On Finding Real Connections

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I’ve been thinking lately about how I like to spend time with people. Sometimes we socialize just for the sake of it. Other times, it is because we truly enjoy the company. I find the former tiring, but the latter deeply fulfilling. There is something special about being with people who make you think, who listen with intent, and who help you see the world a little differently. Whether at work or in personal circles, there is always a balance between what you enjoy and what you feel obligated to do. When you reflect on it long enough, deeper questions begin to surface. Do I socialize to grow my network? What does that even mean? Am I looking for a favor somewhere down the line? Or am I just afraid of missing out if I am not part of the local chatter? These days, most of my new interactions happen through my children. Their friends’ parents are the people I end up spending the most time with. Some of them I genuinely enjoy talking to because we connect on familiar ground. With other...
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The white tiger

I had queued up a copy of Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger in the public library ages ago. Last week, when I went to the library to get my copy, I realized that it was not a hard copy, but actually an audio book. I have never listened to anybody, let alone an audio book, and my spirits were severely dampened. In any case, I got the book home, and resolved to listen to it sporadically.

I was thinking about how India inflicted an ignominious and crushing defeat on the Aussies. India was well and truly on top in the entire series, and it felt weird that there was hardly a fightback from the Aussies. What a way for Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble to retire. It is just a matter of time before the other three of the fabulous five retire - Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Having grown up watching these brilliant cricketers on the field, I am not sure whether watching cricket will be the same again. Test cricket without these guys will certainly not attract the "in the twenties" audience.

I don't have to reiterate that the economy is in the dumps. NASDAQ has crashed, and the SENSEX is in no enviable position. I was counting my losses, 1, 2, 3....thousands!!! Will the economy recover ever? Will the new American President make a difference? Who will control the job losses? How can anyone control the shooting unemployment rate? How many companies will survive the dark period? As per reports, it is worse than 1999-00!!! So, the reports of the economic slowdown are surely not exaggerated!!!

Who was that girl I saw today? Was she an Indian or Spanish? Her features would make you think she was not Indian, but there was something in her that made me want her to be Indian. Oh, but she was not wearing a bindi! But, how many Indian girls really care about the bindi? I thought I should have struck a conversation with her. Mmm, now, anyway, it doesn't matter!

Oh! I have to catch up with that latest movie of Surya. What is it? Vaaranam Aayiram! I have to make sure that I don't miss the show here. After all, it is just one show, or you can never watch that movie in the theater here. At least, for this movie, I don't want to be searching for online links. By the way, I am still not sure whether to watch Quantum of solace or not!!! Thinking....hard!!!

After some time, I got up from my reverie, and for a moment, I lost track of time and position. The mobile clock showed 2 AM in the morning. My computer was on, and I saw the different chapters listed on the media player. The white tiger had slept a long time ago after completing the first chapter. I sulked, sighed and resolved to listen on a better evening.

Comments

  1. Lakshmi BharadwajNovember 12, 2008 at 7:19 PM

    You do think a lot, Mr. Praveen! That too at 2 A.M. in the morning! :-) Is the jetlag still clinging on to you or is this normal? :-) Well, it happened to me too....i was trying to get hold of the newly released book called Brisingr from the library, and ended up 63 on the waitlist! Sometimes, i just wish (sinfully so) that pirated copies could appear on my pavement! I've heard the quantum of solace is not too good...and ofcourse, the economy is a cause to worry, (everyone else is very much worried! Im worrited because im supposed to be worried, i dont understand how economy works!)

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  2. ShubhikaNovember 13, 2008 at 7:05 AM

    too many thoughts at the same time!Audio Book for you seems like a bad idea..you are not so much of a listener you know. The only person who can make you listen is me..well because I do not stop talking. New president, economy...i know everything is hazy right niow. But trust me live on the hope...all will be better

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  3. AnonymousNovember 16, 2008 at 7:17 PM

    :) good post

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  4. Praveen KrishnanNovember 21, 2008 at 5:13 PM

    The intention of the post was that, What all goes through one's mind when you are listening to someone :-) Nothing about confusion :-) I guess I should have conveyed it better :)

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