I
The man, in mid thirties, appeared educated and pretty elite . He was smoking a cigarette standing at the entrance of a restaurant. I needed space to enter and the air had that thin layer of smoke. I politely asked him to shift a little farther than the entrance to avoid discomfort. He looked at me with very hostile eyes and didn't move.
II
He didn't appear like a well groomed person. Must be around 30. Someone rough and tough from the looks whom one will prefer to keep at arm's length. He was sitting on a step smoking right at the entrance of the shop where I visit everyday to pick up packets of milk. I asked him to move a little away so that those coming to the shop at that early hour will be able to get better air. He said, "Sorry sir, " and got up to move at a safer distance. His eyes didn't show any hostility, face remained calm and he was comfortable with my request.
Once again the saying that looks can be deceptive had proved right. Eyes truly are the mirror of one's inner space.
Let us all choose to be kinder and considerate about others to ensure that we don't harm any one. And even if we do it unintentionally, apology needs to be spontaneous stemming from the purity of heart with the resolve never to repeat a mistake again.
AK