March 9, 2010

Heaven while you wait

The street hawker of Mumbai is an absolute genius at getting you anything you want. So how about a slice of heaven? No problem, you don't even have to get out of your car .
If you've driven down the roads of Mumbai, chock-a-block with cheek-to-cheek traffic at peaktime, you'll know how it can be the stuff of nightmares.
Pesky autos cutting lanes, suicidal jaywalkers , irritable drivers, back-breaking roads that follow no known level, all-enveloping dust .... do I really need to go on?
Each signal inches you closer to your destination and to your hypertension pills.
And then just as you drum your fingers waiting for the signal to change colour, they magically appear ...

... the street florists of Mumbai!
Cradling armsful of mood-lifters to brighten the glummest soul, they weave through narrow gaps in the waiting traffic.

A flourish of the hands and they offer up bunches of sheer happiness.
Take a deep breath .
Drink in the beauty of soft petals and eye-widening colours that paint brilliant mind-pictures of unseen verdant gardens spilling over with colourful blooms that make you sigh with contentment ... paradise on the go.
Heaven while you wait.

I think these guys deserve an award for making the world a brighter place for so many commuters, don't you?

9 comments:

  1. Oh yes, Priya, that little moment in the midst of a rotten day can make you forget everything.

    Lisa, I knew you would love it! Its truly heavenly, isn't it?

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  2. Gorgeous no doubt :) I have also often taken out my camera and taken pictures of the flower sellers :)

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  3. IHM, I think these guys have brightened the day for every Bombay-ite at some time or the other. Photos? Please post them, I'd love to see them.

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  4. Absolutely, Haddock! And definitely sweet ones too :D

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