A restaurateur of a joint, where I dine regularly for its clean and economically priced menu, kept staring at me every time I visit. I am used to stares, mostly by men, because women usually don’t prefer to look at men who have long grey beards; they don’t consider that as an attribute of a high value competent man. Strangers (men) have approached me, shook hands, and have complemented me for my long beard for time immemorial now. But this stare was something else, it was embarrassing and unsettling.
He is always seated at the billing desk. I would pay for the food, avoid his eye contact, get my food, eat, and leave the place. After a couple of days the restaurateur gathered some courage and asked me, “are you an astrologer?” I said, “yes.” For a moment I was wondering how did he get to know? Is he some kind of a psychic himself? Well, later realised that he would have noticed my car on which I have clearly pasted sticker that says, ‘Know Your Future’, Askenni.com, (Astrologer).
No further communication occurred for the next couple of days. And after a week or so, he posed his next question, “so how do I consult you?” I replied, “you need to fix an appointment.” He said, “ok.”
A month passed by and this time when I was at the billing counter, the guy was surrounded by few of his friends. Referring to me, he told them, “he is an astrologer, and we need to take appointment to meet him.” I am still not sure what life purpose does that kind of referral solve, but then I smiled and went about my business.
I personally don’t introduce myself as an astrologer to anybody. Whoever knows me as one, is after having gone through my website or finding me on the internet/social media. Or else I am sure people would think of me as an old retired man who has failed in the mission of becoming a materially successful spiritual leader. I prefer to stay that way to avoid unnecessary attention and chats with strangers, which I hate from the bottom of my heart.
With 20+ years of experience as an Astrologer, I knew he would never become my client. I refrained from expounding upon my astrological prowess or accomplishments. “Do you focus solely on horoscopes, or also on Vastu Shastra?” he queried after a fortnight. To which I curtly replied, “Both,” before resuming my meal.
Two months flew by, and he kept staring at me while I lunched. I changed my seating position in a way he would see by back and not my damn face while I eat my meal peacefully. Yet, I could feel that eery feeling of someone watching you while you are busy at something. And then the judgement day had finally arrived, “how much do you charge for a consultation?” He asked. I immediately thanked God – for all my problems would come to an end from today. “You can visit my website https://www.askenni.com and check the shop. All my services with their respective charges are showcased there clearly,” I replied.
I am sure he checked my website, and also my service charges, because the last time I visited the restaurant, he avoided eye contact with me and stuck to his business.
May tranquility reign.