Page 23 of The Christmas Holiday
‘Tuck in.’
‘Ummhmm,’ I said, and my stomach rumbled, as if seconding his suggestion.
When I didn’t move, Hunterglanced over from where he was scooping up dahl with a naan.
‘What is it?’
‘I’m… umm… just wondering… I…’
How did I put this?
He shoved a mouthful in and tilted his head. ‘What?’ he asked again through it.
‘OK…’ I leant closer, whispering. ‘I know you have to be careful about street food and I don’t want to screw things up by not being able to move from the bathroom for thenext two days.’ I tipped my head up, facing him defiantly even though inside I was dying a little at having to bring this whole scenario up. Not that he hadn’t seen me at my worst before – and me him, come to think of it. Can anyone say Mexico? But still. Doing it now when we were, as he’d said, colleagues rather than anything else had me cringing inside.
He gave me a grin, swallowing hismouthful.
‘Been back to Mexico at all?’
I gave him a look. ‘It lost its appeal a little. You?’
He shook his head, the smile still in place as he tore off another piece of naan. He pointed at my lunch with it. ‘This is fine. Anand’s place is probably cleaner than a lot of hotel kitchens.’ I noted from the corner of my eye his son wiping over the table and chairs now vacated close tous with a disinfectant spray. Hunter followed my gaze. ‘He’s really up on cleanliness. He doesn’t want people getting sick because he knows they won’t come back if they do. They could eat here and in a hotel and, if they’re ill, automatically put it down to the food here. But believe me…’ He took another bite. ‘It’s not always the case. Come on, get that down you before it gets cold.’
I pickedup my own naan and scooped up some of the bright-yellow dahl with it. My eyes widened as the spice and taste hit my mouth.
‘Good?’ Hunter asked.
I finished and immediately tried the next one on my tray, ‘Mmm! Sooo good!’ I grinned at him. ‘Try not to look quite so smug.’
He shrugged but laughed it off and we ate the rest quickly, clearing our plates, finishing our meals with a plain,sweet lassi each.
‘Do you think Anand would mind talking to me? People have such an idea about street food, like you said, and I’d love to show another side to that. I’m also fascinated that he’s got a son going to university. Without trying to sound condescending, it’s not what you’d automatically expect from a street vendor.’ I looked up at Hunter. ‘Oh God. That does sound condescending,doesn’t it?’
‘No. I don’t think so. He’s incredibly proud of his son achieving this scholarship. He’s built his business up from nothing but he always wanted his son to be educated. His daughter is at school too. I know,’ he said, catching my look of surprise, ‘but it’s not always the case that they’re allowed, or able, to go.’
I chewed my lip, pondering over other possible angles to write.
‘Why don’t you ask him if he’d be happy to be interviewed? The main rush is over anyway now. All he can do is say no.’
‘Yes. Of course. Do you know his surname?’
‘Shah.’
I was about to stand and head over to where Anand was now handing over his duties to his son. My fears for the boy’s pristine white shirt were lessened when his father dropped a white apron over his head, offeringsome protection at least. Anand then headed over to us.
‘Good, yes?’
‘Amazing, thank you!’ I said, my enthusiasm genuine.
‘As always,’ Hunter smiled, handing him the tray he reached for.
‘Mr Shah,’ I began, ‘I’m a journalist and wondered if I could interview you. I promise not to take up too much of your time.’
‘Interview me?’ He laughed, but kindly. ‘I’m not sure I have anythingto say that is very interesting. I am just a street-food vendor.’
‘Who’s built a successful business, believes in education and now has a son heading off to university. Personally, I’d prefer reading about you than yet another multimillionaire property developer in Mumbai.’
He did a little head wiggle, still smiling. Calling out something to his son, he took a seat at the tiny table alongwith us. ‘What is it that you would like to know? And please, call me Anand.’
