As time went on, their business continued to thrive. The feature on the food blog brought a steady stream of new customers, and soon their chaat cart became a popular fixture in Raj Bazaar. But with success came new challenges. One evening, a local official approached their cart, demanding a bribe to allow them to keep their prime spot in the market. Ramesh, with his characteristic humour, tried to negotiate. “Sir, we’re just humble chaat vendors. How about a lifetime supply of gol-gappas instead of cash?” The official was not amused. “I need money, not snacks,” he replied sternly.
Sunita, ever practical, intervened. “We can’t afford a bribe, but we can keep the area around our cart clean and tidy. Would that be acceptable?” The official considered this offer. “Fine. Keep it clean, and I won’t bother you.” Ramesh breathed a sigh of relief. “That was close. You saved us again, Sunita.” “We’re a team, Ramesh. We’ll keep fighting, no matter what,” Sunita replied, squeezing his hand.
Their perseverance paid off, and they eventually saved enough money to rent a small shop at the edge of Raj Bazaar. The grand opening was a simple affair, with garlands of marigolds and the ever-present twinkling lights adorning their new space. “Welcome to ‘Ramesh and Sunita’s Chaat House’,” Ramesh announced proudly to their first customer. Sunita added with a smile, “Home of the best-flavoured pani puri in town!” Their new venture brought a mix of old and new challenges, but through it all, their love and humour remained their greatest strengths. They faced each day with the same determination and warmth that had carried them through their toughest times.
Years later, Ramesh and Sunita’s Chaat House became a beloved landmark in Raj Bazaar. Their children, having grown up in the chaat business, helped run the shop, bringing fresh ideas while preserving their parents’ legacy. On warm evenings, Ramesh and Sunita would sit outside the shop, watching the world go by. Their faces bore the marks of time, but their eyes still sparkled with the same love and humour that had seen them through so many years. “Do you remember our first cart?” Ramesh would often ask, his voice tinged with nostalgia. Sunita would laugh, her eyes crinkling with fond memories. “How could I forget? It was our first step towards this.”
They had built something beautiful from their humble beginnings, and their story became an inspiration for many. Through laughter, love, and the irresistible allure of chaat, Ramesh and Sunita proved that with determination and a touch of spice, anything is possible. (END)
RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH
GUWAHATI, ASSAM , INDIA
01/07/2024
INSTAGRAM : rajatchandrasarmah5
EMAIL ID: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com
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