I Have Seen You But...

       Before starting, I want to say that everything written here is as real as it can get and though it is difficult, I will give my readers complete liberty to laugh... at my expense!!! Because, well, the situation demands it! So, here we go.

       Has it ever happened to you that you come across people who look familiar but you can't remember exactly who they are and how you know them? If yes, then welcome to the club. If not, well you definitely won't understand my pain. Because I belong to the first category. 

       It has happened with me so many times that I feel like I have seen the person somewhere but I cannot remember where exactly. I think hard, rack my brain to find the answer and solve the mystery but to no avail! Apart from distracting me and giving me a headache, the quest goes nowhere. The puzzle remains unsolved and the feeling is so frustrating! Imagine how it must be to live thinking your memory is getting weak day by day that you can't even recall a name!

       Still, it is all fine. Yes it is hard putting pressure on my brain cells to remember and fail. But that is not the worst part. The real problem starts when the person about whom you are trying to recall, identifies you and comes forward to have a little chat. All you can think of at that time is what if they find out you have no clue about who they are!

       It happened with me once that I was waiting for college bus. A girl in burkha came and stood by me. She was someone I was certain I knew but didn't know how! I had seen her few times in our bus already and each time our eyes met, she used to give me a smile. I used to do the same, all the while wondering who she might be. But that day, I was out of my stock of good luck. She came and stood by me and started a chat saying "Hi Swathi". Her voice indicated she was happy to talk. Now I had no way of escaping. Still, pretending like I was equally happy, I started talking too. We spoke about how college life is and about lecturers. I was beginning to relax thinking that my secret would be safe and my ignorance would go unnoticed. But it seldom happens that everything goes as planned. Soon one of my classmates came and stood by me and asked who it was referring to the girl I was talking to!

       Now I was in a fix. If she had asked me later, I would have told her I didn't remember her exactly but she is someone I knew. But now that she had asked in front of the girl, what was I supposed to say? I looked at the girl, who was smiling beside me, having no clue about the confusions going on in my mind! Internally cursing my classmate for putting me in such an awkward position, I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind. I said "I know her from school" It turned out that I was right because she nodded and said "We travelled by same auto during primary" Okay. So half of the riddle was solved. I thanked my lucky stars for coming to my aid. But as it happens, my classmate wasn't the one to stand quiet. "Won't you introduce me to her?" she asked and winked.

       Suddenly the whole plot became clear to me! I had once shared it with my classmate that I had seen this girl somewhere and I don't remember who she is. And now the idiot was having fun at my expense. Why didn't I remember it sooner? I could have steered the conversation to a different topic and saved myself from the embarrassment. But glutton for punishment that I was, I had totally forgotten the incident just like I had forgot the girl's name. Without having much choice, I turned to her with a sheepish expression and said "Err, the thing is, I forgot your name" Her expression was worth watching. If you chat with someone for a long time and then tell them you don't remember their name, I am sure you will get to watch such an incredulous expression too! She kept looking at me to see if I was joking. Did she expect me to say "Ha, Come on! I was kidding"? So sad for her, because I wasn't going to say that! Instead I said "I know we were school friends but I forgot your name" I know I shouldn't have said it but my wicked classmate had put me in such a position where I had no chance of escaping. The girl on the other hand, when she saw I really meant what I said, turned away and was about to leave. "Ayesha wait. I am sorry" I said. She turned back and said "Idiot! I thought you really forgot my name! Such a drama queen you are" I let out a sigh. The bus came, saving me from further embarrassments.

       Now, let me tell you a secret. I really didn't know her name. The thing is, I read in a school where muslim students were very far and few. In school, the only names I knew were Ayesha and Fathima. So, I just tried my luck and it worked out! Now, I wouldn't try and imagine what might have happened if she wasn't Ayesha! God save me if I get struck in a situation like that ever!

       After that incident, whenever I see someone and feel I have seen them somewhere but don't remember where exactly, I maintain a good distance from them till I remember. Well, I just don't want to take risks anymore! I love myself very much to end up with a purple eye or something!

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Mom and Facebook!!

       Facebook is a fun place when you have right kind of friends. The socializing, sharing, getting to know what is happening in each other's life, chatting; everything seems good. Sometimes, it is the best option to pass time. Everything looks good and happening. But what happens when your parents join Facebook? Well, that is when the real trouble begins!

       It all started when mom started learning computer few months ago. In the beginning, she used to say "These computers are not for me. I can never learn it. Leave it, it's a waste of time" My brother and I used to have a difficult time convincing her to learn. To make learning fun, my brother taught her how to use Facebook, so that there will be something interesting and motivating. After all, the thought of getting to know what her friends and family is up to, ought to pique some interest.

       Now, fast forward a few months.

Me: Mom, I want to use system.

Mom: Can't you see I am using it now? You go and read.

       After a few minutes,

Mom: Swathi!! Didn't I tell you to read?

Me: Mom! I am reading!

Mom: Don't lie to me! If you are reading, then who is liking pictures on Facebook?

       Oops!! Now I can't use Facebook as and when I want when reading. Were we wrong in teaching her? I wasn't sure.

       Few more days and she knew how to use Facebook perfectly. And started the endless questions.

• Why are you online all the time?
• Who is that who liked you status?
• Why did he like your picture?
• Why does he comment on everything you post?
• Who is this friend of yours?
• Why are you tagged in this post?
• (When a friend posted a Thank you video on my timeline, which was so popular few months back) Why is he thanking you? Why video?
• (When she saw me liking a post of  a blogger friend, which said she was selected for an anthology) Why don't you put status like this? If you don't tell anyone about your achievements, who will?
• (And the best/worst - when/if I put a new DP) Don't you read the posts? It's not good for girls to put pictures on Facebook. How many times should I tell you this?

       When mom first started using Facebook, I thought it was so cool. But now? I feel like smacking my brother for teaching her! He told me few minutes ago that he is planning now to teach her how to use Whatsapp!! What? Why? How? I couldn't even think of a proper response for that! If my occasional Facebook usage can cause so much trouble, what will happen when she starts using Whatsapp? Well, I just know one thing for sure. I will never be able to fake sleep and chat with friends till late! God save me!

PS: I do love my mom. But sometimes, just sometimes, the questions are difficult to answer.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

The Great Indian Litterbug

      Have you ever heard of 'The Great Indian Litterbug'? Think before you answer. Because, when I introduce to him, you will definitely say that you have known him all your life! Still confused about his identity? Okay. Let me introduce you to him.

       There is a saying that 'Whatever you take from the society, you have to give it back to the society' The Great Indian Litterbug is the person who has taken this way too seriously. But alas! He has a twisted sense of humor and what he gives back, is not something that I am happy about! He has made friends with so many Indians, and everyone influenced by him is taking part in his grand Littering campaign, the sole purpose of which is to enhance the beauty of the roads, walls, streets; basically everything!

       Do you know the contributions of this Great Indian Litterbug? Take a break from your busy schedule and look around you. Lets look at the walls first. You might have seen pictures of walls decorated with graffiti art and admired it. You might have even wished there were such beautiful creations near your place. Though there isn't graffiti on your wall, if you look closely, you will find another kind of art there, thanks to the Litterbug. People chew paan and spit it on the wall. You should see them in action. They even take bets on who will spit it the farthest. The trajectory plays an important role. 

       Oh, that isn't all. Have you ever dreamt of walking on red carpet? Did you ever wish you could someday achieve that dream? Don't worry at all. The litterbug is here to help you. Take your eyes off your mobile when walking and look at the ground. By chance, if you are in a public place like bus stand, then even better. Look around you. Every inch of the ground will be covered with spit. Just when you think you spotted a clean space and are about to move towards it, someone infected by the Litterbug will squash your hopes and spit right on the spot of clean land you were eyeing. There, you got to see him in action! Now tell me, do you still wish to walk on the red carpet?

       Spitting isn't the only thing! The maids are also highly affected by this litterbug. The other day, my neighbor's maid, after finishing her work at their home, came out and threw the garbage right in front of our home! I asked her why she threw it there and she asks me back "Does the road belong to you?" I couldn't quite answer that question! Across the globe, rain is seasonal. But in our country, it is always wise to carry an umbrella whenever you are walking in some residential area. You never know when the Litterbug will be pleased and decides to bless you. You are walking in front of a house and the next moment you know, you are standing as a victim of the garbage rain pouring from the balcony, courtesy - the Litterbug!

        I would rather not elaborate about the condition of the public toilets. Because, they are the safest, for the Litterbug seldom visits there. Instead, he goes out and stands in front of the wall or a pole, like a dog, and does his work. So much for the 'Don't urinate here' boards, for they are the places which attracts the highest number of Litterbugs!

       All places of scenic beauty are now under the mercy of Litterbug. Last year I had been to a beach. Litterbug had reached there before me and what a welcome he had prepared. It was like he was telling me "I am the king of this land and you people are under my mercy!"

      There is no stopping him. Every one of the ten people you meet is a Litterbug. If there is one person who stands true to the 'No discrimination' principle, then its him. Public places, roads, foot paths, walls, glasses, cars, shutters; there is no discrimination at all. There isn't a single place which is spared! If there is such a place you know, then think again! Because before you know, The Great Indian Litterbug will reach there too. Beware!!

       Read more about The Great Indian Litterbug here.

PS: This post is written for IndiBlogger and greatindian.timesofindia.com

Until the next post,
Keep Smiling :)

Love,
Swathi :)

      

A Shopaholic's Shopping Saga!

Whenever my mood is down,

And the world feels less of fun

There is one thing that never fails,

Shopping can lift my spirits again.

The wide range of products

And the unlimited choices I get!

Who said shopping is waste of time,

In my view, it's nothing short of heaven.

Oh that beautiful pearl set,

It will look beautiful I bet!

May be some matching clutch,

Of course! It would be a perfect match.

Oh what a pretty dress!

Its made just for me, I guess

There goes a matching stiletto,

Maybe what I just needed to go!

Wait! I forgot the books!

One or two, maybe more books.

The offers are so good to just let them go,

Add 'em all to the cart; lets go!

Go to the cart, lets check out

Seeing the bill I get a mini heart attack!

Not now, maybe some other time

And yet again, I promptly empty the cart!

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Techno Tribute!

Sitting at my desk,

I try to write my graduation speech.

Who should all I thank?

What in my life did they teach?

I would love to thank Google,

Who answered all my questions patiently!

Without whose help and guidance

I could never have passed definitely!

I would thank dear Wikipedia,

For sharing all those information!

Little changes were all I had to make,

And my assignments were near perfection!

Whats app, Facebook and Camera,

They helped us share homework!

Oh how can I forget the Xerox machine?

It helped to reduce the pile of work!

Online notes, PDFs and class groups,

They were all I needed!

Without which I don’t think

I could have ever succeeded!

I would like to offer my hearty thanks

To this wonderful technology!

I would never have graduated,

If not for its abundant help and generosity!

PS: Linking this post to the Ultimate Blog Challenge July 2014 and NaBloPoMo.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

A Funny Incident!

       A funny thing happened on my way to Vodafone office three days back. Well funny or not, it depends on whose perspective you are viewing the incident from! I had paid for net pack but even after three days, I didn't receive any data pack! Since semester results were to be announced soon, I was pissed off having no access to net. Having called customer care number of times and still not getting proper response, I decided to take the matter to next step. I went to the retailer who had recharged initially and he called the manager. He asked me to visit the nearest Vodafone office so that they can look into the matter and fix it!

       I was totally angry with the service they were giving. First they had made me wait for so long and now they were asking me to travel so far! I was tired of hearing their filthy reasons. So I stormed off angrily towards their office. Adding to my frustration, it rained! I usually love rains but when I reached the office, I was totally drenched and my boots were squeaking. It definitely was not a pretty sight and it only fueled my anger more. I located the office and started walking towards it.

      When I reached the place, I saw a guy on the other side who was about to come out. He would have just opened the door but since I wasn't thinking clearly, I grabbed for the handle before he could and started pulling it. He stopped and looked up from his cell and watched me struggle. Yes, I was struggling because no matter how much I pulled, the door wouldn't budge even a little! It was still raining and I was standing there, fighting with the door, swearing under my breath. It must have been quite a sight because the guy on the other side stood there watching with an amused expression on his face. I didn't know what it was that he found funny but for me, the situation was far from funny!

      After a minute, I gave up and threw my hands up in air. I saw him smirk and it was just fueling my anger. He was enjoying it more than he should! Once he saw me give up, he raised his hand and swiftly gave it a pull and the door glided effortlessly. Gosh! All the time, I had been pulling at the door that said push! The guy walked out and chuckled as he passed by me. That was so embarrassing! Blinded by anger, I had walked straight into a trap. I should have made quite a scene because I noticed two other girls shake their head looking at me! Just then my cell beeped. It was a message from Vodafone saying 'recharge successful'! If it had happened half an hour ago, I could have saved myself all the embarrassment! Sigh!

PS: This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda, the Ultimate Blog Challenge July 2014 and NaBloPoMo.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Diagnosis of Study Holidays!

       These days, there is a serious epidemic affecting students from all over the country! From college students to graduation students to post graduation students, everyone is a poor victim of this heartless disease! The disease however is found to be periodic, making its appearance only during certain period. Experts are trying to find a antidote to this but not much success has been achieved. While they try to find a solution, here is a diagnosis that I made which would help us understand the problem more clearly.

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Name: Study Holidays

Description: If there is a fever that can hit students in a magnitude greater than exams, then that must be the torture of Study holidays! Though it says study holidays, there is scope for everything except that; students can neither study nor can they enjoy these as holidays. When they try to study, the holiday mood and laziness takes over. And when we try to enjoy, guilt for wasting precious time, that takes out all the fun! In short, these days are nothing short of purgatory!

Age group of patients: 16 to 24 (or sometimes more)

Season: A month before Exams

Duration: A month or so, depending on the college and universities.

Primary Symptoms: Boredom, Insomnia, Tension, Mood Swings, Hike in creativity, etc

       The symptoms are rather found to be quite a long list! Some of the peculiar behaviors of the patients affected by this fever are as follows:

1. Everything except books become interesting. Even a dot on the wall or staring just at a blank wall that has been there since ages, suddenly seems like the most interesting thing on earth!
2. Textbooks look like their mortal enemies with whom they try to break up every single day, but fail miserably.
3. Interaction with patients affected by the same increase dramatically as they call each other everyday to find out what progress the other has made. ("How much did you finish?" being a commonly heard question) The telephone companies are found to make more profit during these days!
4. The patients make groups and try to fight the disease together by making plans for the coming days, like what to study, how much to study. But these remain just that, a plan!
5. Hunger suddenly increases dramatically during odd hours at the sight of text books and dies down at lunch and dinner hours!
6. Textbooks are always accompanied by their best friend - sleep! In the process of reading, textbooks end up being used as pillows.
7. There is a sudden interest in every activities whose mere existence was unaware before! This includes crafts, drawing, gardening, to mention a few!
8. There is a sudden interest in every Indian Saas-Bahu serial which were boring before! However, this interest is found to be temporary. Once the exam ends, the interest dies down automatically.
9. This one is especially seen in writers and/or Bloggers. Their head is brimming with ideas for different stories! But there is no time to write down. Why? Because they are too busy planning what to study!
10. The day starts with the thought "What to study?" which occupies the mind whole day, never posing an answer, and ends with regret for wasting one more day and promise to make it up the coming day! And this coming day never actually comes!
11. While some are found on Whats app and Facebook 24*7, some others are found performing dangerous stunts like deleting Facebook accounts and Whatsapp from their cell phones. However, after trying continuously, they give up on such stunts.

    

       Though the disease is not contagious, the symptoms like tension and anxiety is found to be affecting the people around the patients greatly, especially mothers!

Treatment: Though this disease is affecting students from decades, no effective treatment have been found for this yet. Some experts are of the opinion that Meditation and Pranayama helps. But these ideas are not tried. Reason? If all the time goes in thinking what to study, then from where will the poor students get time for these?

Thus the only technique that can cure this disease so far has been the completion of exams, which by the grace of universities, are dragged for months together.

The only people who are aloof from these days are the 'Toppers' Studies have told that the only reason for their developing resistance to this is their love of 'Text Books' which is beyond the comprehension of common people!

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If anyone of you reading this do know a solution, please feel free to share it. It can save many lives!

Sincerely,

One of the affected student :P

PS: Linking this post to the Ultimate Blog Challenge July 2014 and NaBloPoMo.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Phubbing!

       I was at my friend's home and we were having a chat over snacks. Shortly her mom joined us and we started talking about how college life is. We were thoroughly enjoying the conversation. Suddenly my friend received a text on her cell phone and after that it was like only me and her mom talking. She had completely dropped out of the conversation, just inserting some hmmms and ohs in the middle, without even paying attention to what we were talking! At some point, I got irritated and asked her "Who is it that you can’t wait to chat with till later? Is it your boyfriend?" And to my surprise she said hmmm. There was sudden silence in the room, I was looking at her mom, who was looking at my friend, and my friend was happily busy texting with a goofy smile on her face, totally clueless to the change in her surroundings. After sometime, she did lift her head and seeing our faces, she asked "What?" without realizing what she had said minutes ago. Of course it was a LOL moment for us; though it took weeks before her mom stopped suspecting her and watching her over like a hawk. This is an incident that depicts Phubbing.

       Online dictionary defines Phubbing as an act of snubbing people in a social setting by looking at your phone instead of paying attention. This act has become very common these days, what with everyone becoming the devotees of their cell phone. It is not just about texting; it can be anything like playing games (candy crush is in vogue of lately), checking mails, watching videos or just surfing the web. Most of the time, this Phubbing act can get very annoying!

       It's not that I don't indulge in this! I do. I am a normal human being after all! But with me, it’s not texting. I hate texting. Yes, you read it right. I am the kind of person who will call up someone if I have anything to ask rather than wasting hour’s texting. I hate texting, point straight! But it is blogging that I use my cell for. I keep reading and commenting on blogs when I have free time. It annoys whoever is with me as they think I am ignoring them! And let me tell you, I have been chastised for this act a lot by my mom and friends.

       This is what happens usually in Phubbing. Though we can't give up our cell phones totally, we can try and pay attention when someone is trying to strike a conversation instead of snubbing them off by looking at cell. It will help maintain relationships. Else while we keep trying to make friendship with people on the virtual world, the real ones will keep on weakening! So here are some little tips that we all can use 

• There is a life outside your cellphone! Learn to appreciate it!
• Chatting with friends on Facebook and Whats app is of course exciting; it lets you keep updated as to what is happening in their life. But paying attention to what is going on right beside you will help you keep you updated about your own life as well!
• Games are fun! How can I deny that? But have fun with friends while they are with you. Cell phone will be with you all the time to play games when you are alone and bored.
• Don't jump like a hungry wolf when you receive a text/mail notification on your phone. It will be there until you check it.  If it is very important, make sure you excuse yourself from the person you are talking with before you get busy with your phone.
• Music is everyone's favorite. But don't force your choice on others by playing loud music in public places! There is something called earphones; use it.
• And most important, if you are with your friends or family, people who matter, then avoid using cell phones all the time. Don't make them feel neglected!

       The list of do's and dont's can go on! But let me stop here. Do you have anything to add? Or perhaps an incident to share?

PS: Linking this post to the Ultimate Blog Challenge July 2014 and NaBloPoMo.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Soul Switch - WOW #14

       "Can't you do such a small thing for me? I am tired" said my dad when I declined to go drop my grandmother to bus stand. "You go dad, you are free. I have loads to read" I said, as usual making studies as my excuse. He was angry. He left without speaking a word. I didn't care. I was tired of reading whole day and didn't wish to go anywhere. He could relax when he came home but it wasn't the same for me. I had assignments to complete and exams to read for! How can he expect me to do more? I slept thinking how life is unfair.

       Next morning when I woke up, I was feeling uncomfortable. My whole body was hurting and I couldn't stretch as the place seemed congested. I sat up groggily and noticed I was sleeping on the sofa. Strange! I didn't remember coming here! I walk towards the wash basin still sleepy and take my brush. As I start brushing I look into the mirror and see dad. "Good morning Dad" I said and my reflection mimicked me. I was confused! I turned around and saw that dad wasn't anywhere near and when I look back into the mirror, the bewildered eyes of dad were staring back at me. "NO!!!" I let out a shriek as realization dawned upon me! I ran to my room and see myself sleeping peacefully. "Dad! Wake up!" I shook my body feeling like an idiot with the addressing! I saw slowly as he woke up wondering why I was disturbing him at such an early hour. His face (or rather mine) described a wide range of emotions from irritation to confusion to shock to disbelief. "What the" he started looking at me and then his reflection in the mirror. "Soul exchange" I completed.

       Once the initial shock wore off, his eyes twinkled with mischief as he said "Lets get on with this. I am fed up with that office anyways. You live my life today while I live yours. I am sure it will be fun" he said as he tried to go back to sleep. I couldn't believe what he just said! Well if he wanted it to be so, then I would do it. "Fine dad. Lets do it. Lets start with your first task. The book is on the desk. You better start reading as you have to attend internals today. Now you don't want your darling daughter to score less, do you?" I smiled and left the room satisfied with the chagrin I saw on his face. It's 1-0 I thought with a mental hi-5. I went back to bed thinking I would just skip his office taking sick leave. But luck wasn't with me. Dad said I had to go as his colleague was on leave and he had to complete the accounts today! I grudgingly woke up and got ready changing the score board to 1-1. "It shouldn't be difficult" I thought. Just a matter of 9 hours and I can rest for the whole day, I consoled myself as I left for his office.

       Office was hell as I didn't know what to do. So many customers were flowing in asking for details which I didn't know. Manager called me in and gave me the task of completing the accounts. He said he wanted it to be done soon. I had to send a few mails which were the only tasks I completed successfully. The account book looked like a monster that would swallow me up. So many figures and so many calculations! The sun outside was burning and the office didn't have an AC either as dad worked in a village that is at 2 hour journey from our home. And my body was hurting like hell from the travel along that poor road! I cursed dad for sleeping on the sofa and made a mental note to ask him the reason later. 

      By the end of the day, I was totally exhausted. The accounts were still pending. I had taken a few trips to the manager's cabin and one time he even scolded me for a mistake that wasn't mine! I wanted to talk back but realized that would put dad in a difficult position. I swallowed my pride and stood there listening to him without speaking a word. When you work under someone, you have no choice than to listen to them, I learnt. I returned home by 7 pm tired from standing in the bus throughout the journey as the bus was filled with people returning to their home for weekend! "2-1 dad! I lost" I thought as I entered home. I expected to see dad's victorious face seeing my condition but the situation was different.

      Dad looked as tired as me. He told waking up early and reading wasn't a good idea as he had lost that habit. Internals had took the best out of him and the lectures that followed weren't great either. He even was caught yawning and the lecturer had given him an assignment as punishment. "How could he do that! It was just a yawn" he said still not believing the absurdity of it all. It seemed that he was writing the same and now was tired of it. He wanted some rest as his head hurt from staring at the laptop whole evening. "2-2" I thought as I smiled lightly. "But dad, why were you sleeping on the sofa yesterday?" I asked. "Well it was late when I returned from bus stand. I didn't want to disturb anyone" he said and I felt my eyes turn moist. I didn't speak a word and went inside to rest, wishing this would end.

       I dreaded opening my eyes next morning! I didn't want to go through my dad's routine again! I was stalling time when dad came and woke me up. I looked at him. He was... well he was himself which meant I was back in my body! The soul switch had been reversed and I was so ecstatic. I apologized to my dad for being rude a day back when he had given me some work. He waved it aside saying he understood it wasn't easy being me either. Whatever the reason was, the switch had helped us understand each other better and I respected him even more, now that I had lived his life. "Well the assignment is still incomplete" he said sheepishly. "Oh that's nothing your daughter can't handle" I replied with a wink, glad to be back to my own self!

image source: google images

PS: This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Stationery Chats - WOW #13

       The whole town sleeps peacefully under the moon light. The tiredness of the day making them sleep like a log. Some are dreaming and some are snoring, unaware of the outside world. Mean while some where in the corner house of street three, under the dim light of a zero candle bulb, a muffled cry is heard.

       Seeing the new pen cry, all other stationery items get worried and they start enquiring the reason. "She bit me today" said the pen in between uncontrollable sobs. The pencil is empathetic, having gone through the same pain. "I know how you must be feeling. I totally hate her" says the pencil, wincing as it recalls the torment it had been through. "But wasn't she scolded by her mom last week for the same?" asks the pen stand, all worried. "Oh she has been scolded for that a million times but that kid is stubborn. She doesn't listen to anyone. Moreover she says, she gets ideas while biting the pen. What an excuse!" says the stapler, enlightening the new comers about the norms.

       "She is a monster" says the pen, horrified hearing the news! There is a loud cough and every body turns in that direction. "Oh poor sharpner" wails the scale seeing it covered with dust. "Ever since she has bought that new lead pencil, she hardly looks at you" The sharpner smiles faintly. "I wish she would at least keep the desk clean. Look at the amount of dust here! Such a dirty place" says the pen cringing. "Have you seen her brother's desk? There is not even a speck of dust there. Life was so good until she brought me here" sobs the stapler, remembering the good old days.

image source: eisforidiot.wordpress.com

       The pen wriggles trying to breathe. There was no space to even stand freely in the pen stand. It was filled with lots of unused items. Empty pens, old pencils, sketch pens, markers. "She doesn't have the right to treat us this bad. We have to stand up against her! Else she will continue this way forever" says the pen who could no longer contain the frustration. "Look at her sleeping peacefully, leaving us like this! It's time for pay back. Lets attack her" says the pen, the nib shining under the faint light coming from the bulb, as if mirroring its zeal. "How do you plan on doing it?" asks the eraser. "Oh that's easy. The compass can give me a ride. And the scale and erasers can form a see-saw with the help of which we can go there and pierce her. Let her taste pain and she will understand our position" answers the pen with a wicked edge in its voice.

       "Quiet kid" a loud voice says and every one turns towards the source. The diary that lays in the corner which was a silent observer till now speaks. "Just because you had a rough day, doesn't mean you have to get all worked up like this. Poor girl, she is having a hard time with exams nearing and so little time left to read. She even had a fight with her friend today because of which she is upset. You don't have the slightest idea of what she going through. So just keep quiet and learn to endure" it says, a ring of authority evident in its voice. "Yeah. She is not that bad. I am sure life will turn to normal once her exams are over. And you will find out what a coolest person she is" chirps the paint brush remembering the fun it had painting. All the stationery items feel ashamed for having forgot all those happy moments and joining in with the pen in its insane mission. They thank the diary for reminding them the truth. 

       Meanwhile the alarm rings and I wake up. Oh God! What a dream it was! I go to the desk, to pick up my book and find all the items exactly like I had seen them in the dream. Was it really a dream? Gosh!! Do they really hate me? I hug my diary tightly, thanking it for being on my side and make a mental note to clean the desk that evening.

PS: This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)