It was an unusual morning. I had unexpectedly scored
exceptionally well in a test that I thought I would flunk in (worth mentioning
because it is a miracle!). I had sneezed 20 times more than I usually do.
Everything was unusual about the situation – the place (my much unpredicted
trip to Mumbai), the time (3 AM in the morning), the weather (very cold; something
that I never get to experience). I was abnormally laid back about my early
morning flight; as if I did not care. My bag was not packed and I had no idea
about what I had pack either. It is so not me I thought. I always flip out when
I am slated to travel. But today, I wanted life to take its course.
We left at 4, well past the time we should have. We were
supposed to discuss all serious things on the way to the airport. My family always
takes the pain to drop me off to the airport and waits till I check in, be it
any time of the day. It was 4 am and the discussion started. The lists were
refined. Our thoughts aligned for the first time. I could not believe it simply
because I and my parents never thought on the same lines. None of us would ever
compromise on anything. And it was never about ego. Ego does not really exist
in my family. It has always been about views – different minds different ideas.
So we reached a consensus. And everything was resolved. I was happy that they
were happy. My happiness never matters to me. I always want my family to be
happy. Period.
The last month had been terrible for me personally. I was
forced to take a lot of decisions – all of which were desperate. I wonder how
my brain thinks! Evenings were detested for a reason. I spent hours on phone –
all crying. My parents were worried. Everyone questioned my impulsive decisions.
None supported. I know my decisions were a little haywire. But then I just
wanted to realize my dreams. And I was dying a little every time they disagreed.
My dream is the only thing I want right now. This very sudden trip to Mumbai was
only to make peace, to let my parents know that (howmuchever I go bonkers) I am
still theirs.
I checked in and swiftly moved around the airport. I am so
used to this place I thought. I can never get lost at this huge airport. My
brain starts churning and thinks brilliantly every time I visit that place. I
should have taken all my exams at the airport. Who knows I would have aced
every one of them! It is as if I belong there. I thought of shopping for some
time (yes, the airport is a shopping paradise) but the boarding had already
started. I checked in at foursquare, tweeted on twitter and hopped on to the
bus that led us the plane. Early morning flights are lovely (courtesy: free breakfast). I
never liked the service of this particular airline though (because of the not-so-good-looking hostess and the way
they handle luggage) but what the heck! They serve the best breakfast! (I actually
dream about their food!). So I comfortably took my seat, made a small talk to
the Saudi based south Indian seated beside me (one always sits beside me BTW)
and got so engrossed in the movie that I did not even realize that the plane
had taken off. I did not even realize the jerk (and that was not because of the pilot's efficiency) but because a) I had grown used to it or b) I had lost all my senses.
And it struck me…how much I am used to the pleasures of my
life (unfortunately all of which are expensive!). Frequent flying, chauffeur
driven cars, visiting the best restaurants in the city, staying at the best
places, buying the most expensive things impulsively – all have become an
integral part of life. I realized how material-driven life can be. But a Gucci
bag can make us happy just once. You grow over every pleasure of life and
sooner or later forget its significance. Maybe that’s when you should destroy
the desire. But I guess everyone is neck-deep into the material world already.
Everyone wears brands, every kid wants the best of the toys, every girl wants a
diamond, every man wants a Roland…and the list is endless. Personally, I am
drowned. And I see no signs of recovering either.
I wonder if material pleasure means happiness! It certainly
means a lot though. The pleasure is way over-rated; is rated well over happiness. I
am not really sure why the world has turned materialistic- competition maybe or
societal pressure. Because Mr. Singh has a BMW Mr. Chaddha will buy an Audi!
Everyone believes in ‘If you’ve got it…Flaunt it!’. I have realized that this
kinda attitude is difficult to be destroyed and is inherited too. ‘Man is
greedy’ and we have to accept it. The greed has taken over man and it rules.
The desire is so strong that none can really beat it. It has become the way of
life and soon it shall drive life. Or maybe it already does. We earn so that we
can buy things to flaunt and we try to earn more so that we can buy costlier
things the next time. It is a vicious cycle or even worse a ‘Maya jaal’ kinda thing
from the story books. A bigger car, lip gloss that shall make your lips fuller,
foundation with sheen…sab moh-maya hai! ‘Simple living and high thinking’ said someone
zillion years ago. I wonder if it holds true now! As I was trying to define ‘simple’
the pilot spoke in his supremely sensuous voice. I have never paid attention to
announcements but today his voice forced me to. We had landed and sunny weather
awaited me. I thought of peeping into the cockpit while leaving just to see if
the voice and personality matched. But ‘All that glitters is not gold’ stands
true for me on every occasion. So I politely left wishing the hostess hoping
that my luggage has not been man-handled this time.
