34
The
Sidewalk
Salsa
T
he other day, I was walking down the street.
I wouldn’t call it deserted, there sure were a
few people wandering. As always, I was lost in
thought paying little heed to the happenings around.
All of a sudden, I realized that I was about to
walk into someone. Anticipatorily, I moved to my
right and he in a similar manner moved, but to his
left. This continued for a couple of times more
when we finally came to a consensus, exchanged
a smile (despite the awkwardness) and parted
ways. So, in essence, the anticipation on both
sides was futile, rather, counterproductive.
This whole ‘sequence’ seemed intriguing to
me and I turned to google (where I am also
about to get my other medical degree) to
find out more. It has happened to me many
a time and I’m sure it must have happened
to you too. More so, if you too prefer to be with-
drawn from reality, at least while walking alone. As
expected, google did not fail to disappoint. There
happens to be a phrase for this - the Sidewalk
Salsa. The ‘sequence’ is surely reminiscent of