Saima Rashid
In the virtual space that social media offers, rendezvous often startle one. But if there are surprises around, there are lovely shocks as well! But given the nature of the medium, all such things are palpable. So then, I too was made to taste the surprise—which, in the long run nurtured an addict in me!
So one late afternoon, when my reverie refused to refuge me, I checked out my social media account. Like that dull day, I found it not happening. I logged off and went outside for a stroll. In the bustling bazaar outside, I soon had a lovely encounter with somebody who wasn’t dull for the day.
It all happened in the middle of the city. And those probing eyes and sneer faces around. How I desperately wished to be an escapist. Sounds outlaw? But when egos dictate around, how are you supposed to counter? Maybe, you need to drop your mundane chips! I mean, why should I be a lone warrior in this egoist battlefield.
With that glimmer in my eyes, I took my steps back to my nest. I had that lovely smile on my visage. And those egos weren’t playing around. Soon I pounced on social media. It was a different person surfing now. And suddenly, a notification appeared. And with that started a new virtual bond.
What was left on roadside resumed on social media. I masked up a guy and thought to play a mind games. But I couldn’t maintain a long run of other face of mine. Blame it on my straight self. Masks were never my companion. So, I shattered the façade, and unfolded myself.
But that text-teaser said: “You sound like a smart dude, I felt good as if you gave a boost to my mood.” Now, I speculate—maybe, the person on other side was masking it up.
But we kept chatting like American birds. And each day, we started up words on positive thoughts. And those thoughts connected us with stout knots.
By now, my obsession for virtual space was getting robust. And I started sparing a thought for you: “A creature with genius inside. More I talked to you more was there to hide.” And then, we lost the track! What appreared a hiatus of few moments soon turned to be an ordeal of months.
And then, a lull ended. That text-teaser showed up. And changed my poignant plight into a delight. I shot a volley of complaining words. I was delighted, yet acting like an angry bird. And why shouldn’t I? First make a person addict and then, leave him/her deserted. Such a brute way to fiddle with feelings!
But then, ways intersected again. And with that, old triggers got unlocked. That character now promised a positive energy. Each day, that text-teaser comes up with something out-of-box—and, I would say energy: possible only in few.
I was named: amigo. And sure, I was one. I am one, and will remain one. Now don’t raise queries, let us feed all words to blackhole. My Physics tutor told me once: Nothing comes out of blackholes. Not even existances. We all end there. But certain things remain immortal. Perhaps, immortality, thy name is friendship!
(A voracious reader, an aspiring writer and amigo of cheerful company, Saima Rashid is studying Journalism from Women College, Srinagar)
