Not just another 'Lockdown' Story

It is a common issue faced by many during the COVID19 lockdown, I speak for Dosti Acres (Wadala East, Mumbai), that fresh vegetables are not available post 10am on more than 2-3 days of the week.

If one steps out early enough to get a share of these limited 'fresh' vegetables, the trip needs to be repeated post 10 am for groceries, as stores are not open until then due to government restrictions.

For those following social distancing norms, avoiding going out not more than once for essentials every 2-3 days, this dilemma has continued over a month. Since today 'groceries' were the urgent need, I chose the post 10:00 am slot to venture out, armed with the compulsory mask, gloves and bags to complete my shopping. Post which, I briskly walked outside my gated community - towards Antop Hill, in the hope to find this lady I'd seen selling vegetables on a cart, about a week ago.

To my delight, I found her exactly at the same spot at the same time, with a promising lot of fresh veggies not available in the stores which usually sell to us!

Right in the middle of my purchase, she began speaking to me in flawless English! 

I was astounded to learn that she is a tuition teacher who teaches all subjects (except French) of international school syllabi! My stunned face and that of other buyers had thesame question as we looked at each other and her. Why is she doing this?

“I am a single mother with 3 kids, she explained, “my savings are exhausted, and I have recently come to stay with my parents here (she pointed at the short building near City Towers, well known to those in the vicinity). As people are not paying in advance for my tuitions due to the lockdown; being a self-respecting person with aged parents – I wondered how to be of help to them, as well as make ends meet? So I thought of selling vegetables – because I myself was having difficulty procuring them. I called some relatives who do this work and rented a cart, and now I procure vegetables from a tempo which comes from Nashik,” she said proudly.

But this pride like most traits similar, didn't come easy.

She shared, "For the first 10 days, I roamed on the paths of CGeS (the neighbouring Central Government Employees' Colony) so as to not be spotted by those known to my family. Those days, my parents and I cried every night. They kept saying that after all the education they had given me, what was I doing with my qualifications? “But I knew that this is better than getting depressed and cursing fate.

"I explained to them, I’m not begging, why should I be embarrassed? As a teacher I have always taught my students, that there is no work which is big or small. If I don’t live up to what I teach, then what is the point of being a teacher?! And so, until the schools/economy opens up, or I get better work suited to my qualifications – I’m ready to do anything to feed my family and remain independent.”

Her name is Renuka, and she is also working part-time as a society manager for one of the Dosti Acres' buildings (which require not more than a few hours a week).

As for me, almost each day of the lockdown has taught me something new. I have begun compiling all the lessons I am grateful for. Meeting Renuka has taught me that sometimes our greatest freedom is, in fact, found in how we react to the cruelest situations.

I left Renuka’s cart and walked homewards, carrying fresh vegetables with a fresh perspective and (like the free curry leaves she threw in my bag) a greater sense of appreciation for everything we take for granted.

PS: I would encourage everyone in need of fresh vegetables in the Dosti Acres Area, and also my friends in the media looking for a real, inspiring story to reach out to Renuka ( I have her permission). Her number is: +919867489695.