Srini started training and work under Ben’s supervision. He had to wake up earlier than usual to take the bus early from Rohan’s place to make it on time. After the first week he decided to find some accommodation closer to work. He spoke to Ben about it and Ben said he would put the word out. Often people rented out shared accommodation with a private bedroom and ensuite, but a shared kitchen. Ones with shared toilet facilities tended to be cheaper. Ben would get to know when an opening came up. Meanwhile, he offered to let Srini stay at his place, where he had an extra room that he used as a studio and storeroom. Srini offered him rent and Ben said he would deduct it from his earnings. Srini packed up some minimum stuff and moved in that weekend with Ben. It was a practical exercise in his philosophical thinking of carrying minimal necessities and wants with him. It took him a whole two days to think what he wanted to pack and only 10 minutes to actually pack them.
Srini had been sitting next to Ben all week and watching carefully. The new kit that Ben had ordered for Srini arrived by courier in a couple days and Srini paid for it. It was a brand new one and had castor wheels so he could push it around or lock them firmly. He had developed an idea of the tools and supplies Ben used where they were on his own kit.
Srini applied for permits from the local council for a few locations where could set up stall. He did not realise how much regulation there was these days for any enterprise.
After a week, Ben decided it was time for Srini to set up his own stall right next to him and help him with the morning rush. A lot of Ben’s customers had seen Srini sitting next Ben the past week. Many had initially thought that he was just a good friend who was spending time with him. Some noticed him doing a few things to help Ben and practising. They had kept discreetly quiet about it. Now they were suddenly confronted with two stalls next to each other. Ben and Srini noticed that most old timers tended to line up in front of Ben rather than go to Srini. A few hesitantly came up to Srini. Some of them even hurried back to Ben. Ben tried to gently suggest to some, “My partner there is free. You can go to him for quicker service.”
Some people that had seen Srini before or those that knew him from before were the most hesitant. They had uncomfortable expressions on their faces. Many seemed uncomfortable to go to him and instinctively went to Ben.
Srini noted this too. He brought it up with Ben during their break.
“Why are even strangers not willing to come to me, Ben? Is there something about me that is putting them off?”
Ben laughed out loud and smiled. “Of course there is Srini! Can you guess why?”
Srini was a bit puzzled. He reckoned Ben knew the answer but wanted him to figure it out.
“Do I look intimidating or not friendly, or not competent as a Shoeshine?” Srini asked.
“You do look friendly and inviting, but that is not the reason, my friend. I had expected this. Some will change gradually as they get to know you, but you may have to change if you want everyone to come up to you without a thought.” said Ben with a mischievous smile.
Srini looked thoughtful.
“Srini, you look very well groomed, dressed like a gentleman, like one of your best customers after he has had his shoe shined. You look too good, clean and elegant. People hesitate to come up to you get their shoes shined. Some might think you are acting in a movie or some special thing. You look more like one of your clients.”
Then it hit Srini. He now understood why Ben had cultivated a slightly dishevelled, unkempt appearance, let his hair grow and wore an obviously worn, ragged outfit. He had started out his days as a shoeshine in his old business suit, clean shaven and well groomed. He realised that he made many of his customers and potential customers uncomfortable with his groomed, clean and tidy appearance. He knew human nature and had adapted.
Srini suddenly laughed out aloud. He took off his hat, mussed up his hair, took a bit of shoe polish and applied it on his old but cleanly laundered work jacket. He stuck his fingers in some dirt from the flowerbed nearby and wiped them on his face. He then put away his new cloth and picked up an old dirty oily rag that he had used to oil the castor wheels. He spread it on his lap.
Ben cracked up too and laughed. He came and unbuttoned a couple buttons on Srini’s jacket. Srini assumed an expression of supposed penury and misery.
“Now you look perfect! Just wait, you will have the customers rolling in. You will earn more tips than me!” cackled Ben.
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