I was not able to understand how to pen this down - since the day Manohar Parrikar said bye to this world, I have been emotional about his leaving for higher abode but more than that I was perplexed at the fact how can he be substituted, as a politician in today's India? I was very lucky to have met him in 2014 at Delhi Airport and this incident is about that brief touch-base.
I was waiting for my Bangalore flight along with a colleague while Sir and his group (1 security + 1PA/Close Aide is what I recollect) were waiting for Mumbai one. Trust me from his attire and behavior no one could figure out that a Defense Minster (he was just declared at that point of time, Nov 2014) was waiting to catch an economy flight. Sir was dressed in plain white half-sleeves shirt, a plain trouser, pair of slippers, glasses on and one file to sift through. I googled him twice to ensure if I am sitting in front of Manohar Parrikar, face looked same, so I and my friend approached to say hello.
Sir was very warm in returning back the gesture, asked us about our education, we talked about how Digital was turning the world on its head, how Whatsapp was revolutionizing the chat world (It was in 2014) while showcasing his basic Android phone. While we were chatting up, his close aide walked up & offered him 'Chai'. Sir was very courteous, offered me and my friend too which we both said no as we were about to catch our flight.
Now comes the interesting thing - before sipping, Sir asked this guy, "Kitne ka aaya, Usko bhi diya kya?" (How much was it worth? Did you give to the security person as well?) - the associate said something in Goanese (similar to Marathi) that the cafe owner gave it complimentary when I told him, I am your PA. Hearing this Sir got up, walked up to the cafe owner, saw the board but was unable to make out which tea his associate had brought for him and his group, so he asked the cashier, "ye kaunsa chai hai jo aapne hame diya? kitne ka hai?". The cashier seeing the security guy and his PA along with him again hesitated to quote but finally told him 56 Rs.
Sir re-looked at the board to confirm, slipped hands through his pants pockets and took out 2 100 Rs notes and handed over to the cashier and took back the change. He came back to his seat, sipping the chai, he told his associate, "Free ka kaise le sakte hai bhai ham", pointing to me and my friend seated opposite his seat - "Yeh log mehnat karte hai, kamaate hai, tax bharte hai, usse hamari salary aati hai, utne me hi hame kharcha karna hai, iske upar ka kuch nahii". "Yaar yeh chai machine ki lag rahi hai, next time thoda achha lenge ham :)" His smile and simplicity were too infectious ! What a honest man! Was blessed to have met you in person !
