No this post isn't about the infamous intolerance talks that has been going around. This is entirely something else.
"I was not taking her place, I only wanted to speak to the accountant whether they were still accepting fees; why waste time standing in sun etc etc".
All this while I was trying to pay attention towards the accountant who was talking about getting old receipt etc. but I had my ears towards these ladies as well because they were very loud.
Another of them said, "I think she is with that man, they are together".
The original lady who was misbehaving then said, "it is ok Maataji ko hi kar lene do".
At that point I had lost it. I turned around and asked her, "Excuse me what did you just now say?"
To which she replied, "nothing!"
I said, I heard you saying, "Mataji"!
To which she again said, "no I was saying you do whatever you are doing, Aap hi pehle kar li jiye etc".
I told her very sternly, "there is no need to be offensive" I had a lot more to say but I controlled myself because I didn't want to go to her level.
At that point my husband realized that something was going on but I asked him to ignore and we went back to talking to the accountant.
These ladies continued talking in loud manner for few more minutes and then they realised that they were not even standing in a Queue but all that is not my problem.
The thing that affected me a lot was I had not provoked her anyhow. I was standing in the queue and it was my turn that is why we were at the window. I had only said "excuse me" (I do not even remember my tone) and she had gone blasting! Why?
I was standing there for a reason which she did not know about it. Had she spoken properly I could have told her about it but she was not bothered. She felt it was her right to come at whatever time she wishes and we were expected to pave way meekly for her to inquire what she wanted to inquire.
I could have put her in place because I am known for speaking my mind but I knew that she was basically badtameez (ill mannered). When she can't maintain a basic decorum in a place like School how can we expect her to understand the issue.
But all this made me realise that theses days people are so highly strung that smallest thing triggers unparalleled aggression in them. They are always short of time they keep looking for short cuts & forget that there are people ahead of them who have been patiently waiting for their rightful turn. People don't think and they start shouting & fighting. They don't even bother to know the reasons. They just need a reason to argue & fight. Things that can be avoided by using a little manner & etiquette become nasty.
I wish people really relax before reacting. But yes I keep asking myself; how can a simple excuse me provoke someone.
