Of fruits and coal

Am slowly understanding some finer tricks of administration - though, I must admit, I barely follow one quarter of the whole responsibility!

Isn't it surprising that while Rs 250 gets you just one and half kg of apples or sweet lime in a reliance fresh outlet, we can get 50 kgs of Papaya in a real fruit market! Of course, you will have to first of all get out of the city limits, go to the main distribution centre, wade in through dirt and slush, keep an eye open for banana peels and orange skins - lest you have a skating view of the market! - have a sharp tongue to bargain, tip off the guys who carry the fruits after purchase to your vehicle, and what not... But it's worth all that than just royally walk in a 'More' or 'fresh' or what not and pick up some stuff and strut around with that trolley before being handed over the whooping bill.

I suppose the same principle applies to other products as well. The price one pays for a few grams of gold may purchase us tons of coal. Yet, each one has its own value and its own purpose. For someone shivering, out in the Hyderabad night cold - it is quite cold already in Hyderabad - coal is of more worth than gold. He can comfortably start a fire and warm himself. With gold he may purchase a big mansion but lose his peace over maintaining that whole big mansion!