Cynical ramblings

Idealism is the precursor to experience; cynicism is what follows it.

There is so much of truth in this saying. I read it on the internet the other day and I was kind of left pondering about it. Thats exactly what I feel or would rather say, has gone through. Cynicism is definitely the best way to put an end to the huge galore of selfishness and corruption in the society. One can regard a modern day cynic as a social critic whose opinions can help bring some changes in the society. But at the same time, being at the extreme end of cynicism can undo the good and lead to a withdrawn state of affairs for the person in question. More often than not, the word "cynical" is associated with numerous negative qualities like bitterness, angry etc. But that is not what it actually is. Cynicism, in milder terms, can go long ways. Being cynical to a certain extent does work like a defense mechanism against people with wrong intentions but at the same time, this lack of trust may cause the person to miss out on the more delectable things in life.

My ramblings on cynicism would be incomplete without mentioning Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of the novel, The Catcher in the Rye. He is what I would say, a perfect embodiment of phoniness and cynicism. He exemplifies delinquency and is often referred to as an anti-hero. But somehow, there is something about him that really fascinates me to the hilt. Yet to figure out what exactly it is.

Since you have left....

What would you do if the person you have loved the most has just moved out of home, leaving a note saying that he wont be back and that you shouldn’t try searching him. The pain, the anguish, the shock, there was an entire gamut of emotions that I went through when I came back home from office only to see this note lying on the study-table. My bro’ had left. Left me, left home, left Mom and Dad. The pain is surmounting. This incident just made me feel as if I have failed. Failed as a sister and as a friend that Kunal needed. I wish I could just turn back time and be the most ideal sister and friend that he could have ever asked for. I wait for my prayers to get answered and Kunal returns back. I really wish and pray for that. I have sent him so many mails and with each mail, a hope that he would return, a hope that at least he will call up. But I guess all this is not sufficient. Kunal, wherever you are, just remember one thing dear! Mom, Dad and me are missing you a lot and more than that, a lot worried about you. Please call up the very moment you read this. Please don’t make it too late because with every passing moment, we are getting weaker without you. You are our lifeline, our strength, our reason for living. Without you, everything is just as meaningless as if it never existed. Just come back and everything will be great. The four of us – our family. We love you a lot, Kunal. And now I can tell you, you just don’t have a clue as to how very much we love you and you mean to us. Just please come back. Waiting for you…

You just start..

Yes.. that’s exactly what I used to tell Kunal when we were kids. Alright, lemme just tell you on what occasions I used to blabber that. Sundays were the best and most awaited days in the week..the reason being that Dad used to take me and Kunal to a bookstore in the mornings and generally for rides in the evenings. But at the same time, we made it a point to pop in the question to Dad if he would buy us books. Sounds pretty much simple and straight, doesn’t it? Well, it was always Kunal who did the talking , the reason being that he seemed to have tremendous faith in me to muddle up the situation and screw our chances of going out by saying something utterly stupid and ridiculous. We used to have this plan – one Sunday, it would be him and the other Sunday, it would be me. With his turn, there was never a problem. The issue actually used to crop up when my turn came. I used to ask him to just start with the talk with Dad and then assure him that I would take over. This is how it used to happen.

Me: lets go to Dad. You just start and I will continue. I would be standing right behind you.
Kunal: Sure? You backed off the last time.
Me: Aww.. this time I wont. Trust me. I will give you something nice if you help me with this.
Kunal: Like what?
Me: How about my new paint box? (depending on whatever was my last buy and definitely the most treasured one)
Kunal: Ok. That would do.

Kunal: Dad. We were just wondering that…. (waiting for me to speak up)
Dad: Yeah, what is it?
Kunal (muttering): Didi, say. Your turn now!
Me: Umm.. haaann… (looking petrified as if I am dumb)
Dad: Tell me Kunal, what is it?
Kunal: Well, Dad, will you take us to the bookstore today?
Dad: Hmmm.. only if you complete our studies.
Kunal: Its Sunday Dad and we have completed everything Dad.
Dad: In that case, Mom will decide.
Kunal: Dad, please. There is this nice book that I haven’t read and it would be in the store now.
Dad: Ok. We will go in the evening.

Me: Great. We will go.
Kunal: Why would you? You didn’t say a word.
Me: But I ll let you use my paint box.
Kunal: Use. That paint box is mine now.

And then starts the chasing game. Me running to my shelf and clutching my paint box and running helter skelter. And Kunal performing the TOM act chasing me around.

And if you guys are wondering, where does all this end, it surely does when my Mom comes into the picture only to thrash me up. Poor me!

Needless to say, am missing those days and much more than that, Kunal. I love you a lot dear bro. Love you a lot!

Missing Kunal

Wherever you are, Kunal, and if you are reading this, just remember that your sister is very lonely and down in the dumps without you. She seriously is. I know you feel it but this time, you got to realize that its impossible for her to live without you. Please call her up. She is worried to death and unable to take it anymore. She will do whatever you want her to.. that’s the promise that she gives to you Kunal dear. Please check your mails and I am sure you will realize how very incomplete we three are without you with us. We are nothing without you darling. Please come back. I love you a lot. I really do.

Tata Nano – An Auto Revolution in the making??

The much hyped world’s cheapest car has been unveiled. Yeah, Ratan Tata has unveiled Nano at the Auto expo and needless to say, its been a good deal so far, so good. Aimed at the lower end of India’s transportation spectrum, Nano’s price has definitely created a buzz in the minds of the scooter-riding middle class man. Tata has said that they expect the car to revolutionalize the auto industry and I believe it will for sure, force other manufacturers to lower the price as well.

Sundays are restless nights

I read a recent article on the Internet, which read this. I was surprisingly happy. I am not the only one who thinks the same. In fact, as per this article, there was this survey carried out in Britain, which revealed that 60 percent of the employees in Britain have the worst night in the week on a Sunday night. That of course, is undoubtedly credited to work related issues and pressures. I am pretty much sure much sure myself, the younger generation in India AKA the IT guys would be facing the same problem. Disrupted sleep leads lack of concentration at work, odd naps at the workplace and of course, increased irritability towards co-workers and maybe, even family. The survey also claimed that people tend to have the best sleep on a Friday. Oh.. do I even have to mention that? That goes without saying, doesn’t it? Chime in people!!

5 Friends I can’t wait to meet!

Yeah.. There are quite a number of them.. not that I don’t want to meet the others but then there are a few whom I really want to meet and be myself with. Yeah Yeah, I know it sounds a little too much like its clichéd but its true and I can bet my life on that! Lemme say now who are those lucky (that’s what I assume and think, let my ignorance be a bliss!!).. Here it goes!

1. Jeet – why?? Because I haven’t met him for ages –that’s why! And also for the simple and stupid reason that he thinks I am his lucky charm and so he wants me to go down and meet him before his placement week starts.
2. Punam – I miss pulling her leg and having outrageous fun with her…I really do.
3. Pushkin – ‘Coz he is married and ever since, he hasn’t had any time for US – his friends. So I just want to meet him and bash him up…Black and Blue if I can! Not to forget his “Elvis Presley” dance moves.
4. Sudha – long long time since I saw her.. wanna face her histrionics again!
5. Tulika – Wanna meet her and let history repeat itself!!

Black - An eternal style statement!

Black is back…It was not very soon when black was the “in” thing to wear when doubtful about the occasion. Whatsoever be the occasion, one could wear a black outfit and emerge as a stunner. Black is the color of power and authority, of style and grace, of charisma and poise. It has always been stylish and timeless. Fashion says that black is "sophisticated" "dramatic" and "safe" (aah!), so because the color ranges available are predominantly black, that is what people feel they have to buy. Then fashion houses continue to provide predominantly black clothes, because it is the best-selling color. It communicates sophistication and uncompromising excellence and creates a fashion statement of its own.

The end of a political dynasty

Benazir Bhutto's unexpected death due to an apparent suicide bomb attack has left the biggest political dynasty of Pakistan in jitters. It has brought to forth the end of the family. Benazir followed her father's footsteps not just in life but also in death. It was politics that caused the death of both father and daughter. With the deaths of both her brothers and now herself, all that remains is the memory of a faboulously bold and modern political clan of Pakistan.

Benazir symbolized a lot of things that were very unlike the typical politicians of the country. An iconic personality of the world tpday, her political career has both rises and troughs. She has both been loved and hated in her nation for her modern approach towards politics. Very often, a parallel is drawn between Indira Gandhi and her, the only difference being that she didnt get to attain as big as heights as Indira Gandhi.

I got to end this blog now. Otherwise, it would be very much evident that I am totally wholly smitten by the late Benazir Bhutto's iconic personality.