The Pain of 10-Minute Delivery

 The clock is always ticking. Always.

From the moment I accept an order, my phone screams at me—“DELIVER IN 10 MINUTES”—as if my life depends on it. Maybe it does. If I fail, I get a warning. Too many warnings, and I’m out. No job, no income.

I glance at my app—two packets of milk, bread, and eggs. Easy, right? I wish.

I rush into the dark, narrow storage room, dodging other delivery boys scrambling for their orders. Hands grab at shelves, scanning barcodes. Someone shouts, “Hurry up, bhai! Timer chal raha hai!” I grab the items, throw them into my bag, and sprint to my bike.


The app says the customer is 2.8 km away. 

Time left: 7 minutes.

I push the accelerator. The city doesn’t care about my deadline. The road is packed, honking vehicles blocking my way. I swerve, dodging potholes, speeding past red lights, praying no cop notices.


Time left: 5 minutes.

I’m near the building. But where’s the entrance? I call the customer. No answer. I try again. Still nothing.


Time left: 3 minutes.

I spot a security guard. “Bhaiya, Flat 206?”

He stares at me blankly. “Which block?”

I didn’t check! My heart pounds. I fumble through the app, find the block, and rush inside. The lift is on the 10th floor. I don’t have time. I sprint up the stairs, three steps at a time.

Time left: 1 minute.

Panting, I reach the door and knock. No response. I knock harder. Nothing. I call again. This time, a sleepy voice answers, “Haan, kaun?”


“Sir, your order.”

“Oh… just leave it outside.”

I drop the bag, take a photo, mark it delivered.

Time taken: 11 minutes.

A notification pops up. "Late Delivery. Your reliability score has dropped."

I sigh. Another strike.

I rush back to my bike. Another order is already waiting.

I wipe the sweat off my face and ride off. The clock is ticking again.


Comments

  1. Rajeev SharmaApril 13, 2025 at 6:45 AM

    "Brutally real and powerfully written. It’s easy to take quick deliveries for granted, but this shows the human cost behind the speed. Respect to all the riders out there hustling under pressure."

    ReplyDelete

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