WHEN THE PRICE AIN'T RIGHT

Let me share two experiences.

My mom bargains in “Legendary” mode. Once a shopkeeper demanded Tk X for a pair of sneakers to which my mom countered, “Heh. I'll pay one-third of that price.” Five minutes later she walked out with the shoes followed by her awestruck son. The mystery remains unsolved.

Next, my grandmother. Now a person would walk away if the CNG driver didn't agree on a reasonable fare. Not this woman. She would stop the vehicle mid-road and tell the driver “nicely” how he's only in one piece because of all that green grill, while I would stand on the pavement, ROFL-ing at the scene.

So the next time you see some haggling action, focus on the artist. They're a totally different kind of creature altogether.

– Kazi Akib Bin Asad, Sub-editor, SHOUT