Being ill-mannered

Long waits at the airport and longer flights are interesting, though inconvenient, occurrences. These times throw up the most inane of questions intended to be ice-breakers to an enlightening conversation. People get curious about the origins, interests and profession of fellow travellers. As luck would have it, my responses often lead to a long conversation. And at the end, the question is “So, what do you do?”

On one such occasion, I was waiting for the announcement to board; the flight was delayed by a couple of hours now and I was immersed in reading Vikram Sampath’s ‘Voice of the Veena’. A slightly rotund gentleman plonked himself in the seat next to mine. We exchanged glances and I smiled, going back to my book.

The gentleman asked “Musician?”

“Student”, I responded with a smile, getting back to my book.

“Sitar?” So it seemed like the gentleman had a questionnaire..!

“Vocal”, I responded. I thought for a second that I should probably give him a more detailed answer so his curiosity is satiated and the questions stop and I could continue to read uninterrupted.

“I like Lata Mangeshkar. Do you like film songs?”

In my head I wanted to say “I’m an Indian and I love my movies and their songs!”

But early lessons by mother on being polite take over and I say “Yes”, quite unenthusiastically.

And before the next question is put forth I continued “I am learning Hindustani classical music in the style of the Gwalior Gharana”. And I smiled.

From the look on the gentleman’s face I could tell he was bowled.

I went back to my book.

Finally the announcement to board was made and my seat number was among the first to be called. I smiled at the gentleman and moved on.

I got a middle seat and grumbled to myself. These low cost flights are so cramped for space! I settled down with my book in hand hoping to read in peace. The seat to my left was occupied by a gentleman, who promptly began his snooze, and the one on my right, by a gentleman who seemed to be burdened with the troubles of the world! I went back to reading as the man on my right settled down - out came a book, a pad and a pen. And he began writing something at a furious speed. Intrigued, I took my eyes away from my own book and began peering at his! I watched on as he pondered over something. “Algebra?”, I asked.

“Yes, I am a research student at the Indian Statistical Institute”. I smiled in acknowledgement.

What goes around comes around!

Tarana in Raga Hamsadhwani, Smt. Vidushi Kishori Amonkar