#MadrasMoments series is a collection of my observations of people, scenes, and moments that reflect the little things that add to the soul of Madras, aka Chennai.
KaaiKari Kadai (The Vegetable Shop)
On my walk in an unfamiliar neighborhood, I stumbled upon this beautiful roadside popup stall that I just had to stop and admire.
He was old enough to be beyond the influence of Instagram, but there it was... his own beautiful grid and layout. He did not care whether I like his stall or what someone has to comment about it. He just was hoping to save the day for his family by selling off everything that was there in front of him. With every weight he measured for his customers, some were lifted off his shoulders.
I couldn’t help but think how much we are caught up in the digital world that we fail to fully appreciate these little moments around us in a city we call home.
The Local Bakery
What was that heavenly aroma that enticed him? Was it from those hot and flaky puffs? Those succulent cream cakes? Or was it that freshly baked loaf of bread?No, it was the sweet smell of victory convincing his mom to get him to the bakery on the way back from school.
What was that heavenly aroma that enticed him? Was it from those hot and flaky puffs? Those succulent cream cakes? Or was it that freshly baked loaf of bread?No, it was the sweet smell of victory convincing his mom to get him to the bakery on the way back from school.
He peered through the glass counter at those gleaming glories; he knew that he had to make the best of the limited budget. But there was something he sadly didn't realize. It is that he was fast outgrowing the years of his middle-class childhood, where a mere twenty rupees in a local bakery could buy him so much joy & delight.
Pookari (Flower Lady)
Some got the garlands to show their devotion to god, some got the flowers to adorn the hair of their loved ones, most got them for a prayer to be answered.
Some got the garlands to show their devotion to god, some got the flowers to adorn the hair of their loved ones, most got them for a prayer to be answered.
As she served many devotees outside the temple, her devotion was to her job. In the middle of a bustling road filled with the honking of impatient two-wheelers, loud pedestrians, and louder hawkers, she kept weaving the flowers into garlands with unwavering attention. She paused now and then, only to study the passersby and see if there were any worthy of her time and craft.
Patti (Grandmother)
We are in turbulent times. Pandemics, lockdowns, job uncertainties... the list seems to be endless, taking our anxiety to the peak. In the midst of all this madness, I had to visit someone on the weekend.
There she was, in her glorious 70s after crossing probably a gazillion ups and downs in her life. Swinging on the old Jhoola as it creaked, smiling happily through her non existent teeth, eyes sparkling with joy, she chose to live in the moment. She chose to look at the good things that the world has to offer on that day than assume the worst about the uncertainty of tomorrow.
The Tea Master
He didn't brew tea. He brew conversations. He didn't care if his regulars came for tea or for those nameless 'tea shop friends' who never meet or interact elsewhere. He didn't know whether it was for the hot samosas or to discuss the hot news and gossip ranging from movie actresses and local politics to global economics. Or maybe, it was all just excuses for the nicotine addicts to grab a smoke.
But one thing that was certain, when they say 'Master, strong ah oru tea', he was not just a tea master. He was the master of ceremonies, hosting a mélange of interesting people and conversations that only a local tea shop can attract.
