As I was leaving the station this morning I spotted Arpit outside, looking a bit lost.

Had it been a few months ago, before I started on this strangers journey, I probably wouldn't have stopped and chatted to him but the project has changed me and instead I went up to him and asked him if he was OK.

Arpit was indeed lost, he was looking for a hotel which was at the far end of town, we were in the centre, so I decided to walk him half-way.

As we were walking, chatting away, I noticed he kept on looking at pieces of paper in his hand, on which were scribbled notes of some kind. I had to ask him what they were.

"It's a play," he replied
"Oh! Did you write it?"
"No, I know the people who did. They're putting a production on and I'm learning the lines from it"
"Do you have it learn it by a specific date?"
"Yeah, now, I'm going to the audition as we speak"
"At the hotel? Wow, good luck!"
"Thanks - it's a passion of mine, like photography is yours I presume..."

So while I didn't have intentions of getting a portrait at the time, I felt because of the encounter with Arpit I should try and remember it.

I asked Arpit to let me know if he got the part, I hope he did. He did look a little stressed, can you see that from the portrait? Being lost and late doesn't help one's nerves, especially in these situations!


Humans of Leeds