Spoilt by salesmen!

Buying shoes in the US follows a fixed procedure. You head to one of the sprawling malls. The sheer variety of shoes numbs you. You need help from the attendant on the floor, “I am looking for formal shoes. Can you help me?” His answer is clipped, “Sir, Aisle 3A! You can search by the shoe-number!” You cannot fault him for he has conveyed the information, regardless of the business-like tone. After some fruitless sole searching in Aisle 3A, you lose interest. You decide to postpone the purchase and buy the shoes in India!

The moment you walk into a shoe-shop in India, the attendant latches onto you. He does not care for the shoe-number that you tell him. Who knows, the foot may have grown or changed shape. With the precision of an optometrist, he brings out the foot-measuring instrument. Placing your foot on the instrument’s incline, he scrutinizes it, and shouts a number in the vernacular.

The shop has a false ceiling with a little aperture. Like manna from heaven, multiple boxes rain down and fall with a thud. Gleaming black shoes emerge from the boxes. He dusts off the shoes, with a clap of the heels! He puts the shoe on you, easing it with a heel-scoop. He is not satisfied with the fitting as he feels for your big toe. One more shout and more shoes rain down! This time, he is sure, and ties the lace for you. He asks you to take a stroll. It feels right, but you wonder if it is a tad loose. No problem, he has a spare pair of socks ready! With the socks on, it feels perfect as you glance at yourself in the side-mirror!

By now, the attendant has tiny cups of hot tea ready. It is an offer you cannot resist! With the size decided, the salesman spoils you with choices in formal wear- black-shoes, brown-shoes, shoes without laces, shoes with prominent heels and even a shoe that curls up at the end, like royal footwear!

He entices you with more and more footwear variants- walking-shoes, running-shoes, and home-wear slip-ons. He bends the entire shoe in half to demonstrate how flexible and comfortable it feels. If your wife is by your side, he deftly changes the track, “And for you sister? We have some elegant slippers!”

All you wanted was one shoe. At the end of the purchase, you carry a dozen bags- shoes, socks, polish, foot-powder, Hawaii-chappals, and a lot more! Your wallet is lighter, but the self-indulgence is fulfilling. The old shoes are abandoned at the shop as you walk off with the new pair! There is a newfound spring in your steps!