No milk today

It has proved something of a struggle to get fresh milk during our stay here.  It is readily available – this is, after all, a culture which relies heavily on dairy products; with all those cows, it is scarcely surprising.  Even so, for the first two or three weeks, we topped up our supply during our regular trips to one of the big supermarkets in the malls.  (And when I mistakenly bought two litres of yogurt by mistake, we had no tea for three days.)

A potential breakthrough occurred a couple of weeks ago.  There was a mix-up over our driver, Arvind, arriving on time, so I had to hang around (for over an hour, but that’s another story.)  I sat down with the Security people for the apartment block, by the front gate, and was amazed when a man walked in with a whole load of packets of milk – the very thing we needed.  I texted Val, who instructed me to buy some.  Easier said than done, since they spoke not a word of English, and did not seem to want to understand me.

Fortunately, a gentleman came walking by – he was a resident of one of the apartments, and it seemed this was is morning exercise, four laps of the building, all inside the gates.  He spoke good English, and soon interceded on my behalf.  It was not possible to buy one of the packets there and then, as they had all been ordered by another resident, but he did take my WhatsApp number, and promised to sort something out with the supplier.

Here is the ensuing conversation.

Am K.K.Bajpai “Azad” > Excuse me for disturbing you at the moment, Plz ? An Arrangement for the supply of Milk -packets daily at your door-step is available ! Do desire to discuss with you ;& fix it working ?? What time do we discuss ???

No need for discussion. We require just 1 x 500ml milk each day, Mon to Friday ( nothing at weekends.) Please explain how much money each week, and how to pay.

Thanks 💐Notwithstanding, Just Two Points , Plz ? > 1. Choice of Brand ? #Amul ( which is also available) may be a better Brand ? ; 2. The delivery-boy works between 8 AM to 8 PM ( 12 Hours Shift) Only ; accordingly, may You like to take delivery today around 8 PM ?? Regards 

i understand that You leave for work around 7 AM !

To answer your question, best quality milk is what we require. 2. My work hours change every day. But usually my wife can collect at any time. (Except tomorrow.) So, tomorrow at about 11. Then from Monday, every day at 9. We can collect from Security.

So grateful for vivid descriptions, Sir 🙏 As such , Tomorrow ( Friday) at 11 AM at Your Door-step ;& onwards •••✋

It seems there has been a misunderstanding. No milk was delivered Monday or Tuesday. Please ensure it arrives tomorrow. 12 noon.

😌Kindly forgive me as i couldn’t do anything to manage the petty job of Milk-packet supply so far ! Incidentally, i have been facing some unprecedented emergencies ( mainly arising out of my Brother’s bad health & hospitalisation) ! Unfortunately, even now,the challenge continues in rather much aggravated level !! On the other hand, my Wife too has been unwell health-wise !!!  Extremely Sorry & Also my Humble-Best-Wishes 

So sorry to hear of your problems. I am far less important – there is always Lulus!

Unfortunately so ! Best -wishes Again 💐

My brother-in-law Pete had briefly been a milkman in Plaistow, so I thought he would be interested in this exchange.  I asked him if he had also been so solicitous to his customers.

lol no WhatsApp in 1982, and mostly it should have been the customers apologising to ME!

Dear Milkman, unfortunately I am in a difficult predicament owing to serious ill health of my entire family and unprecedented expenditure on fags and booze.   This explains why I hid behind the sofa instead of answering the door when you called for your money last Friday.   Please accept my humblest apologies, and keep this note for next week too, just in case….