O, Gaadiwala, Why Don’t You Ever Come?

Every morning, he hears Bhopal’s city anthem, the most-loved, uplifting song – Gaadiwala aya ghar se kachra nikaal – the Garbage Truck is here, make haste, bring out your bins.

The jingle blares at full volume — perhaps to reach even the most stubborn ears — announcing imminent arrival at the doorstep. Alas, the Gaadiwala behaves like a politician: quick to promise, but forgetful to deliver, or rather to take delivery of the stale, smelly consignment.

What happened to the GPS tracking of these trucks, he wondered. Why isn’t it raising a red flag even when the truck hasn’t come to our colony for the last several months? Perhaps it too has gone on strike, refusing to track a truck that seldom moves.

For such a petty matter, why bother any officer, not to speak of the Bhopal Municipal Commissioner? So, he called the BMC Helpline, not once, but several times. The automated tape assured him, “Your call is important to us. All our officers are busy. Please wait. We value your patience.” Thereafter, the call was terminated – but not by the caller!

He understands the value of patience. So, he awaits the arrival of the Gaadiwala — tomorrow, in the near future, or like citizens always do, for the next election.

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