It is a surprise that a person who sells wallets and card holders is so popular. My first impression of him was that he is gay. He spoke in the tone and manner that we usually associate with women. He was talking to a gentlemen he knew probably. That day it was raining and he was cribbing about how the trains have been delayed. Everybody was actually. He went on to sell his wares. He did quite well too. Engaged other people in his talk. A bearded Muslim next to me. He called him mullah ji. He explained how h his wallets were superior to the others sold similarly. I smiled at him. I had been reading up marketing and sales material and at once recognised what he was doing. He saw me smile and started chatting me up. However I did not respond to him more than a couple of nods.
I saw him again some days later. As usual the train was packed this time he was chatting to a couple who obviously had just meet him. He told others to take care as his'sister' was in the compartment. The couple were obviously quite impressed with him though the guy was a little hesitant. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the guy was only a vendor or the girl might just run away with such a sweet talking man. Sorry couldn't resist that jibe.
Anyway the vendor saw me and surprise surprise he recognised me. Or maybe he didn't but he told me one important thing. People never go behind in the compartment they always want to go forward. Well not in those words but that's what he meant. Whichever direction the train is moving the end of the compartment is usually emptier. Not true of course the case of certain trains during peak hours but I did find this true during normal time. If I went back to the compartment there was usually place to sit out at least stand easily.
So advise from anyone is advise. The other thing that i took away from this is the man would talk to anyone a trait that helped him win friends and influence people.
