How the steel canister was burden for him?

The steel canister was a burden for Saheb both literally and metaphorically because unlike the plastic bag he carried around on his shoulder as a ragpicker, the steel canister was much heavier. Moreover, before he started working at the tea stall, Saheb was ‘his own master.’ He was free to go anywhere. He had now lost his freedom; he now had a master to work under. Although the job paid him rupees 800 per month, Saheb did not seem much enthusiastic about it. Along with his independence, he had also lost his opportunity for an education.