Chattai curtains keep out the sun, filtering the right amount of warmth through the fissures. Chimes tinkle in the wind, and marigold flowers dot the edges of the floor where the masseuses sit, sieving people's stress. You may melt away, too relaxed to notice, but a closer look will reveal that all the masseuses who work at my reflexology centre are visually impaired.

Today, when I look at this spa space I set up in January 2009, it takes me back - back to all the initial apprehensions, the challenges along the way and the excitement of finally setting up shop. It makes the ten demanding years I spent as a nurse in Jaslok Hospital, pale in comparison.

Here's how it all Started:

Touch and Go

Having taught yoga for eight years, I was always interested in alternate therapies, and had trained in the art of Thai massage in India and Bangkok. One day, a friend suggested I volunteer to teach this technique to visually impaired men and women in Nashik's National Association for the Blind. Apprehensive about the response I would get, overjoyed at the thought of sharing my knowledge, I set out for the wine city.

All Trained with Nowhere to Go

My 'kids' were trained, happy and ready to go. Or so I thought. Struck by harsh reality of the real world, we soon discovered that no spa in Mumbai was willing to hire them, despite their credentials. I went from spa to spa, clutching their resumes in my hand. But still no luck.

Flash Forward

I'd always wanted to open my own reflexology centre after I retired. Speeding up that process, I realised would make so many more people happy.

Anything but Kneady

And just like that, I invested my savings - backed my previous career in fitness - and opened on January 1 this year. We aptly named it Metta which means 'kindness' in Pali.

Seeing Success

We launched with none of the fancy trimmings that other spas come with. But we did have a bunch of dedicated masseuses who, despite their visual impairment, could coax the pain out of your feet in minutes and untie the knots in your back with an impressive precession. Word spread, we got great reviews and before we knew it, the line of customers was snaking past the front door. Today, our weekend slots are booked way in advance.

When Work is Slow:The weekdays are easy-going. That's when you'll find my 'children' investing time to learn new skills - they play chess, learn to use the computer and the phone.

I still recall one particular cooking session I did with the NAB girls. One child held a Brinjal and asked with wide-eyed wonder, "What's this?" That's when I truly learnt to appreciate the simpler things in life. Maybe that's how you'll feel after a massage at Metta.

To book an appointment at Metta - Foot Reflexology Centre, Pali Village, Bandra (W) call 9870719923