So on my way to work I went to Central station to cancel her ticket for 3rd and book another for 10th. The ladies counter was practically free, being lunch time and I got my job done in record time by Railway standards.
I was pretty late for work, so I got into a 11G, which is almost always crowded. I managed to get a seat near a flowerseller, who was busy knotting marigolds into long garlands. They call it saamanthi here (we call them jamanti in Kerala) and are mainly meant adorning figurines and pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Jasmines, which sell for Rs.5 a muzham (that is the length from the elbow to the wrist, which is how they measure it), are more popular among the ladies for decorating their long tresses.
The fragrance was too tempting and I couldnt resist asking her to spare me one flower. "Summa kodukkakudathe," she said. (Some superstition that it shouldnt be given for free)
"Okay, give me for Re. 1."
She gave me five, so I gave her Rs. 5.
"I dont have change"
"Doesnt matter. You keep the change."
She presented me another three into my already full hands.
My stop was already nearing, so I thanked her and got off with my bounty.
One of those days you start you work day with a smile.
Flower Photo Courtesy of Flowers VG
