“Kutte jaise treat karta tha woh meko! (He’d treat me like a dog) I felt like punching him in the face sometimes: the influential man I worked as a driver for. I’d be up at 2:00 a.m. getting dressed, cleaning the car, waiting for him and he’d came as per his convenience, having eaten his breakfast, all prepared to nap as I’d drive. I could afford neither the time nor appetite for a meal, lest I delay him for his meetings, or worse, fall asleep and cause a mishap. While he’d freshen up in a luxurious hotel room, I’d only have enough time to clean up the car – a sign of his reputation, wash my face and have a cup of tea before he’d call me to drive him to his meetings. I got no sleep, food, acknowledgement or respect in the job!
I spent all my childhood playing with marbles and running around in the mud. I took no interest in farming and right after class 10, I learnt how to drive a car. Soon I was employed as a driver. It fascinated me at first. Not many people had a car or knew how to drive, so I loved my job! I often made multiple-day trips across Hyderabad- Vijayawada- Khammam. But after years of slogging, I realised this job was tiring my ageing body. I couldn’t trust my old eyes anymore. I repented losing out on all the opportunities that once came my way. As a 10th grade pass, I received many offers back home from various departments, Government Offices and even a power plant. But lack of awareness and knowledge made me a driver, a job I hate today! So, over a decade ago, I moved to Hyderabad in search of a new job. But as luck would’ve had it, I got hired around cars again. This time, as a valet person for an electronics store. However, I enjoy it here. It’s a fixed 8- hour shift and I get sufficient time to spend with my wife, children and grandchild. I also manage to visit my village every now and then to enjoy the pollution-free space! The city life is thrilling and fast, but expensive. It’s incomparable to the peaceful village life.”
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