not “ he was simply overpaid” not because of the neatness of work he did but just because of his attitude and persona – as he turned around to say a final goodbye, I invoked him to a final talk.

“Bhaiya, apna cell phone number dete jao, next time aayenge toh aapko fone karenge pakka, hum thodey time par attey rehtey hain yahan par!” [Sir, please can you give me your cell no, we keep on coming here quite often and the next time we are here, we will surely call you!]

He smiled again and the satisfaction on his face was quite evident, he quickly pulled up a card and showed it to me and said “ Aap yeh likh lo, mein pada likha nahi hoon, aap ispe call karlena mein hazir ho jaunga!” [ Please, note down this number, I am not educated, you can call me at this number and I shall be available.] 

As I took the snap of the card, we all said a final goodbye to this beautiful human being – the last line he told all of us was blessing which came direct from his heart “ Beta, Humeinsha Khush Raho!” [Son, Always Be Happy] – I he had made our day …to end with such a positive note, and as we boarded our train back to our dwelling, I kept on seeing his pic on my mobile – surely some souls are never forgotten… I am eagerly waiting for the next meeting with Saifuddin Sir… till then, this small meeting will remain in my conscience for long, next time I meet him, he would be reminded of our last meeting with relevant pics and also his presence on the internet via this blog!!!