If you’re not a localite in bangalore (I prefer not to use the term ‘immigrant’), I’m sure you won’t be short of stories about the blues that bangy streets can give you. But bangy, never ceases to surprise you. and that’s exactly what happened when we (me, gullu and pele) set out on our hunt for northie chaats at bharatiyam (more about that place later). After going through the haggling rituals with a couple of autos wallahs we finally boarded an auto. However, it didn’t take us long to realize that there was something different about this auto. The side walls had pouches made into the body of the auto and to the biggest of surprises, it had magazines on display. And no, I’m not talking about ‘a delicious serving of kannada with colorful pictures magazines’. I’m talking about ‘India today, Business World, PC Quest et. al’ magazines. Gullu, as always, is the first one to pop the question to the auto wallah. The best way to narrate would be to probably recreate as much of the conversation as I can remember, over here. (I’ve taken the liberty of translating to English!!)

Gullu: Boss, do you read all these magazines?

RK (the auto wallah): Sir, these are for you, and other passengers.

Pele and me: SMILES IN SURPRISE !!

RK: You people will spend some half an hour in my auto, you can read these and the distance wont feel long. You can pass time easily in the traffic.

Pele and me: FROM SURPRISE TO SHOCK :)

Gullu: How did you get this idea?

RK: Sir, everyone who comes from outside complains about our auto wallah brothers here in Bangalore. If you have a good time in my auto, you will tell a different story about an auto wallah, so I did this.

Pele and me: Lost for expression by now!!!

Gullu: How long have you been driving an auto

RK: around 10 yrs. But this is not my full time job. I work mainly as a driver, I’ve been working there for 10 yrs now. I drive this auto after my shift is over, for some extra money.

Gullu: (being the inquisitive self that he is) why have you stuck to the same employer for so long?

RK: Sir, my employer is a very nice person. He has given me everything: home, cell phone, scooter etc… how can I leave him after all that he’s done for me?

Gullu: Boss, can you give me your phone number?

RK: Sir, I don’t drive for other people.

Gullu: No boss, just for my curiosity. I will call you when I need a good auto wallah !!

RK: …(told the number)

Gullu: (finally ran out of questions…!!!!!!)

When he dropped us at our destination, we offered to round up the meter reading to the closest round figure, but RK declined politely.

It wasn’t said or discussed among us, except for some appreciative sentences. But the message was clear: We were going to tell people about the brand ambassador we met on bangy streets. RK had succeeded in his mission.