#officelomance

The conductor in the taxi to work was brash. “Fare to Kampala is 2,500 shillings, Kalerwe 2,000!”
Of course he was overcharging but he didn’t give a damn.
It was a take it or leave it affair.
I couldn’t afford to be late so I hopped on.

“2,500 to K’la, 2,000 Kalerwe!” he stated to everyone who moved towards the car, slamming the door in the face of anyone who dared to haggle.
At one point, a passenger who had not “properly” heard the fare attempted to argue.  
The way he put up his two fingers to show its 2k, or the door! 
You could think he was going to beat her. 

Fast forward to Mpererwe. 
Two young ladies got on. 
One took a seat at the back, the other next to him. 
After a few minutes the neighbor struck up a conversation. 
Her voice, and closeness, must have had an immediate effect- like a wonder-drug of sorts, because he dropped his slouch to adopt a straight back, his brow un-creased, and the line that was his mouth broke out into a smile as he cocked his head towards her, listening attentively.
He even forgot to call out to potential clients as the taxi, filled with empty seats, sped towards town. Ah! The power of a woman. It can soften even the toughest of edges (and egos). 

At Kalerwe, his interest got off and gave him two 1,000 shillings’ notes - for her and her girlfriend. He dropped his eyes. 
Like a shy schoolgirl.
I did not hear but I definitely saw him mouth the words- “Zino genda onywemu soda.” 
It was so soft. 
And he handed back her money. 
Stealthily. 

Then we sped off. 
It did not take him long to return to his former ways, threatening one passenger that if he didn’t “add 500 shillings he would find somewhere else to pass, but definitely not through the main door!!”