A lot has been said and written on relationships that last a lifetime. And why not...these relationships are that part of everyone's life which brings lasting comfort and happiness. Family and a few close friends become an indispensable part and parcel of everyone's life.
But life is full of various crossroads. People meet at a junction and then proceed on their own separate ways. They just serve a purpose sometimes. These are relationships whose lifetime/duration is small.
I recently experienced this (as I am sure many of you must have experienced this too) at our very own Passport Office,Pune.People from every possible background,age,caste and creed queue up in front of the Office since 7 in the morning. By the time the Office opens up at 10 there are hordes of people awaiting their turn to come up.
The overall scenario is both-quite interesting and dull-at the same time. What first caught my attention were kids. Many got irritated by the long wait. Mothers trying to pacify the frustrated ones or minding the naughty ones. Then as everyone has lots of time to while away people start chatting with the person in front or behind.
Most of the conversations start with question regarding the documents required and the forms brought. Then people correct each other,explain the things required regarding photos,forms etc. Then the most important is the cursing part which has to be a part pf your conversation. Everyone curses the Passport Authorities,blame the system and the overall procedure. Some give various suggestions on how the system can be improved while some compare it with that of other countries. People asking for glue,stapler,pen etc is a common sight.
Then finally your turn comes and you enter the Office. There are various counters where again there is a small queue. Here you may meet new people with newer problems and questions. The relief on your face when the form is finally accepted and you give a thumbs-up to your new acquaintances :). Or the general dismay when it is rejected for small reasons :(
Thats it. Your new journey with these new companions is over. Its nice to see how people who neither know each other nor would ever see each other again open up and help each other out. It begins with just a few looks or a few anxious questions. And ends just as quickly too. Then everyone proceed on their respective paths without a backward glance.
