Slice of Life: I work even on Sundays, as I want to send my girl to college

Back in the 80’s I worked as a waiter in New Woodlands Hotel. The work atmosphere was good but then the money wasn’t enough to support my family. I decided to move to an export company where they hired tailors on a contract basis. Thankfully, I had learnt some basic tailoring work at my old workplace that came handy here. Again, the flow of money was not consistent so I decided to start a mobile tailoring service. I began travelling by public transport, carrying my sewing machine and set shop in different localities, on different days. Initially, I did basic alteration job. Fixing bedsheets, expertly sewing torn clothes -- nothing fancy. For simple repair work, I charge Rs 10 and for alterations, I take anywhere between Rs 20 – 40. 

A few days ago, I landed in Vepery and there was a huge demand for my service. I remember, the first day I came here, the demand was so much that even after I made three trips on consecutive days, the demand was still high. I decided to set shop here but the problem of where to leave my machine cropped up. It did not make sense to carry it up and down, everyday. So, I bought a chain and I have begun locking the machine to a post. I live in Pallavaram and take the train every day to Vepery. I work on Sundays too because I have to send my daughter, who is in Class 9, to a good college. With whatever I earned, I have managed to send my son to a good college and he is doing well.