Smile is contagious !

Vicky was puzzled.

There are few housekeeping staff on the floor, who are always heads down, doing some cleaning work in an office floor where 300 of white collar, well paid, IT professionals work.

A society, like that of India, does not encourage a lot of "chit-chat" / "pleasantries" across such class differences.

Vicky was puzzled because from last few days he notices one thing, which is very uncommon. Few of these housekeeping staff, when they make eye contact with him in the break out area or corridor, "smile" at him.

Normally, stressed looking, these young women smile at Vicky and all of a sudden look comfortable cross path with him. And the difference is visible.

Vicky, started analyzing the root cause of the "smile". Is he someone who breaks the age old class barrier just by his presence ? What else could be going on ? Why don't they smile at anyone else ? Vicky does not remember any interaction with them. No verbal or non-verbal interaction with them, he can recollect.

So, what makes them comfortable and make them smile at him ?

He grabbed his cup of tea and walked right in to Betaal's office and narrated the puzzle in his mind.

Betaal dug deep in to his experience and smiled at Vicky - and explained !

"Vicky ! When you get out of your office to catch a cup of tea, there is always a nice, cordial smile on your face ! You might be thinking something, looking at something else. I ve noticed that smile on your face - most of the time. And you carry it even if you are unaware of it. What these people are doing is they are "reciprocating" your smile.

The difference is seen by you ! Not by them. Most of the people you bump in to, on the hallway or in the break out area, smile at you. You think its customary to acknowledge the presence and have the non-verbal pleasantry exchanged. Its OK and USUAL for you when they are your colleagues. It does not register in your head that they are smiling at you.

But, you carry the smile any way. And these people are reciprocating it, and you notice it and register it because, you did not expect it."

Vicky was relieved in a way ! Yes ... the smile he gets is a mere reflection. And reflection is beyond class division !