Licence of happiness

(The thick browsing window shoppers, lovey-dovey newlyweds, pardah clusters, children with the runs and floor cleaners maneuvering their livelihood through the aimless crowd.

The mall was full.

Faces shimmered over smartphones. Some looked dull, some smiled, some cold, others hollow. Fingers kept scrolling.

I settled on one of the limited, scattered woody benches meant for the less enthusiastic shopping companion. Unbeknown to me that I would write on the conversation I had with the woman beside me.) Being a mom for the first time and earning a phd are justifiable. But getting a driver's licence?

I believe life has more significant moments to offer, especially for a working woman.

(I responded a bit questioningly, but more curious on her comment.) "Back in the 80's we had an Ambassador car, but no one in my family knew how to drive one. So, my father would hire a driver for our summer vaccation trips. As I grew up, I wanted to learn driving so as to be the first person to posses a driver's licence in my family. It was just a wish. I wasn't serious about it." "But I got my driver's licence. Three months back" So is it the joy of being the first "licencee" in the family? "Yeah, you could say that. But moreover it was the freedom that came with it. A different sort of freedom." "I no longer required my husband to drive me home from work or annoy him to buy groceries. Actually he's the one relieved that I got my licence."(Chuckles) How did the kids react? "Well, they say they can run faster than the speed at which I drive." (And there in the aimeless, buzzing crowd, two strangers burst into laughter. And soon, she made her point) "I may not be a quick driver. But I drive safe."

#beyondfaces #Licenceofhappiness