Interviewer: What was life like in the village of Thul?
Hari: Life was extremely though for my family members and me. I had no boat to go out to sea to fish and earn money for my family. My father is a drunkard and he does not even care about our family. All he thinks about is drinking toddy. He does not even care about my mother. She is sick and lying in bed all day, getting frailer and weaker each day. Lila and I had to work hard everyday to put our younger sisters, Bela and Kemal through school.
Interviewer: I see. Was that why you decided to leave Thul for Bombay?
Hari: Yes. I thought that there would be more job opportunities for me in Bombay, and the de Silvas had also promised to give me a job as their car washer if I ever went to Bombay.I also felt very stressed at home and I could not stand my father's behaviour.
Interviewer: How did you feel when you reached Bombay?
Hari: I was at a lost after I was separated from the rest of my fellow villages. I decided to go and look for the de Silvas but one of their servants told me that they were not around and chased me away. Luckily, a kind security guard I met later brought me to his friend's eating house where I worked to earn money. I also learned how to mend watches from the watchmender next door.
Interviewer: Do you think your family members would be wondering where you were when you first left home?
Hari: Yes, I think they would. I left without a word on the night when I found out that my dog, Pinto , had died. I was really upset and furious. However, I wrote a letter to them soon after telling them that I was safe so they need not worry.
Interviewer: What was the difference of your life in the village after you returned from Bombay?
Hari: Oh, life was much better for my family and me. My father has turned over a new leaf and stopped drinking toddy. My mother is receiving proper treatment at the hospital in Alibagh. My sisters also work for Sayyid Ali and he gives them salary. I also learnt that when the factories are built, I can also help the engineers mend their watches when they were spoilt. I am so lucky to learn watchmending from Mr. Panwallah !
Interviewer: Thank you for your time.
Hari: You are welcome
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