The other day, I decided to take an auto to work.
I do this a few days every month, whenever I don't feel like driving, and the guys at my nearest auto stand all seem to know me. Plus, it's easier than using an app to find a cab, coordinating with the driver for directions, and then staring at a little car icon on my smartphone that keeps moving away from where I am. Anyway, I digress. So the other day, I decided to take an auto to work.
I walked upto the first auto in line, and asked - "Baasat chaloge?"
"Baithiye."
"Kitna loge?"
"Sir, baasat kahan?
"B block. Nokia building."
"Do sau de dena."
"Kya? Abhi toh pichle hafte yahin se auto lia tha. Bhaada badh gaya?"
At this point, he looks at me, and flashes a smile of recognition - "Oh sir, aap? Daadhi badha liye ho?"
This was in obvious reference to my beard that has grown considerably since, well, the last time he saw me. Now, I'd like to think there was a lot of traffic, but my wife says I'm deaf. Whatever be the reason, I clearly hear him say - "Oh sir, aap? Bhaada badh gaya hain."
And so, I reply - "Kya bhaiya? Kuch bhi bolte ho? Kab se badh gaya?"
"Sir, pichle baar aapka itna nahi tha."
"Wahi toh main bol raha hoon. Itna jaldi kaise badh sakta hain?"
(mumbling) "Woh toh sir aap ko hi pata hoga?"
(raising my voice) "Mujhe kaise pata hoga? Aap log kuch bhi bol dete ho customer ko."
(giving up) "Sir, aap baith jaaiye."
"Nahi. Pehle bolo kitna loge?"
"Sir, aap toh regular ho. De dena jo dete ho."
I sit inside the auto with a smug smile, feeling accomplished that I wasn't taken for a ride (pun intended). Minutes later, it hits me. But it's too late for clarifications. He drives me to office in stony silence.
I'm pretty sure all the guys at my nearest auto stand know me. Now.
