The Cynic in me!

Just the other day, I was coming back from HK and as it always happens, the in-flight toilet was messy, the toilet cover was soiled, there were tissues lying everywhere.   I did manage to lift the cover with my feet and did my small job and came out with a sigh of relief.  I managed to convey to the next entrant that it was not my doing and prepared him for what he was about to experience!

Funny thing is, there were people of different nationalities in the flight but without giving the benefit of doubt to our own, I was sure that the mess was made by a fellow Indian. As always, I made small talk with a blonde lady sitting next to me and raved about our rich culture and heritage that she will experience in India. It was her first visit and she was going to visit some exotic places which most urban Indians do not wish to go.

During my working hours, I represent India with my principals from Europe/USA and China. I keep talking about our teeming millions under the age of 30s and the massive consumerism which is driving the economy. By 7.30 in the evening, I am mostly worn out and by virtue of habit, vent out my spleen on honking motorists.

I smile wryly, seeing people standing next to each other on the highway, attending to nature’s call, chatting freely, while at it. I’ve always wondered what might be the topic of discussion - the growing economy, PM’s drive for Swatch Bharat or the Greece’s fallout!!!

The challenge for any Indian executive or a businessman when they receive a foreigner is taking that route from airport to the suburbs without showing them our Mithi River or Dharavi!

Driving this point closer to home, in our own Bhakti Park, I have perfected the art of totally ignoring plastic, metalized wrappers and skilfully jumping over dog poop!

I guess,most people in India, like me, are pampered in getting things done for them, may it be washing the car, making tea, washing, ironing, domestic chores etc.  Picking the wrapper and throwing it in the dustbin is beneath us.  Why should we, when we have people to clean things for us?  

That is probably why I slyly choose to ignore what a foreigner supplier friend meant when he said, “You Live Royally in Pits!”