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“You know what? I’ll just ask my dad, he’ll know where they sit ''
''I think they’re usually at that gully near Krishna Sweets. I’m not really sure though, it's better to ask someone else”.
I’ve been needing a painter, not very urgent but it would be nice to have someone finishing the job. I asked my neighbours and some colleagues at work and they seem to have second thoughts about really knowing where they are.
“They usually sit near that big tree a little ahead from the junction where the skywalk starts”
I’m pretty sure I know where that is, but it's better that I check the map to be sure. I got off at the junction and started walking down the street. I went past the big red banner Anish was talking about, and saw a decent crowd sitting by the shed under the Peepal tree. About 8 of them were gathered in a line and talking amongst themselves. With all of them being tightly involved in conversations, it almost felt like I was intruding on their own small corner.
“Bhaiya, painter kidhar milega?”
They were plumbers.
“Usse apna ghar banane me bahut saari thakleefe aayi”
Talking about some gossip from their village back in Bihar. They kindly directed me down the road. As I went a little ahead by about 50 metres, I looked to my right just as I came to the bus stop. Sure enough, I saw a small group of 5 gathered in a circle conversing amongst themselves.
“Aap painter ho?”
“Haan”
We very briefly discussed what work was to be done, and what the problem was, with a quick 2 minute conversation they agreed.
“Hum shaam ke 6 baje ke baad kaam nahi karenge”
The work timings vary with the group, and the work they do. I gave them my number, and told them what time I'd be home in the evening.
“Rakesh ko puch”
They spoke amongst themselves as I left, probably discussing who's doing the job. They usually delegate tasks to each one in the group, generally on the location and duration of work.
There were a few food carts nearby where they sat. The vendors set up shop by 7AM as the workers usually have their breakfasts here in the mornings. I packed up a few samosas and pavs and headed back to the bus stop. As I walked past, a few young workers were gathering around their van heading to work, loading their carpentry tools and bags in the back while having a chit chat. A few others sat on the side waiting for other work. There are a few days in the month where they lose out and do not receive work. Overhearing their conversation,
“Kal ka din badi mushkil se nikala, kal kaam nahi mila toh mera nuksan hogaya. Agar yaha kuch suvidhaye hoti taki pure din me kaam mil sake toh bohot accha hota humare liye. Agle mahine apne gaon jane ka soch raha hu, ek do mahino me aa jaunga."
They usually go back to their hometowns for about 1 and a half to 2 months every year. The months in which they go back home generally varies from the region and community they’re in. Their groups are largely formed by bringing in family and hometown members who are looking for work in the city.
“Accha you found them there? I always thought they were near the jewellers junction”
“Told you they would be near the station area”
I told my neighbours and colleagues I got someone to do the work by going around in the morning, and thanked them.
The painter came as expected in the evening, bringing in a large bag, which contained every painting equipment needed- from tiny brushes, to plasters.
“Kidhar?”
Straight to the point, with no unnecessary conversations. I directed him to where and what the problem was, and he immediately got working. 15 minutes into his work, he called a co-worker asking for some fixings he didn't have.
“Me idhar kaam ke liye aaya hun, uske liye thoda saman leke aa”
Not even 10 minutes later, he arrived with what was required, and the work resumed. The worker who brought in the materials seemed to be new in the profession, the more experienced worker gave him small directions for every other step.
“Chai bana sakte ho?”
About halfway through the work, I gave them some biscuits and tea.
“Aaj kal koi ek dusre ko janta hi nahi hai, kon kaha se aaya hai, kidhar rehta hai ..agar hum subhe jab kaam dhunde ke liye rukhte hai tabhi sab naye mazduro ko kaam sikha de toh accha hoga, humari dosti bhi badegi.”
They had their own chit chat during that time, unbothered by me. They finished the work by the evening, after which they cleaned up the material and waste. They pointed out what the problems were, and told me what I had to get changed and replaced to prevent further issues.
“Kitna hua?”
“Aapko jitna lage, utna dedo. ”
“Nahi, jitna har jagah lete ho, utna bata do”
We discussed the cost of materials, and had a few back and forth about how much I needed to pay him. He demanded I pay for the transport he and his co-worker had taken to come home. They usually get 1500 rupees on a good day of work, usually working in 2 or more places.
“Thik he, 1200 de do”
We eventually settled on 1000, and they headed to their next place of work after promptly packing up their tools into the bag.
“Hum idhar aas-paas mein rehte hain, aur kuch kaam hoga toh, humko call karo”
They gave me their contact as they left.
“Hey, do you know where I can find a plumber? I know they’re near the station somewhere, i was hoping you’d know better”
A friend called me up, he needed some touching up in some parts of the house. However, I had the contact of a painter though, so I couldn't help him there.
“No, I'm not sure about plumbers, you can find some workers by the bus stop a little ahead from where the skywalk starts. You can ask them, they’ll know”
A while later he came back to me,
“Turns out they usually gather near that post office building on Mahant Road, there was a bit of asking around to do”
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