People need to eat in order to live. It’s just one of those basic facts of life. But finding a bite can still be difficult, especially when you have only enough time and money for a quick snack.
If you often spend time hanging around the Suva Courthouse, you’d probably already know Mahendra Kumar.
A permanent fixture of the area known as Naiqaqi, Mahen, as he is known to the people of the surrounding office buildings, sells a variety Indian sweets and savouries.
He has been doing this since 2004.
The 60-year-old, originally from Tovata, outside Labasa, was formerly employed in the construction industry until he decided to “live an easier life”.
“I was in construction and mostly worked on houses and private jobs,” he said.
“But this is a good way of earning money for me because it is not so physically demanding.”
Although the job may not be as hectic as his previous one, he does spend the majority of the day on his feet, sheltered from the sun by a tarp.
His day begins in the wee small hours. He packs his delectibles usually prepared the night before and makes his way to his stall.
By 6.30am he is ready with his signature roti and curry for the early birds, who in a bid to miss the Suva morning traffic, skip home breakfast.
“Some people stop by first thing in the morning to buy breakfast before they go to their offices.”
Stand by Mahen’s stall for a while and you will notice how he greets and converses with most people who walk by.
“I know most of the people around here. “Sometimes I hear the news before it comes out on the radio, TV and the newspapers.”
For many in the area his cart is the go-to place for a quick snack, especially when that is all they can afford during macawa lala (non-pay week).
“I have my regular customers and there is quite a few of them. “Some people come to me and credit their roti kari, or whatever they take.
“I write their names down in my book but I know them and they will always come back this way.”
By 3pm he is ready to close shop and go shopping for the next day’s sales. Most of the things at Mahen’s stall are under a dollar and he says his daily takings of about $60 earns him a humble and comfortable living.
