This is in concern with a particular time when I used to like Paanipuris a lot. And on one particular tiresome day at office and having left late, I decided to have Paanipuris – stress busting foods and also no hassle of waiting too long for your order to come up. I decided to have it from my favorite joint in this city – right in my neighborhood.

There was another totally stranger gentleman next to me. The paanipuri chap was just through with a female who seemed to have eaten paanipuris but was running short of 10 rupees. The fellow is pretty genial and he was fine with the lady paying later and he turned to me and the Gentleman #1 to cater to our palette.

The Gentleman decided to start a conversation with the paanipuri wala and said in a mock-giggle and half-scorn.

Gentleman #1 – “Ladies-log” ghar mein ek ya do roti hi khaaenge par baahar aakar paanipuri toh bohot saara khaa lete hai. Roti gale ke niche utare ya na utare, paanipuri toh utarta hi hai.

I was wondering at the word “Ladies-log” – it seemed like another breed of human beings and seemed to be a bad cross between two mutant species. We are not that; are we?

The paanipuri wala simply blinked back and didn’t choose to answer. I blinked back because the question was not directed at me and so didn’t choose to answer.  But when the paanipuri wala didn’t answer, the Gentleman #1 looked at me and said,

Gentleman #1 – Kyu madam! Aap nahi maanti ho?! Ladies-log roti toh ek hi khaaegi ghar mein par baahar jaa kar paanipuri bohot khaa leti hai.

I already was feeling like taking the can of the “imli wala paani” and decamp on top of his thick skull but knowing that violence won’t pay good – I grinned back and shrugged my shoulder.

I [Having decamped the paani ka can on his head 5 times in gruesome ways] – Nahi toh. Mai jitna paanipuri baahar khaati hu utna hi roti ghar jaa kar khaati hu.

Gentleman #1 [A little taken aback] – Achha aap nahi maanti. Mai toh yeh hi samajta tha saari ladies ese hi hoti hai.

I [Feeling I should shake him until he rattles] – Toh aap sahi nahi samajte hai. Aur sab ek jaise nahi hote.  Hum log paanipuri aur ghar ka khaana ek samaan hi khaate hai.

Gentleman #1 [Shrugging his shoulders and in appreciation] – Toh aap pehli “ladies” hongi jo khaana aur chaat baraabar khaate ho.

I almost felt plural. I could have been a lady which he clearly thought I wasn’t and might be resembling many ladies encompassed in one entity. I wish really men would stop addressing one woman as “Ladies”.

I [Acidly] – Bohot “ladies” ko miloge toh hi bohoton ke aadato ke baare mein gyaan aaega. Sabhi auraton ki aadatein alag hoti hai. [Wait! Did I just say “Ladies”?]

That seemed to have ended the conversation, the paanipuri wala sniggered into his own self. I am sure his wife too must be having full meals at home. True that women are more prone to “Chaat” type foods but I being one of those women who like proper meals to meal-escapades would rather skip Paanipuri for home-made food anytime.

The chap thanked the paanipuri wala and went sauntering away while the paanipuri wala gave me an appreciative smile. I thanked him and went back home; smiling to myself. Gentleman #1 was not just I meet someone on the streets regularly but a total stranger. And I think I shared a piece of perspective with him. He needed it and deserved it.