Karak Chai and the Job Hunt
The narrow lanes of Deira, Dubai buzzed with their usual late-evening rhythm—shopkeepers and customers, the aroma of spices drifting from small eateries, and the comforting scent of Karak Chai filling the air.
Ramesh, from Kolkata, had been in Dubai for three weeks on a visit visa. With a background in housekeeping supervision at a mid-range hotel back home, his days now revolved around handing out CVs, checking emails in dingy internet cafés, and counting down the days left on his visa.
Faizal, from Kerala, stood a few steps away at the same chai counter. He too was on a visit visa, a month into his search. With front-office experience in hotels, he carried the same quiet hope and pressure that most job seekers in Deira wore on their faces.
By chance, they both reached the counter at the same time.
“Ek karak dena bhai…” they said in unison, then turned to each other with a quick smile.
“Looks like we both needed chai,” Ramesh said, adjusting the folder under his arm.
“True, bhai,” Faizal replied. “Karak is survival fuel in Dubai. You from India?”
“Yes, Kolkata. And you?”
“Kerala. Came last month. Hotel industry. I worked front office back home.”
“Hotel line? Same here. Housekeeping supervisor in Kolkata. Been running around Deira, Bur Dubai, everywhere, dropping CVs. Feels like the whole of India is job hunting here.”
The chaiwala slid two steaming cups toward them. They picked them up together, smiling again, then leaned against the wall where a bit of shade offered comfort.
“Job hunt on visit visa is no joke,” Faizal said, blowing on his chai. “Every day feels like a countdown.”
“Exactly,” Ramesh sighed. “Each night I wonder—what if I return empty-handed? Back home they think Dubai means instant success. They don’t know the struggle.”
There was a pause, filled by the honk of taxis and the chatter of passersby. Then Faizal spoke, almost casually.
“You know, I got a small break. Tomorrow I have an interview call at a five-star hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. Big chain. Don’t know what will happen, but at least it’s something.”
Ramesh’s eyes lit up. “That’s amazing, brother! You’re lucky. I hope I get a chance like that soon.”
Faizal looked at him thoughtfully. “Why not come along? They’re hiring for multiple positions. With your experience, maybe they’ll consider you too.”
Ramesh blinked in surprise. “Really? You’d do that? We just met.”
“Bhai, we’re in the same boat. Here, sometimes strangers turn into brothers within minutes. If one of us gets a step ahead, why not pull the other up too?”
Ramesh’s grip tightened around his paper cup. “Thank you. You don’t know what this means. Today’s
#Karak will stay in my memory forever.”
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