Temporal eternity

I have seen vultures sitting on the window sill of a 9th floor from a point blank range. In an overcrowded bus with hardly enough space for even a fly to relax, I have seen tired home-bound people chat casually and laugh. Friendship is a fine bond between human beings. To me, it existed until I reached 30. One day it departed... of course, with little help from me. It really can't be afforded at my age. Life is too complex and short. If I can manage to save a few minutes every fortnight, why not spend it on myself? Friends are not diamonds and hence are not forever! Selfishness comes in different flavors. Why to shy away and be selfish like others... let me be selfish in my own humble way. School, college, earlier jobs - I've made friends everywhere; though not in huge number. A few were very close and I did enjoy their company, spent enough time, made merry. But what is the point in just vaguely keeping in touch if you really can't afford to spend quality time with each other? Cut off, move on; within months you are fine without your friend. It's bound to happen. Life is always short, irrespective of the number of years you get to live. Friends as 'relation' was fun, as 'contacts' is boring. The feeling of meeting an old friend after a long time is exciting without a doubt. But the real feeling after talking to that friend for 5-10 minutes has been extremely disappointing. Exchange pleasantries, a bit of recap, breaking news from either side, a palpable tension across the border of diplomacy… I am sure I’ll not mind if I don’t meet any old friend again. Life changes so much, my friend… can’t you see that? It’s natural. Let’s not try to rise above nature and struggle to be friends once more. I agree there is "what if I need their help in future" part which can't be denied or overlooked. What can I do? In fact I'm not talking of turning friends into enemies. I've no time for you, nor do I expect yours. All the best wishes for you, friends. That's all. There are so many ways of wasting a short life. You have tried to choose yours; I have rather let time choose mine. I do something or I don’t; time is meant to fly off. It’s a hard-earned learning, brother. I have a few acquaintances with whom I take lunch in the office cafeteria and go out once in a blue moon. We are destined to part ways - both they and I are aware of that - just a matter of time before it happens. I don't know if I'll be even capable of picking another company for lunch once this pack vanishes. I'll definitely miss their company. Have I not missed good companies numerous times in my life? Why should I feel so insecure that I “keep in touch” or “stay tuned” to all the updates about their lives - by clicking a few buttons? Everyone has own ways of living life, and needless to say, own destiny. I have learned to move on somehow; though never quite plan for it – it just occurs. Only a handful of old friends have miraculously stuck to me as mere acquaintances. These are stray cases and too faded to discuss about. Others have marched ahead in life. Sunils are not born everyday.

I have seen Video killed a Radio star, everyday turning into yesterday, faces withering on a photo frame, natural whitening of hair. Infosys used to be called the IT bellwether - the giant's presence used to be felt across the sectors. Every quarter was ended with them declaring results and others following. Sensex used to eagerly wait for their guidance. They broke all myths on growth story and claimed that their process maturity has attained a level where the system can accurately foresee all the figures for next year. Today they seem to have lost everything they ever boasted off. They are desperately looking for an answer, a direction. Mr. Narayana Murthy is addressing his employees and assuring them to stay calm and reminding "the best is yet to come". He and all other founders, the once ‘kings and king-makers’, have decided to pass on the baton to an outsider, bow down and move out gently. They finally realize that it's not all about money and appreciate Pink Floyd's salute to Time. Stephen Hawking, Warren Buffett, the Inca, a man who misses the train to work... we all acknowledge time. Hrishikesh Mukherjee tried to make a comeback after 15yrs with a movie called "Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate" - only to realize that time and tide didn't wait for him. Hindi playback singer Shaan jokes “they made us legends at 40”. There is a time for everything. We don't realize until we start losing out. The '3 steps to success' or '33 pills to win' are good only when you have time by your side. Bruce Springsteens are not born everyday.

Oops! Forgot to say - I spotted a double rainbow formation once.

“Time has told me

You're a rare rare find

A troubled cure

For a troubled mind.

And time has told me

Not to ask for more

Someday our ocean

Will find its shore.

…”.

-       Nick Drake (“Time has told me” / Five leaves left / 1969)