As we halted at the signal, their familiar clapping drew near. When they rapped on my window, I apologized, explaining I had left my wallet at home by mistake. Undeterred, they offered a solution – a UPI QR code for contactless payment.
Making conversation as I scanned the code, I found their replies to be quick, polite, and efficient. Though I paid fifty rupees, a flicker of disappointment crossed their faces as they accepted it.
The signal turned green and our driver changed gears, I turned to the one who presented me the QR code asking hesitantly, ‘Isn’t fifty rupees a fair amount? After all, how many mouths have you to feed?”
The answer hit me like a punch to the gut. “A wife. Two kids,” he said casually and walked away.
Student in the Department of English
St. Xavier's College, Kolkata
