Wasim is a seasoned waiter now. He has four siblings but he has not been in touch with them since his mother passed away ten years back. It doesn’t really bother him not being in touch with them. But what he did remember was the extreme hardships they had to face while growing up. He barely even remembers his father’s face, not that he intends to remember though. He is thirty-five now. He’s been doing jobs in restaurants for almost ten years, hopped around quite a few cities during these years.
He’s very content with his life and whatever work he’s doing. He trusts the guiding voice within him more than he trusts himself. That voice has been with him since the day he saw his mother’s lifeless face and decided to leave his house to fend for himself. It was the voice which told him to do so. It was the voice which told him to get away from that web of maya.
Today Wasim is standing where he always stands, that corner of the restaurant where he can see all the customers come in. The waiters generally stand there so that they can immediately start waiting at the tables once customers take their places. Mr. Mohan, the owner of the restaurant doesn’t forget to remind his waiters of the importance of waiting as fast as possible.
As he stood in his regular place, the main entrance door’s been opening like any other day for customers to come in. Just then it opened once again and he could immediately recognise the face that came in through the door. Even though it’s been years and that man was wearing a slick black suit matched by an expensive watch on his hand, he realised who that man is. It’s Sameer.
Sameer is his childhood friend, whom Wasim used to play with. They used to stay in the same slum. They used to have so much fun together. Sameer has come alone just to grab a quick bite. He took the nearest table and started checking his mobile.
Wasim stood there, hesitant to go to that table even if he knew that it is his turn to wait. Mr. Mohan noticed the delay and immediately gestured at Wasim to go. Wasim has no choice now. He walked slowly towards that table and stood next to Sameer. Sameer was still busy with his mobile. Without looking up he said, “One masala dosa! Sambar, chutney separate.” Wasim nodded without uttering any word and left the table. He gave out a sigh of relief. While going towards the kitchen he thought, he’d place the order to the chef and tell one of the other waiters to wait at that table.
And just then, he heard that voice again. The voice which has turned his life into a blissful one. This time it just asked, “Does it matter?” Wasim realised what it meant. He felt a great sense of self assurance. The one that he’s never felt before. He smiled to himself and went up to the kitchen to place the order.
Ten minutes later, Wasim went upto Sameer’s table and placed the bowls of sambar and chutney, the plate in front of him. Sameer was still busy checking his phone. Wasim gently placed a hand on his shoulder and said, “Sameer, please eat while its hot.” Sameer was taken aback to hear his name. He quickly looked up and saw this waiter standing right in front of him with a smile so blissful that he’s never seen before. For a moment there his mind went blank just by looking at that pure smile. Then, quickly regaining his composure he recognised the man. It was Wasim, his childhood friend. “Oh the irony! he thought to himself. ” He wanted to let himself go and hug his friend he’s seen for the first time in years, yet he couldn’t hug the waiter.
Sameer gave a broad smile and asked, ” Hey Wasim! What a pleasant surprise!” and then quickly felt awkward with the choice of his words. “I mean how are you? Long time man!” he asked. He was about to say, ‘so good to see you’ but checked himself at the last moment.
Wasim realised what was happening there and said, ” I’m good Sameer, as good as I can be. You eat your food otherwise it’ll get cold. I’ll be waiting there, call me if you need anything. ” Sameer felt that awkwardness again. He looked down to his plate and nodded.
Ten minutes later Wasim went to Sameer’s table. He was almost done with his food. He asked Sameer, “Do you need anything else?” Sameer wanted to have a cup of coffee but he just looked at him and said, “No, I’m fine. Thanks.” “I’ll get you the cheque then.” said Wasim and left.
Wasim came back with the cheque in the regular cheque folder and put it on the table. Sameer checked the amount and took out the bill amount plus fifty rupees extra. That’s what he always does in a restaurant. He casually put the entire amount in the folder and immediately felt like he’s made a mistake. He quickly tried taking the tip amount back when Wasim said, ” It’s okay! You do what you normally do. Don’t bother. ” Sameer looked up feeling guilty and saw Wasim giving that smile to him again. He was amazed as to how self assured Wasim looked. Never in his years of corporate life, in his classic lifestory of ‘rags to riches’ has he seen a man so assured and composed as him. Looking at him, all Sameer could think of is one question, “does it matter?”
For a moment there he had forgotten about his day’s scheduled meetings. But then, he quickly remembered and checked his watch. He was getting late. He got up from the table, put his hand in his pocket and took out his business card. He gave it to Wasim, smiled and said, “I’m getting late. You call me.” He wanted to say a lot of other things but simply felt powerless to do so. Wasim smiled back and said, ” Thanks. You take care of yourself.”
Sameer quickly left the restaurant as Wasim stood watching him by. He could see him getting into a swanky car and driving it past. As he left, Wasim looked at the card that Sameer gave. He could see a long list of his titles and positions below his name on the card. He smiled at the card and just then he heard that question again. He smiled even more and whispered, “It doesn’t.”