Lost in Shanghai ...
Superbrand mall in LuJiaZui – one of the early malls in Shanghai – popular – and big. The building has big pillars – and these are effectively used for small shops / extensions of the big ones. The jewelry shop near one such a pillar was probably the extension of the big one nearby. I was window shopping – waiting for Meenal to finish her bargain of some cosmetic accessory. The jewelry counter showed some jade rings – small yet intricate work – it demanded a close look. That’s when I saw her – a young girl of about 20 – in a green uniform – sitting on ground , behind the counter – her hands clasped on her knees, head resting on pillar – in a slumber. She was clearly hiding away from stern gaze of her supervisor to catch a quiet moment.

Sensing some presence at her counter – she looked up. Our eyes met. She had a pretty yet undernourished face. Typical Han features - blonde straight hair; slightly ruffled because of sleep – her eyes – totally exhausted – with long hours of work, may be hunger or may be due to dreary existence – where at such young age she had to leave home – likely in nearby village – to work in this giant monster city. This city doesn’t offer a cosy existence to all of its millions. I come across such eyes quite frequently here – they tell a tale that needs no language knowledge. I had seen these eyes in Mumbai footpaths, young boys working in Bangalore restaurants and in platforms in Delhi and many other places..
She scrambled up and started talking glibly about the jade rings – secretly hoping that I had not noticed her attempt to catch a refreshing nap. Those couple of seconds told me of her fear. I pretended ignorance – playing along her sales pitch. The reliving smile I got was genuine – yet haunting enough for me to write about it.
(C) Abhijit Tongaonkar - 2006