Not Eighteen Anymore

There is this small Kebab Shop round the corner of the street where I live. It’s very popular. Every evening to late at night, they sell kebabs like hot cakes (cakes are not much in demand here, however). On days when I don’t feel like cooking this kebab shop is our sanctuary.

Me ? Not Me ?! Who knows…who cares…

So, whenever we go there, after Arijit has placed the order, we stand outside the shop and wait to get our take away.Through the glass door of the shop I see the huge spread and neat sitting arrangements inside. I watch men eating and talking amongst themselves.

All men. Only men.

Women here do not enter inside such B grade restaurants. I often wonder what will happen if I just get in there one fine day, take a seat and ask for the menu card. I never do it really, and I know I never will. For I am not eighteen anymore; the rebel in me has left the building…

We try to befriend the middle-aged man toiling on the grill. Originally from Bangladesh, he has been living in Doha for the past twelve years, he says. As he speaks, he throws a furtive glance on my face and hair, then lowers his gaze, like any fatherly gentleman in India would look away from a very plunging neckline of a naughty youngster.

I was in my jogging tracks and jacket by the way. But my hair was untied. Free. Go figure !

The Qatari Sheikhs in white robe and red and white chequered turban would come soon. They will wait in their glam fast cars. They will be attended and given a prompt service. If by any chance one Sheikh enters the kebab shop, or any shop here in Doha for that matter, behaviour and body language of the employees of the shop undergoes such a sudden change ! And they all leave whatever they were doing and forget whoever they were attaining, and come and stand all together in front of the Sheikh. At His Service.

What do I expect my blog to change in society ? Nothing. I do not have any expectation of changing the world in anyways. It’s not in my control. But changing my take on the world is in my hand.

I blog to give myself a better understanding, to have an objective take on things around me, and make me tolerant to others views and beliefs.

I blog to forget my rooted dream to change the world, strive for that ideal egalitarian society. But that’s another thing…forget it !

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In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Be the Change.”

Quotes' images taken from www.pigandpaint.com and www.hodansibrahim.com