notes on people

[betweenintentions]

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The weight of the parcel

And the beginning of an undoing

[betweenintentions]

“Feeling lighter?”

“Yes, strange, though.”

“Because the wait is over… and the weight, too.”

[betweenintentions]

The parked car blocked the view. If only the driver knew the passers-by unwittingly stage several tales every day.

[betweenintentions]

A girl sat by the roadside, threading flowers—piercing, pulling, adjusting

A few petals tore. She set them aside and continued.

I found myself breathing slower.

[betweenintentions]

but it’s handbag

“What’s the point of carrying your purse in a sack?”

“If you know, you know.”

“No, seriously. Enlighten me.”

“These bags hold value.”

“Then keep it in a bank locker like gold.”

“That’s what the dust bag’s for.”

“…so you buy something expensive just to hide it?”

She takes a sip.

“I show it at the right places.”

[betweenintentions]

About Airport Restrooms

“You should drink something.”

“What?”

“Hydration is underrated.”

“I wear diapers during travel.”

“…Oh.”

[betweenintentions]

Airports, basically

“Unh… uff… ugh...” Param wrestles with the luggage trolley. Not unusual. “Come, let’s go,” Priya pats his shoulder. A car passes. The wind lifts her dress. She quietly shifts behind her cart.

[betweenintentions]

Unsaid Things - Part 1

The silk bedsheet creased under Aishwarya’s overstretched arm. For the next few minutes, she lay still. Her fingers brushed the tassels. She pulled the pillow close, then let go and slid out of bed.

After changing into loungewear, Aishwarya picked up a book, turned a page, then flicked it back. In the walk-in, she caught her reflection in the mirror and licked her lips. She tapped a lipstick but picked a lip balm.   She walked back into the bedroom, brows knitted, pausing before the French windows still hidden behind heavy drapes. A touch slid the curtains to the edges. The petunias along the railing lifted the pink and grey of the room. But her eyes caught the knotted balcony swing, still. Aishwarya walked to the main door, turned the door latch, but let it go. She took off her joggers to slip into her Kolhapuris.

Stepping outside, she tried remembering the names of the two girls skating on the track, but a rolling ball distracted her. Aishwarya’s attention shifted to a child walking a poodle. Maybe I should get one. Every day, she walked to the end of their wing to grab her morning usual. At the takeout counter, Aishwarya stood facing the park with one leg resting against the wall. Nearby, a child squeaked excitedly as the mother struggled to get him in the car. On the other side, the father stood patiently by the door. Family outing, huh. Typical Sundays. She glanced around at the whirring sound. The condo valet had arrived. She set her coffee in the holder and pulled out of the driveway for her parlour appointment. By the time the services ended, a calm smile had settled on her lips. She stood in front of the mirror, her eyes squinting. “Umm… hair check, skin check, nails check. Thanks for the lovely eye make-up.” “You are welcome, Ma’am.” “Have a good day,” she waved at the staff. The sunlight hit hard as she stepped into the arcade. Adjusting her aviator, she crossed over to the store opposite. “Hi.” Aishwarya greeted the SA. “This dress caught my attention. Do you have it in another shade?” “I am afraid not. Would you try this instead?” The SA pulled a dress from the rack. “It matches your Birkin Picnic,” her eyes twinkled. A boy appeared with a glass of sherbet. “Yes, I would like to try it.” Aishwarya left the store wearing the new dress. She was taking out her car keys when a voice called from behind. “Excuse me.” Not a voice she recognised.

[betweenintentions]

Not for everyone

On the aerobridge, Priya walked a few paces ahead of Param. He quickened, but two girls brushed past him to get closer to Priya. When a few more ladies whispered and pointed at Priya’s bag, Param smirked. He’d offered to keep her bag in the overhead bin. She had refused, carefully placing it under her seat. The plane taxied, and the air hostess was demonstrating the flight safety instructions. Param’s screen flickered, his face awash in blue as his fingers tapped through menus. He huffed, pulled off the headphones, and looked around. Every seat had the same glow. He stole a glance at Priya, absorbed in her crossword. He nudged the armrest. “Hmm?” she said, not looking up. “What’s the point of carrying your purse in a sack?” Priya chuckled, “If you know, you know.” Param curled his lip, “Kindly enlighten the uninitiated.” She waited for the drinks trolley to pass. “These bags hold value.” Param scowled, “Keep it in the bank locker like gold.” “That’s what the dust bag’s for.“ Param sneered. “Why buy if you can’t flaunt?” She looked at him, then took a sip. “I do. At the right places.”

“I do. At the right places."

[betweenintentions]

Public restroom discourse

At the security lounge, Priya and Param settled into seats by the window. Param stretched, yawned, and skimmed the crowd. “Can I go first?” Priya nodded, opening a word puzzle on her phone. Param gave a thumbs-up sign and said, “Be back soon.” A few minutes passed. He returned, wiping his hands with a tissue. His face relaxed. “Yeah,” dropping into his seat, he said, “Go, freshen up.” “I’m good.” Suitcases rolled, passengers lined up as he drummed his fingers on his bag. He waited for them to pass, then turned to her. “I mean… You probably should drink something.” “What?” An announcement crackled overhead. “Hydration is underrated.” She rolled her eyes. “I wear diapers during travel.” He gasped, then shrugged. “Huh. That’s new.” She offered her sanitiser bottle to Param. “Help yourself.”