An Everyday Superhero: The Fruit Seller

As the summer temperatures soar in Hyderabad, our street looks deserted. With more concrete structures creeping up, bird song has become a distant memory. Children who once ruled the street rest in the shade, listless and bored. Even the family of monkeys is quiet, too busy invading the mango tree. It’s barely 9 AM, but the silence feels like siesta time.

Suddenly, there’s a cry that breaks the stillness, “Maoz! Artipallu!” Mansoor Bhai is here with his cart to sell bananas. His arrival is like a wake-up call to the entire street. People start appearing on their balconies, shouting instructions. Children come running to the cart. Mansoor Bhai has a gentle pat, a smile, a kind word, and a banana for each child. Next, the family of monkeys starts approaching the cart. Soon, they realize that stealth and cunning are not required. Mansoor Bhai has a banana for each member of the simian family — even the babies clinging to their mothers. There is no fuss, no fighting, and everyone is happy. They move back to the shade to enjoy their treats.

Mansoor Bhai’s work is just getting started. He places bunches of bananas in tiny baskets and starts going to each customer’s house. In our street alone, he has about 30 happy customers. While he is busy, the children guard the cart. The older ones even make sure that the younger children drop the banana peels in a basket attached to the cart.

As Mansoor Bhai approaches our door, my daughter is there with a glass of cold water. With a polite thank you, he accepts the drink and gives her our basket of bananas. He takes his basket and the money, returns the exact change, and leaves.

This routine has been taking place for decades. I have watched Mansoor Bhai grow old and wrinkly. However, he remains motivated as ever, with spring in his step, a smile on his face, and genial conversation for all.

As he turned to leave today, I had a question for him. “Mansoor Bhai, how do you do the same task with a smile every day?”

Pat came the response, “This is my work. I can do it with a smile or with a frown. But isn’t the world more beautiful when you smile?”

“If it is work, why do you give bananas to the children and monkeys?”

“Their happiness is my reward. The children are actually doing me a favor. They guard my cart, don’t they? Their parents are my customers. As for the monkeys, kindness is in giving to them. I always have some fruits that are too ripe.”

“Did you never think of expanding your business?”

“Allah has blessed my family with abundance. I have two shops. My daughters manage them. I like visiting my customers, talking to children, enjoying the fresh air, and staying active.”

With another polite nod and smile, Mansoor Bhai left.

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