Sunday, September 14, 2008

In the train Yesterday....

Was in the train yesterday. Me and a few office colleagues had planned to watch a movie for the weekend and were on the way. (We would regret it very soon. :P)

A fruit seller came into the compartment and was loudly merchandising his wares . 

"Santre le lo santre! Sirf Paanch Rupaye kaa Teen!" He said in chaste Hindi. Oranges, juicy oranges! Get three for only Five Rupees.

It was Saturday afternoon and the train was not crowded. The Fruit Vendor, apparently from Uttar Pradesh, was making brisk sales and enjoying the fact that he actually got a seat in the train to conduct his business.

A man selected some oranges and said, "Atta tuu Mumbaila aala aahe, Marathit bol, mee paishe deto magh."   You are doing business in Mumbai now, speak in Marathi, then I'll pay the Money. 

The vendor's expression became grim and he quickly sized the situation. The Man was seemed harmless and was smiling while holding the money in his hand. "Santre ghyaa, Santre.. !! Faktah Paach rupay laa teen." The Fruit Vendor yelled in fluent Marathi.

Pleased, the Man paid the money to the fruit seller. And the seller switched to Hindi again, talking in Marathi only when the Man playfully glared at him. It was apparent that the Man just wanted some fun at the innocent fruit seller's expense and the fruit seller's sudden burst of Marathi lightened everybody's mood. The vendor too, enjoyed the attention and the sales as well.

A tense moment had passed and in the end, all were smiling.

11 Grumblings:

Apnabachhu said...

very good....keep it up!! :D

Kunwar Krishna Khurana said...

we north people dont hve any sort of problem when migrants speak their regional language... is it some case with the maharashtrians?

The Ancient Mariner said...

looks like raj thakerey is getting not only raised eyebrows but a pat on his back too! Wonder when shall we bongs start hitting out on the hindi speaking population of calcutta (that my friend is more than 60% now)!

Unknown said...

With people like Raj around... india doesnt need enemies to arrest its development!!

Ayyappan said...

@ Kunwar
I dont think that the average Mumbaikar wants the feels the same way. Bombs weigh far more heavily upon our heads.


@ Anky
He's definitely managed to whip up the Marathi pride. Guess, the time is very ripe for the Bongs to get going as well.

Ayyappan said...

@ Sid
Talk about shooting ourselves in the foot! :D

Punit Arekar said...

accha hua tab tere sath Mahendra Bhoir nahi tha...[:p]

Ayyappan said...

@ Punit

:D :D

Sikander Fayyaz Khan said...

Comedy of fear! :)

Meera's World said...

iam glad the man didnt want the orange to talk in marathi.

Ayyappan said...

Hehehe!! Yeah, but the good thing was that the Man was simply having some fun and the Orange seller had the presence of mind..!