That Smile on the Vendor’s Face

By Pragya Bajpai

 
Yet again, I land in a new city, a new rented flat
After a long day’s work, I plan
to treat myself like royalty tonight
I imagine creamy mushroom risotto
that melts under the palette and complements wine
 
My appetite isn't willing to compromise
even though it’s late evening
Half of the stalls in the market
are wrapped in rags indicating
closure for the day
Some vendors have earned enough
to feed their family today
 
I silently look around for fresh mushrooms
in the unfamiliar narrow lanes
eyes scanning kaleidoscopic vegetable heaps
surrounding old and young women
hiding helplessness with grace
in the folds and gathers of the ageless fabric
that survives every weather
 
Their hopeful eyes follow me 
Probably, their enough-for-the-day is yet to be
One of them tells me coldly, 
"You won't find in poor man's market what's meant for the rich"
and that hit me
 
I change my mind and buy fresh vegetables instead
for a colourful salad too complements French wine
That instant energy
that one smile on the vendor’s face
was worth it

Pragya Bajpai, Ph.D., is serving at the National Defence Academy, Pune. She has authored a collection of poems and has edited four anthologies celebrating the armed forces. pragyabajpai@gmail.com Instagram: pragyabajpai29

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