The traffic light near the Janpath Metro Station goes red and 10-year-old Rohini scurries between vehicles, knocking at windows and meekly asking, "Jhanda le lo, sirf 10 rupaye ka hai".
It's the day before India celebrates its 72nd Independence Day and the young girl selling many things tricolour, including wristbands and pen stands, is on the fringes of the freedom festival.
But there are enough takers for her wares, an essential add-on for those who want to flag saffron-white-green on their cars and bikes, and maybe their homes too.
Rohini herself is oblivious to the import of the day. All she knows is that this is a time of the year that she manages to make the most money.
Dressed in an olive green kurta, faded and torn at places, with her array of items carefully tucked under the arm, she has been selling the paraphernalia for the last two days.
"I usually sell fans, but for the last two days I have been selling flags for August 15," she told PTI.
Her family of five stays in a slum cluster not far from Janpath, the busy shopping area in central Delhi. Rohini commutes to Janpath every day, finding time in the day to go to the Janpath Metro Station, where an NGO teaches children to read and write.
The pen stand goes for Rs 100, which she brings down to Rs 40, and the wristband for Rs 20.
"I make Rs 500-1,000 a day at this time of the year," she said.
A sudden burst of rain brings an unexpected stop to the business and the kids run to find shelter.
When the sky clears, the competition gets more fierce with others -- Shiva and Shyam among others -- joining in, all of them rushing to probable customers in a bid to outsell each other.
Age is not a factor. Shyam is 35 years old and Shiva just eight, but their stories of struggle are the same.
"It's tough everywhere, we buy all these things from Sadar Bazaar. There, too, it is difficult because of the crowd," said Shyam.
Shyam also sells garlands at the crossroads on a regular day.
"We get more business around August 15 than other days." he said.
Shiva, who dreams of a better future for himself and his family, said he is responsible for his grandmother and 15-year-old sister.
"I am the only one earning in the family, but I am saving it up for my sister's wedding," said the young boy.
He doesn't have a father and his mother ran away with another man, Shiva said in a matter of fact tone.
"Some NGO people come to teach us at the metro station, but work is more important," he said before running off to knock at windows of cars that have stopped at the red light.
After all, it is Independence Day eve and there is no time to be wasted. At least not for these traffic light sellers, an important but often overlooked part of any celebration in the city, be it Christmas and Valentine's Day or Republic Day and Independence Day.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
