Four men stand around the counter, their faces attempting to convey professionalism, even as their body language screams of anything but.
The two men with the name tags around their necks sit stiffly in suit jackets, glasses casting them within a light of intellectualism, their watches and phones shouting out to the world that yes, we are businessmen, and we are good at what we do.
The young woman in jeans and a flowing kurta, gold glittering at her neck and in her hair, attempts to calm down a crying baby. It’s amazing the images that must be upheld when one is flying off to visit ones in-laws.
The young girl in a flowing magenta frock, yes frock, not dress, but a frock of the type that went out of style, thankfully, way back in the 60’s, and glittering blue shoes prances between the televisions screen showing Tom & Jerry re-runs, and the airport internet kiosk. She is excited, having fun, and doesn’t mind the delay a single bit. What was her mother thinking of?
The young religious couple sits in a corner, wrapped up in their own little world. He has a beard that reaches down to past his collarbone; she is veiled in a blue burka and purple scarf, one end draped up to cover her face. They sit talking to each other as if afraid to take their eyes off each other. Suppose they were to, I wonder what they think might happen.
I guess I am an object of scrutiny as well. I wouldn’t mind it. I wonder what images and thoughts and conclusions pass through the minds of people who sit about, idly casting their eyes in my direction. Young…okay, young-ish. Typing frantically away at her laptop. Looking about her with what amuses-me-to-think-of-as a wry smile on her face.
I wonder if they would mind my observations about them. Should I go up and ask them the truth about their lives?
Now why would I want to do that 🙂
Disjoint Wisdom 