The Gathering Tree

There is a spot in our neighborhood that I like to call “The Gathering Tree.” Just about any time of day or night there is a group gathered around this substantial tree. There is a low wall built around its perimeter that makes a perfect bench for lounging and chatting. Two entrepreneurial types have set up small stalls at this tree, one a paan and cigarette shop, another a small fruit stand. In this case “stall” just means a glorified wooden suitcase full of cigarettes, matchboxes, chewing gum, and paan making supplies all stacked up and organized remarkably neatly. In the case of fruit, it’s a few baskets set on the ground with piles of fresh fruit and a small scale for weighing the customer’s choices. Though small, these two businesses provide the hub of activity for our street. People gather, eat fruit, smoke cigarettes, chew paan and talk. In the evening, men who make Indian snack sandwiches and roast nuts set up shop at the tree as well. The only thing the Gathering Tree is missing is a chai stall, but there is one just a few meters down the road. Mumbai has no shortage of street-side vegetable, fruit and tobacco vendors. But the Gathering Tree has the unique appeal of leafy shade on a relatively quiet neighborhood street. This place to sit, relax and enjoy the company of friends and neighbors is one of my favorite places in Mumbai.