namoona
some time ( a couple of weeks ) back I had been to a csd canteen in thiruvananthapuram.
the soldier at the gate who checked my identity was extremely nice to me, "busrug". he produced a shopping basket from no where, in fact he managed to repair a damaged one and made it usable, and gave it to me - others were running round in circles for there was a big crowd and all the baskets were in use.
I had chosen just four articles ( some tea 2 x 250gms, some soft drink concentrate kissan squash x 2, a bottle of shampoo, ponds talc) for purchase and I stood at a special counter which I am allowed access to as per rules to get the articles billed and make payment.
immediately I joined the Queue the civilian commander of the canteen, who was standing by, said they were closing that particular counter for lunch.
the woman at the head of the queue asked him when they were going to come back.
the commander said they cannot say anything about it – “you go and join the other Q”.
she decided to wait till they came back after lunch and started spreading out her purchases on the table, while I left the things i had picked up to purchase there itself and walked out empty handed.
with my profound knowledge of the way in which things function in this sort of situations, I could have assured you one thing - after “going for lunch” nobody will come back and the counter is not going to be manned - that is till I leave the place.
so by staying back and waiting, I would have been jeopardizing the chances of the other eligible people as well. i am a veteran of this sort of experiences and when i decided to quit i knew what i was doing.
the perspective
as I entered the csd canteen that day, I had noticed at least two plain clothes thugs inside the store.
and in fact one of them got away immediately he thought I was going to give him an interesting time. no chance, not at all; I do every thing to avoid a scuffle in some one else's territory and there is no question of my initiating it on my own.
when I came in, that was while I was picking up the things to be purchased from the racks and the plain clothes goons were around, the civilian commander was inside the canteen, where the goods are kept. He must have positioned himself at the counter later on.
I know for certain that the civilian commander was not at this counter initially for as I was picking up my things inside, he was making some loud comments to his staff about the heat. yes, he was sweating profusely; but the sweating could also be in anticipation of the task ahead which he has been entrusted with.
and in deed, before giving it up and leaving I had been to the canteen officer. He gave the matter some serious thought, scratching his forehead with his left hand, and then gave the decision - I can go to one of the other counters.
my rough estimate is that the average number of items purchased per person on such days, that is when things are available, will come to around 20 to 30 and with the large crowd present that means to get my four items cleared I would have been made to wait for ages.
thank you very much officer; but NO, thanks!
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