AAH....Multiplex!!

The first visit to multiplex was truly a memorable one. The escalator was scary, to say the

least. The vision of putting feet onto the first available stair was somewhat daunting. After a

few words of coaxing and some more of anger, I gingerly put one foot and then another. The

smirking and amused looks of bystanders made me feel terribly awkward and my attire of

baggy salwar and kameez looked totally out of place amongst tight jeans and miniskirts. The

‘theatre’ had many screens, as against the single huge screen as I had seen earlier. I fondly

remembered the ‘cinema hall’ with its winding staircase and a huge mirror which reflected

the many faces climbing up to see their screen gods lighting up the screen. In the multiplex,

however, everything sparkled and shone like a mirror. The sunny light created an illusion of

cheerful and friendly environment. It was fun sitting in the plush chairs and all the more fun

watching the ‘sofa’ and those occupying it. ‘Stop staring, ma’ hissed my daughter and I

reluctantly averted my eyes. The scene on the sofas seemed more interesting than those on

the screen!

I watched the hero mouthing platitudes on patriotism, honesty, loyalty and wondered if it was

the same hero who was hauled up by the tax authorities for evading them. I observed the

pretty heroine, who would be just about half the hero’s age, trying to heave and thrust,

wondering about the ordinary girl on the street attempting to dodge roadside Romeos and

being told to cover up and behave, though she was dressed in a conservative way. My reverie

was broken as I heard hushed and angry tones from the back seat. Obviously, a marital fight

triggered by some dialogue on screen, I thought, resisting the urge to look back. The noise

stopped suddenly as a man got up and walked out of the row in a huff. I looked around

casually and was surprised to see many people glued to their mobiles, texting and talking in

not-so-low tones. I caught many titbits of conversation and enjoyed them thoroughly. How

insipid the dialogues on screen seemed as against these ‘live’ debates! People are the same, I

thought, whether they visit ‘cinemas’ or multiplexes.

A pretty young lady approached me with a smile during intermission.’ You would like a cake

or some coffee, maam?’ I was totally bowled over by her dress, mannerism and humbleness. I

was also pleased as the heavy price paid for gaining entry into the multiplex included this

politeness and some coffee too. ‘ coffee. Please’ I said with a broad smile. A small paper cup

containing some hot liquid was handed over as she patiently waited for me to finish it. I

wondered if the same quantity could be given to my maid, instead of the big cuppa she

insisted on, immediately after her arrival and before starting any work.’ That would be

two hundred and seventy bucks, maam’ her smile bore a direct contrast to my shocked and angry look!