Turn it Off

All mosques just like other places of worship carry signs that read “Switch off your cell phones” at the entrance. In spite of it, some of us forget to switch off or silence our cellphones. Once in a while the peace and quietness of a congregational prayer, is completely lost to a latest Bollywood or Kollywood tune. But then sometimes the owner, does not cut the call, as “unnecessary actions” are not encouraged during the ritualistic prayer. In spite of stares from all sides, the owner continues his prayer. He behaves as if he is so deeply involved in his prayer that he cant hear his cell ring. Moreover he believes it is completely forbidden to fetch the cell from his pocket and turn it off. How do you explain to the hypocritically pious that a small aberration from a religious norm, can do a great deal of good to everyone around you!

And another blast rocks an Indian city killing scores of hindus and muslims. Once again the prime suspects are muslims with support across the border. Then as usual muslim leaders make their ceremonial condemnation of these atrocities. Scores of fatwas are made stating that such things are unislamic, but blasts continue and I see no hope in the future. The condemnation by most leaders is against the violence but its root cause, hatred of non-muslims, is not addressed. Even so called educated muslims continue to believe it is all due to a bigger plot by Zionists and westerners. Their disbelief in all forms of reputed media and their belief in conspiracy theories is mind boggling. How do you explain to the hypocritically fanatic that some amount of rational thinking, can do a great deal of good to their own lives!

My Mirror

One day while walking on a beach, I found a beautiful mirror washed ashore. As I brushed the sand, its golden frame shined. The mirror was as good as new. I did not care if it belonged to someone else. I immediately put it inside my bag. From then on, it became mine.

I spent hours looking into the mirror. I began to comb my hair and shave more often, to look better to myself. But then I felt it showed me more than just my face. It reflected my feelings and projected me my inner self. I wondered if I would be able to tame them, to appear better to myself. With time I changed, correcting myself, to a newer identity. From then on, “I” transformed into “I and the mirror”. My phone, my books, my laptop and my bed realized that I have become obsessed with my mirror. But they never complained.

A month ago, when I was running carrying my mirror, I tripped and fell. It broke into many pieces. With it broke my heart. I tried to put its pieces together, but it in vain. It is worse than losing something precious. I feel I have lost myself and now I am left to my flesh and bones. For days, I have been wondering if this mirror cannot be glued together. Even if I do it, will it ever be like the one it was before!

After a long time, I have begun to look at other items which have waited all these days for my attention. I will continue my attempts to fix this mirror. May be if I walk along the beach once again, I may be able to find another mirror. Or I could even get one in a shop. But I doubt if they will ever be like this one which broke, now that it has become a part of me.

P.S: Sorry for all the senti stuff. :-)