Page 16 - Maj 2020 PDF

Janokovic is scouting for Singh, who usually serves and stays open when the

father has gone home, but he is nowhere to be seen.
"Let's sit down at the corner-table with the couch," says Janokovic and points to

a table way back in the restaurant. Even though the doorbell rings every time

customers walk in and out, Singh does not show up; he is busy watching
television around the back.

Janokovic knows very well Singh is like that. Maybe he doesn't make enough

money or feels he is forced to do it. Singh only shows up when customers either
yell at him or press the button that is stuck on the disk with tape. The bell is

connected so that there is a loud, laughing sound; then a number of little
Christmas tree lights start to flash, and eventually a deep ding dong sounds, as if

someone had turned on a gong-gong. Janokovic stands and presses his hand hard

on the bell as Singh finally appears behind the counter.
As usual, it looks like he just woke up. His hair coils out to all sides, and his beige-

coloured shirt is a few numbers too big for his flimsy body.

“Ohh, is it you guys? Is there anything you want? ”Says Singh, looking tired over
the worn room with his notoriously tired eyes. He scratches himself in his shaggy

hair.
"Yes, Singh, can we have six beers and four trays of Fish & Chips?" Janokovic

answers eagerly.

"Anything else?" Singh asks, and when no answer comes, the rangy boy turns
around distractedly, goes to the refrigerator counter behind the bar and pulls out

six cans of beer and puts them on the table.

"Fish & Chips is ready in a moment." Singh disappears into the kitchen again.
“Go down and pick a song something from the jukebox? I think we need to

celebrate. "

"Yes, yes, good idea."
The Beatles tune stops and the restaurant is quiet for a while. Eik starts to throw

coins into the jukebox, and soon after, the thumping disco sound of "Staying

Alive" fills Curry House.