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Slice of Life: ‘I believe my brother was reborn as my son, they are so alike’

Every person has a story to share. This column puts the spotlight on the people of Chennai, faces we see but rarely interact with — giving a glimpse into their struggle.

Slice of Life: ‘I believe my brother was reborn as my son, they are so alike’
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Jalapari K (30), Fruit vendor

Chennai

Family means everything to me. They teach you who you are and who you must be to other people. I’m going to go see my parents in 10 days. Whenever I am in Chennai, I miss them very much. My mother calls me every day. If I tell her that business is bad or I’m having a tough time, she responds by telling me to just drop everything and come home. If I’m waiting for the bus from my village near Vellore to Chennai and the bus is late, she’ll ask me to leave the next day. We had some family troubles when I was younger. Let’s just say that my parents did many things wrong. I didn’t study at all. I don’t know how to read and write. But I want my children to study well. My son loves to go to school. He came home one day and cleaned the entire house and prepared the cot for me and my parents because his teacher told him that he must help at home. The first thing he does once he comes home is his homework. He reminds me so much of my younger brother. From the way he looks to his interest in studies, my son is just like him. 

My younger brother passed away when he was 14 years old. It was some disease. We tried our best to take care of him, but we couldn’t do anything. But now, looking at my son, I think my brother has been reborn. I see so many children and elders on the road, begging for money. When I see them, I feel like crying and I ask God why this is happening. I may not have much, but I will do my best to give them something or the other – if not money, then a few fruits.

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