MUMBAI: The same face under the crisp white topi, at the appointed hour, every day at our doors. We have known our dabbawalas for years as carriers of lunches to offices, with rarely any mix-up. Now, in a gradual expansion of their role, they are lugging a lot more than just that.
Over time, they've become delivery boys for all kinds of things, besides the packed lunch. Mobile phones forgotten in the morning rush is one of the most common things they carry at mid-day, followed by files, suddenly demanded by the office. Sometimes, dabbawalas are even agents of blossoming love - with some people sending love notes, scented cards and a tiny something with lunch boxes.
