Some people just have it in them, they make you smile more and look at the world with hope. It was a regular Sunday morning and I was in a mood to have some udipi delicacies. The obvious choice is too obvious for any punekar. So we headed to F.C road had a brief unpleasant encounter at parking spot (Argumentative Indian, is so true, this lady possibly, short sighted put the car in parking while we were backing , claimed she was there before us on a one way ). But nothing, nothing could have spoilt my appetite that day.
We waited patiently like everyone does. At vaishali, if you are in a hurry, you can go elsewhere. Eating is like a ritual at this institution (it has its own personality and character; you will slip into its realms effortlessly).
Effervescence of young, easiness of matured, experience of seniors and playfulness of children the place was filled with life.
We were walked to our table and were left in loving hands of our Lingappa. His mischievous eyes hid his age beautifully. He moved around with finesse of a seasoned dancer balancing the dishes, remembering every detail at every table. He acknowledged every single person in a unique way. So I was ‘Guddi’ for him! (I was embarrassed like hell and taken a back, is this our urban upbringing that is slowly alienating us from our surroundings and forcing us to put up false guard). But we humans are suckers for warmth, and we just melt away in no time…how nice.
He was quick and gracious. He marketed the food he was serving, he enticed the kids into eating their share, he nudged the young thin brigade into eating healthy and more. He kept us smiling with his witty remarks. And yet it was not intruding, we wanted him around. How did he achieve that in such a short time? How did he manage to enter our mind space and stay there for so long, or may be forever? I am sure there are many more Lingappas around ,in different walks of life, some we notice some we don’t . These beautiful souls who work relentlessly, leave their worries behind to bring that precious smile on our face. To all the Lingappas in the world, I salute. You simply rock.
Btw, the title of this post are words of Lingappa!!!
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