dreams

Meet Mr Gupta. I never got around to asking his name. The internet seems to suggest that Gupta is one of the most common Indian surnames. So I'll call him Mr Gupta, if you don't mind.

I met Mr Gupta at the void deck. He was checking his toto ticket against the papers with such intensity. Though I cannot see his face. But his body language betrayed his yearning for a fresh break in life. All his dreams can come truth in one swift turn of fate!

As it was plain rude to just take photos of someone this closeup, I spoke to Mr Gupta and seek his permission to take his picture. He grinned, folded his papers and set upright for a semi-formal portrait shot.

'no no. Toto! Toto!'

I gestured at the papers which he tucked away by his toolbox. He mistook my intention and ask if I wanted to take pictures of him working. As he replied, he got up eagerly and started to pick up his tools.

After further gesturing, he finally got my intention and started spreading the papers for a posed shot.

I saw the opportunity and snapped away feverishly, hoping to make up for quality through quantity. That's what amateurs with dSLRs do ok? If it is film, it's another story.

I love how serious Mr Gupta took the shoot. He assumed the exact position I saw him in when I met him and gamely posed for the shot.

After a few seconds of shooting, I shook his hand, thanked him and left, regretting not getting his name or a teh-peng for the trouble. Thank you Mr Gupta.