Under the sprawling banyan tree at the corner of bustling Raj Bazaar, a modest chaat cart stood as a beacon of hope and sustenance. This cart, lovingly tended by Ramesh and Sunita, a couple whose love story was as colorful as the vibrant spices they used, had become a staple in the market.
Ramesh, a lean man with a face weathered by years of labor under the sun, was known for his quick smile and witty banter. His engaging demeanor made him a favorite among the regulars of the market. Sunita, his wife, exuded warmth and energy, embodying the spirit of their small enterprise. Together, they had mastered the art of creating mouth-watering chaats that tantalized the taste buds of their customers. Each morning, they arrived at the market with fresh ingredients, ready to face the day’s challenges.
One sweltering afternoon, as Ramesh handed a plate of sev puri to a customer, he noticed Sunita looking unusually pensive. Her bright eyes were clouded with worry.
“What’s troubling you, my love?” Ramesh asked, offering her a glass of cold water.
“It’s the rent again, Ramesh. We barely scrape by each month, and now the landlord has increased it again. I don’t know how we’ll manage,” Sunita sighed, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Ramesh took her hand, squeezing it gently. “We’ll figure it out, Sunita. Maybe we can introduce a new item to the menu. How about we offer different flavors of pani puri? People love variety.”
Sunita’s eyes lit up with a spark of hope. “Flavored pani puri! That’s a wonderful idea. We could have mint, tamarind, and spicy chili flavors. You always know how to make things better.”
Ramesh chuckled. “Well, I have to keep up with my clever wife somehow.”
The next day, armed with their new idea, the couple set up their cart with an array of flavored pani puri options. Ramesh enthusiastically called out to the bustling crowd, “Come, taste the magic! Pani puri with a twist, straight from the hearts of Ramesh and Sunita!” Curiosity drew a crowd to their cart, intrigued by the promise of new flavors. The tangy tamarind, refreshing mint, and fiery chili options were an instant hit. The cart buzzed with activity, and the air was filled with laughter and satisfied sighs.
Amid the rush, a well-dressed man approached their cart. “This is exceptional! I run a food blog and would love to feature you two,” he said, handing Ramesh his card. Sunita beamed with pride. “We’d be honored! Please come anytime, and we’ll prepare our best for you.”
That evening, as they counted their earnings, Ramesh remarked, “Maybe our luck is changing. Who knows, one day we might even have our own little shop.” Sunita leaned her head on his shoulder, smiling. “As long as we’re together, Ramesh, I don’t care where we are.”
Despite the hardships, their love for each other remained a constant source of strength. They found joy in the smallest things—a shared cup of chai, a tender glance across the crowded market, or a late-night walk through the empty streets. One night, after closing the cart, Ramesh surprised Sunita with a small bouquet of marigolds. “For my queen,” he said with a theatrical bow, handing her the flowers. Sunita giggled, her eyes shining. “Where did you get these?”
“I traded a plate of bhel puri with the flower vendor,” Ramesh admitted sheepishly. Sunita hugged him tightly. “You’re impossible, but I love you for it.” Their romance was woven into their daily lives, a golden thread in the fabric of their struggles. They supported each other through the ups and downs, finding solace and laughter in each other’s company.( To be continued)
RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH
Guwahati, Assam, India
Email : rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com
Instagram : rajatchandrasarmah5
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