Pune: For many, Raksha Bandhan is a time of celebration and togetherness, but for Satish Ballal, a food delivery boy from Viman Nagar, it’s also a time of waiting and anticipation.
Since 2016, Satish has been delivering food across the city, ensuring that his customers receive their orders promptly. However, each year, during Raksha Bandhan, Satish eagerly awaits a special delivery of his own—the Rakhi sent by his two cousin sisters.
Satish does not have a biological sister, but his cousin sisters, who live in Punjab and Gujarat, have always maintained the tradition of sending him Rakhi.
Due to their husbands' military service, they are frequently transferred to various locations across the country, making it impossible for them to meet in person for Raksha Bandhan since 2017. Nevertheless, they never miss the opportunity to send their brother a Rakhi.
"Working as a delivery boy, I understand the excitement that customers feel from the moment they place an order until it arrives. I experience the same excitement when waiting for my Rakhi," Satish shares.
The annual Rakhi from his sisters is not just a symbol of their bond but also a source of joy and connection for him.
While Satish continues his daily routine of delivering food in Viman Nagar, he also works a regular job at a private company to supplement his income. Despite his busy schedule, the Rakhi sent by his sisters remains a highlight of his year.
For Satish, the satisfaction of seeing a customer's happy face when their food arrives on time mirrors the happiness he feels when the much-anticipated Rakhi finally arrives, connecting him to his distant sisters and the cherished tradition of Raksha Bandhan.