Kuch Na Kaho, Kuch Bhi Na Kaho ... ...

This was about ten years back. I was working in Koraput in Orissa. It is a tiny little town at an elevation of about a thousand meters and surrounded by lovely green hills.
During my 2 years stay in Koraput none of my relatives or friends visited me- none except my brother- in- law and sister- Dr. Narendra Wig and Veena. In fact when they first told me that they were planning to visit me at Koraput, I was greatly surprised as they were staying in Chandigarh and coming by train all the way to Koraput appeared to be very brave and adventurous.

I drove down from Koraput to Raygada, the rail head, about 120 kms away towards the East Coast to receive them. The train was in time and we all drove back to Koraput. During the next 6 days we travelled to various interior parts of Orissa at a leisurely pace. The weather was heavenly and their company made it absolutely great. As it happens, the good times appear to pass very fast. Soon it was time for them to leave. Another road trip through the lovely green forests and we were at the Raygada Raiway station once again. The train was to come from Vishakhapatanam, and not taking any chances with the trains and the roads, we reached a good one hour before the schdeuled time. And what does one do in such situations? Yes one falls back on hot cups of tea.

The man preparing and serving tea at the stall on the platform appeared to be in his sixties. He was making tea for two persons who were before us. The effortless ease of his movements drew our attention. Dr. Sahib wished him with folded hands and said “Namaskar Ji”. The man was taken aback and almost spilled the tea in the utensil. But then he composed himself and returned the greetings and replied in chaste Hindustani “Inkay baad aap kay liyay chai banaoonga”.

And soon the conversation started. Why did you feel startled when I greeted you, Dr. Sahib asked him. Not many clients wish me and none has ever wished me with folded hands, was his candid and simple reply. His name was Ramdhan and he originally belonged to Bihar. Soon we got our glasses of tea. It was a cool and cloudy day and we enjoyed every sip of the hot tea. The conversation progressed and Dr. Sahib asked him since how many years had he been in that business. He did not respond immediately as he was desperately trying to fight his tears. He failed and wept like a child. And then he replied. Dr. Sahib, he said, I came here with my father when I was twelve and this was fifty years back. His voice choked again. Dr. Sahib went closer to him, and hugged him but didn’t say a word. There was nothing more to be asked and nothing more to be said.

And this was good two years before Munnabhai first talked about his “Jadoo Ki Japphi”........