(Another) Encounter

I have a penchant for attracting weird/interesting people :S. Yesterday, I went to Lulu in Al Raha Mall for my weekly groceries wearing shalwar kameez (the traditional Pakistani dress). While I was withdrawing cash from the ATM, the security guard at the entrance came up to me and asked, "Aap Pakistan se hain?" (Are you from Pakistan?). I replied in the affirmative. He proceeded to strike up a conversation asking what I'm doing in Abu Dhabi, where I work, where I'm from in Pakistan, what I majored in in college, how long I've been here, where my parents live... He looked to be in his mid-twenties, decent and well-spoken. He told me he was from Lahore, qualified as a civil engineer but he'd been laid off from work and was therefore working as a security guard until he could find another job. He asked if I could circulate his resume among my employers. My sympathies were aroused, so I handed over my business card and told him to email me his CV.

After groceries were done, I sat down on one of the benches to wait for the driver and began reading my free copy of Abu Dhabi City Guide. Ten minutes later I looked up to find him standing nearby. He said, "Gaia-jee (my name's on the card :P), aap kuch lein gi, chai? coffee?" (Can I get you something? tea? coffee?). I responded with a blank stare, "Jee?". Then I came to my senses and said no thank you, the driver's on his way, I need to leave and started walking towards the exit. Luckily the car was waiting so I hopped in and sped away.

Today around lunch time, I get a call at work.

A:"Assalamalaikum Gaia-jee? This is Ali, we met at the mall"

G:"Walaikumasalam"

A:"Agar aap mind nah karein to main eik baat pooch sakta houn?" (If you don't mind, can I ask you something?)

G:"Sure" (wondering, what's coming next...)

A:"I have extra tickets for the Australia-Pakistan cricket match and I was wondering if you'd like to go..."

G:"Jee?" (My mind blanks out in these situations)

A: repeats what he said earlier

G:"SryThnx. Bye."

Awkward... I feel mean :S