J & L

Jessica
Earrings, fake diamond (small party), but sophisticated looking - Rs. 250/-
Bracelet to keep the image of feminineness - Rs. 500/-
Matching necklace - Rs. 2000/-
Hairdo (just basic touch-ups) - Rs. 2000/-
Perfume (quintessential) - Rs. 700/-
Make up, essential, branded - Rs. 5000/-
Shoes, branded, out last month - Rs. 3000/-
Manicure, pedicure, facial at the last minute - Rs. 3000/-
Dress/Saree the right shade to compliment the iris color - Rs. 30,000/-
Matching purse/bag - Rs. 7000/-
Attention when making an entrance into the hall - 400 souls.
That first impression of looking like a goddess - Priceless


Then she opens her mouth to engage in a conversation.
"Jess, you look absolutely beautiful!"
"Thanks"
"Where did you get that outfit?!"
"This old thing? It was just lying in my closet, and I thought it could use a night out"
"You thought right"
"Thank you!"
"Anyway I was just saying to Tina, don't you think all these changes in the education system are screwing up the country?!"
"Hm..."
"I just think that we're losing sight of the whole point"
"Yeah..."
"Seems like a horrible idea, whoever thought of it"
"Sure..."


Time the impression of a goddess lasted - 2.35 minutes.


Liza
Shirt, half price at a sale - Rs. 150/-
Jeans, after purchase of three sister shirts - Free
Lip balm for dry lips - Rs. 30/-
Shoes, borrowed from a friend - Free
Purse in jean pocket, bought in a reduced-price-for-two scheme - Rs. 50/-
Attention when making an entrance - would rather pay to not get this.
That first impression of "what the...?!" - Priceless


Then I open my mouth and engage in a conversation.
"Liz, come on man, this is a party, you look embarrassing!"
"I forgot to do my laundry, okay?! Lay off!"
"This is a party! No harsh talk! So tell us Liz, what do you think about the new law concerning primary and secondary education at school level?"
"What law?"
"Didn't you read the news paper?"
"Sorry, no, I've been busy with my experiments"
"Oh yeah, how are you doing on that front"
"Quite good actually. I've made a lot of progress. Wanna hear about it?"
"Of course! Fill us in!"
"Well basically..."


Time the impression lasted - 1.25 minutes.