Meet Maddy from Kashmir

Wednesday, May 29 2009

OK, so... part of the tour was to go to a boutique kind of place, with exquisite garments and collectibles. Before we went in, we were told that no photography was allowed. When we walked in, there was a man waiting for us to show us around. I'm pretty used to walking around by myself. And I wandered off on my own. Not many people got out of the tour bus - they wanted to stay in the air-conned vehicle since the temperature had risen to 40 degrees.

I was looking at some artwork, when someone behind me asked, "Where are you from, madam?" It was the guy that was meant to be showing us around. "South Africa", I said

"Are you on holiday in Dubai?"
"No, just passing through."
"Are you traveling alone?"
"Yes", I answered as I continued looking at handmade rugs.
"...and you're staying at the Millennium Hotel?"
I turned to look at him.
"How did you know?"
He smiled and said "The tour bus is from there"
"Oh", I said and walked on.
He walked behind me.
"What's your good name?"

Now I almost never give my real name to strangers. But whatever... It was too hot to think straight!

So I said, "Sheetal... and you?"
"I'm Maddy. It's nice meeting you, Sheetal"
"Thank you", I said. "Are you from Dubai?"
"No, I'm from Kashmir"

I walked on further.

"Sheetal, where are you traveling to after Dubai?"
"To Korea.. I live there"
"Korea? Wow!" He smiled.
Not bad, I thought. He had a sweet smile.

"Ahh, there's one thing I regret about this place", I said.
"What's that?"
"We aren't allowed to take photo's in here"
"Take one"
"What?!"
"Take it... it's ok"

I knew he wasn't the manager or anyone in authority to permit that, but I quickly pulled out my camera and snapped a pic.

"Now let me take one of you", he said.
"Of me? Why? No way..."
"Why not, you're so beautiful"
I darted him a look as if to say - "Oh puh-leez!"
I glanced at my reflection in a mirror nearby.

I was sleep-deprived, hot and sweaty, wearing a VERY unflattering colour top, hair tied back with my sunglasses perched on my head.

"Sheetal, please can I meet you later?"
I darted him another look.
He went on, "I would just love to meet you after work"
Was this guy for real?! I just looked at him as he gave me smiling puppy eyes.

"And where do you want to meet?", I asked.
"I can come to your hotel"
I thought, Hell to the NO!

"Sorry, Maddy but I'm going on another tour later and I'll only get back later", I said.
I didn't want to outright say NO, so I was trying to make excuses.

"Give me a time and I'll come when you are there", he persisted.
"But I don't know now"

I walked on. He followed.
"Why aren't you showing the other tourists around?", I asked.
"When you walked in, didn't you notice I only looked at you?"
I had to bite my tongue from laughing.
I looked at him and smiled... and said, "Maddy - I bet you speak like this to all your female customers"

"No, I swear... I just fell in love with your eyes when I saw you. You're like a doll"

I couldn't believe this guy. However, can I point out that the sweet talk was NOT working on me!

"Sheetal, please let me come and see you later... I just want to talk to you"

I thought - Yeah right "talk" is the global code for "who knows what"

With a stern face I asked him, "Do I look like a girl who just has strange guys come to her hotel room?"

He didn't stop. And it was time to get going... we passed a section in the store that had beautiful shawls...

"Oh this is so beautiful", I said.
"It's from my country...Kashmir. I'll show you beautiful things when I take you there one day"

*GAG*

"Ok Maddy - it's time for me to go. But... can I take a photo of you?"
He obliged.
*snap*
"Now let's take one of us together"
"Not the way I'm looking now..."
"I told you you're beautiful... my doll"

What do I say? I don't know... except, "Thank you" HA HA HA

"Ok, so what time can I come tonight?", he asked AGAIN.
"Maddy, I'm sorry, but..."
"Can I have your phone number or e-mail address?", he asked.
"Why don't you give me yours?", I said.

In my notebook, he wrote his name, number and email address. And then he wrote 1-4-3.

1 : I
4 : LOVE
3 : YOU

I made my way to the exit, only to realize that I was the only person the tourguide was waiting for~! I left the store and stepped out into the blistering heat once again. As we drove off, I smirked thinking about Maddy from Kashmir. Poor guy must be lonely and bored out of his mind. I imagined him reading cheesy pick up lines from trashy magazine and websites to pass his time.

I didn't believe everything he said, but I have to admit - whether he meant it or not... those 20-25 minutes were a slight ego boost :)