Things That Bang

A couple of days ago while waiting at the parlor I found myself sitting next to two women in burqas. The veil was lifted and they chatted with my daughter. I smiled at them and they smiled back. I continued to read my magazine. It was natural for women to wait amicably at a beauty salon and I had nothing against women in hijabs. Well, nothing until one of them took her hijab off and made me catch my breath.

Her colorful clothes under the severe burqa jarred my senses. It was as if from complete darkness I had walked into burning sun shine. She looked beautiful in her garish orange and red sequined salwaar kameez. I tried not to stare. She caught me staring and I gave her a sheepish smile and returned to my magazine. The printed words dance in front of my eyes while my senses reeled.

I couldn't comprehend why beauty is to be kept hidden from the world.

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