“My son will turn three soon. I wasn’t there when he took his first steps. Most days, I see him only on video calls. After I close the stall, I sit peacefully and look at his photos. Sometimes I watch small clips my wife sends me, just to hear his voice.

I’m from Jalore, Rajasthan. We are a farming family. Life there was not easy, but simple. I started working young. Almost eighteen years ago, I came to Hyderabad looking for work. I didn’t know anyone here, but I had no choice. I had to take care of my parents, and now, my son and wife.

This tea stall is what gave me a living. In the beginning, there were hardly any customers. Slowly, people started coming. Some like my Rajasthani-style chai, some just come to talk. I don’t earn a lot, but enough to send back home.

I try to visit my family once or twice a year. My wife handles everything there—home, tailoring work, and our son. My mother still works in the fields. Even at this age, she doesn’t rest. I think that’s where I get my strength from.

I’m not there to feed my son or put him to sleep. But every cup of tea I make here is for him. Every early morning and late night is for his future. I want to build a small house and bring my family here someday. I just want my son to grow up peacefully, without facing the struggles we did.

This stall may be small, but it gave me something to hold on to.

Ghar se door hoon, par har kaam unke liye karta hoon.
Ek din sab saath honge, yahi umeed hai.”