Darley Street: Episode Seven – Mr Mandal Meets Darley Street
Darley street can get busy, various locals come and go, Mrs Mac, the Graham family and many more. With the way things are during the weekdays, there are not many ‘old school’ regulars, most people are working, at least a part time job, and doing their best to make ends meet.
The daily regulars are often ‘Well heeled' with plenty of ‘disposable income.’ Either that or they are retired and like to wander these sorts of shopping strips amused by what's on offer. Then occasionally a school kid dodging a class or two or a homeless or unemployed person.
Today was no exception. Dan at the nursery noticed a middle aged gent with a small Jack Russell dog, he stopped and looked in the window, then stepped across to the open doorway and asked if he could enter with his dog. Dan was ever the affable host and said, ‘Of course, why not.’
Mr Mandal introduced himself and his dog ‘Shnuk’. Who duly got a pat, and in response gave a very frisky wag of his tail from Dan. Alice was working that day and also came out to pat the dog and meet Mr Mandal.
Bijay Mandal, mentioned that few people used his first name, and after many years in business most of the people he dealt with referred to him as Mr Mandal. Dan nodded in agreement, Alice asked about his ‘heritage’ deep skin colour and an indian accent? Mr Mandal mentioned he was from Nepal and now happily settled in Australia. His business prowess over many years meant that he had a good command of English.
Alice asked about his dog's name… Shnuk? ‘Ah, it means small sheep in German, but I liked how it fitted to the dog’s personality.’ More questions put Mr Mandal in the hot seat, he indicated a growing community of Nepalese were a half a suburb away and more were coming. He had been here for about nine months now and helping others to come to Australia. Indicating there were many jobs they could do, they just needed a hand to do so.
Dan and Alice were both taken with Mr Mandal's chatty style and professional presentation, this guy was no slouch. Retired? ‘Well yes, I guess so, but I do like to stick my nose in sometimes, you know, to help people and so on.’
He spotted a bunch of flowers he said he would drop by on his way back and buy those for his wife. He was soon on his way, after asking Dan and Alice about the shops, a bit about the history and so on.
Mr Mandal introduced himself to each shop where he was allowed to bring his dog in, or by waving from the doorway. He soon made himself known in a rather casual and chatty way. The Facey Page mentioned him in passing later that day. Dan asking if any knew much about what sorts of things the Nepalese would buy?
A few days later he came by again, this time without Shnuk, so he was able to walk into each business and have a chat.
In Sally's old book store he was amazed by what was on offer. Today he met Rex, Sally was out running errands. Rex noted Mr Mandal's happy disposition and the pair had a generous chat about being positive and how Mr Mandal's upbringing influenced him. It turned out his father was also in business and had passed on many values and beliefs about working with people, trading outside his region and ways to negotiate.
Rex and Bijay enjoyed chatting. Rex remembered they had a Nepalese book somewhere down the back, part of a bunch of old books Sally had bought at a clearance sale a while ago, not yet sorted to any great degree but the box of books looked promising. Bijay suggested that he would make the effort to have a look at it next time he came by, and noted that one of the Nepalese women in his community had a knowledge of antiquities, especially Nepalese items.
Bijay was watching the time as the conversation wound up, he was keen to get the flowers he forgot the other day for his wife.
Down the street he went and yes left with a gorgeous bunch of colourful flowers. It wasn’t long before Bijay influenced the shopkeepers with his Namaste hand gesture, he was asked what it meant by Alice, ‘It’s a recognition of your spirit and offering you some of mine.’ It was catching on, something about his happiness flowed with ease.
The only person he hadn’t managed to influence yet was Mrs Mac, she was never fond of ‘foreigners.’ Nonetheless he nodded respectfully to her as they passed in the street.
There was some discussion about a new cultural group coming into the area the Facey page lit up with some questions and a few answers. There was a reminder about being respectful on the page which was noted. Mr Mandal became a well liked local quickly. Something he and his wife liked very much.
No two days were the same in Darley Street; people come, and people go. Today was no exception, but a fresh cultural turning point may have been reached.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Darley Street!
More from Steve Gray
Steve writes with passion and intrigue, aiming to inspire and or raise awareness of topics. His poetry can take abstract turns, and his 'Odd Angry Writes' on his website are sure to turn heads with his aggressive approach to topics.
A background in Art and Design, as well as teaching, often gives his written pieces a unique creative perspective.
Like many, he is an ADHD person with some neurodiverse edges. A bunch of E books under his belt and some honourable mentions in the Geelong Writers Group puts his work in good standing.
