The ‘real’ theory of relativity

The world is a greener place today than it ever was... And no, I’m not referring to some inane paradox of the green revolution, I’m talking about jealousy. Yes, the ‘J’ word that gives everyone a stiff upperlip and a contoured mouth, the word that ignites passions that classic novels are made of, the word that has made the closest people turn their back on one another. Be it the prettier sister, or the brighter son; the smartest in class or the one with more money. Does the yellow Lamborghini look at the black Cadillac with a look of envy or does the dachshund wish he were more like the grey hound? And without being too benign to humankind, I can safely say that we all have within us a generous helping of this particular characteristic.

I think I may have accidentally stumbled upon the ‘real’ theory of relativity, as that seems to be the buzz word of today. We see each other in the light of relativity, no matter how obscure it may be. How many of us are really thankful for not being street urchins and instead turn green with one look of the penthouse that the neighbour just bought? Are you happy not being the one serving the coffee or are you the one eyeing the big corner cabin with its pretentious fineries?

I happened lately, to find myself constantly troubled over things that either involved my friends rich boyfriend or my sisters fancy Prada shoes; that either were to do with the better paid co-worker or the nouveau riche living close to my block. That is when I warranted myself as much a part of this spiteful rigmarole as anyone else. Contemplative thoughts led me to conclude that it’s as commonplace a phenomenon as a common cold. Which made me wonder of things would be the same without this feeling? Would we then not be comfortable in our contented mediocrity, would we not stop aspiring for the sky and beyond, would we then not stop emulating the rich and famous, would we then not stop short – of everything. I guess all things in life need a drive and that drive, at least in my case comes from jealousy. Is it a good thing? Perhaps not, who is to know, but having thought it over it’s definitely not the bane I had imagined it to be.

A BITE SIZED CHUNK OF THE BIG APPLE

An exhilarating concoction of spunk, a heady mix of all things wonderful with a bright, happy paraphernalia to match. No, I’m not referring to last night’s cocktail but to a discovery called New York: albeit Columbus’, not mine.

Ok, I have to concede that when I first set foot on my “Mother Land” (pardon the shameless admission), I was painfully disappointed. Starry-eyed and enthralled - I wasn’t prepared for what I encountered. The much-hyped Manhattan skyline was a just a bunch of ugly hi-rises and some dilapidated skyscrapers dotting the horizon. But I gave it the benefit of doubt – after all, it was a view from Queens. Then began my journey of endless discovery – a straw dispenser that was automated, a blanket that was much-fondly referred to as a ‘comforter’, a burger that was all mouth-watering beef, a city that ran only on credit, a sculpture that was called ‘Love’ and a shop that was nothing but Willy Wonka’s very own chocolate factory! My fascination knew no bounds when I encountered the wonderful “exchange” policy. Shop and exchange, shop and return: was this really happening?
The second thing that struck me was the ease with which people made conversation with those they had never met. A simple ‘hi’ could start off a serious debate on globalization or a ‘hello there’ could lead to an animated discussion on the best places to eat at. No ulterior motives, no ‘can we be frands?’, no lewd remarks – just healthy banter. And the Subway was the perfect haven for exactly this, if not for being glued on to your iPods and iPhones. People of different colours, races, religions, districts, countries, sizes; all bound by either the same destination or the same contraption. Also, the Subway brought with it a rhythmic flow to a mundane day. As you await your train on the crowded subway, the melodic sound of a saxophone will greet you unawares. Or as you are rushing to change trains at 42nd street, you will chance upon the cover version of ‘I want to hold your hand’ by a band that will have an uncanny resemblance to the Beatles themselves.
Coming to which, how can my account of New York be ever complete without a mention of Times Square – the square of all squares! A place swarming with people of all variety and shapes, a place where the sheer dazzle of lights will not cease to amaze you, a place where the world seems to have assembled - a place where time just can’t stand still. As I ambled aimlessly down these streets, I realized how purposeless this city can make you feel. How incredibly meaningless ones existence can be in comparison to all those who seemed to be scurrying around with a distinct aim. As I felt myself being dwarfed by skyscrapers and the Wall Street bigwigs alike, I took in the city with all my senses.

I’m a sucker for the First World and not abashed to confess it. What this trip did was not only to verify my suspicion, but it also strengthened my resolve to somehow be a part of this pristine place. My New York sojourn proved so valuable in so many different ways. It made me see things anew and afresh and made me understand the true worth of travelling.

Dream Big...

Dream big, they say. I dream massive. It doesn’t work.
But it seems to have worked for all 54 of the ‘unusual’ entrepreneurs, as the latest issue of India Today calls them. From humble beginnings to colossal todays, they have surely come many a furlong. With cliché success mantras to boring tribulations, they have all it takes to be featured in the magazine. But maybe there’s more to them than meets the eye. Maybe I’m being too presumptuous by dismissing these triumphant entrepreneurs by a mere flip of the page. Maybe there is a certain deep-seated go-getter attitude which is vital to that success mantra that I just don’t see. Maybe they do have more to their credentials than a glorious heritage or some fancy degrees from formula management schools. Maybe.
I think my unenthusiastic reaction stems more from my lack of self-confidence to be able to pull off something of that magnitude, than from being blasé about these over-achievers achievements. And more so these days when I have begun questioning my ability to do everything and anything. Everything I do feels like there is something much better out there, something I’m more cut out for. But that ‘something’ is as bizarre as a UFO sighting in Mozambique.
It’s a tough task, this. Identifying where your heart lies, what gives you that adrenalin boost, and going after it. I agree, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, considering the kind of skill set I possess, but I think my calling will come calling…real soon. And once it does, no matter how odd the idea, it will sure be worth a shot. After all, even the justdial.com Managing Director who’s currently responsible for a turnover of over a 100 crore floated the preposterous idea of having a telephone directory business. I’m sure the people who scoffed at the idea earlier wouldn’t be as pleased anymore. And I’m pretty sure that he who carried forward the brilliantly simple idea, must be having the last chuckle.
It’s just a matter of time then, that the idea will hit me when I least expect it to. For me to hold and cherish, dream and pursue, hone and nurture, till death do us part. Amen!