We cannot deny the importance of baqalas (small grocery shops) in a locality. As a matter of fact, these baqalas somehow become a center of attraction in a locality and a meeting point where people meet and exchange pleasantries every now and then. These outlets also serve as a source of “authentic information.” I jokingly say to my friends that these are NSA’s local outlets; one just needs to find a Snowden to acquire information.
Joking apart, these baqala people are well versed with the happenings of the area. They never fail in recognizing and welcoming a newcomer. On many occasions, I asked my baqala guy about some construction work in my area, he always provided me with authentic information — the details about the project and its purpose. They always try to strike a conversation with their customers, which really lighten up the mood.
Recently the baqala I frequent the most got an air curtain installed. Yes, I am talking about the menace that ruins one’s hairs while entering or exiting a place. The jet of air is undoubtedly irritating and if somebody is already on the path of getting bald and takes a long time adjusting his lock of hair in a proper way to conceal the ever-growing bald patch, this air curtain is more than a menace.
Anyway, I asked the baqala to hang a brush to comb one’s hair after entering and exiting the shop.
However, I never saw this unit functioning on Fridays and Saturdays. When I inquired from the guy at the counter about this, he replied with a smile: “It is enjoying the new five-day-week.” What he actually meant was that the inspectors were not on duty on Fridays and Saturdays to check. So the air curtain too enjoyed the weekend. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
