Strange Women

The woman sat next to me, her eyes fixed on her mobile, her finger tips brushing lightly over keypad. I waited for her to move her head, to get an eye contact, so that i could introduce myself and get to know her. it seemed odd to me to sit quietly, as if wrapped in anger, sealed lips. A little smile can speak thousand words. I waited. 

The waiter began to serve the food, cottage cheese in tomatoes, fragrant colorful rice, smoked brinjals. "The food looks delicious" I smiled, looking in her direction. She placed her mobile next to her plate and began to nibble, her eyes fixed on her plate. The women on my right answered "Yes, indeed, quite a feast." For the rest of the evening, I spoke to the woman on my right, ignoring the woman on my left.

We were no enemies, just strangers, seated next to each other on Chef's table to get acquainted with each other while we sampled food. But how can you force a conversation with a person who prefers to stay aloof? After every two bites, she returned to her mobile to make some notes.

After the dinner, she disappeared, leaving no trace except an empty chair. Later, I learnt she was an actress, had few successful TV serials to be proud of. I don't watch TV, so I didn't recognize her.

I understood her silence.