An Evening without Cell Phone

Fed up with the prolonged use of ‘screens’ in this digital world, Samarth decided to spend a few hours without scrolling the cell phone. Having decided to cut down its use, he spent enough money converting the online materials into hardcopy. Now, someone will say that I am wasting paper. Yeah, it’s true but in the former one, I am wasting both the electricity and my eyes. Isn’t it a bit hard to decide- which is better?

Samarth kept his phone aside. To be more precise, threw it away on the bed and he tried to concentrate while sitting on his chair. A few notes, which he got printed were on the table. He started reading and highlighting, followed by making notes on the side of the paper and his diary wherever necessary. Everything went perfectly for some time. Samarth was enjoying this kind of reading. It’s only after ten minutes of deep study, he felt something missing from his life, something to which he has been accustomed, something which has become part of his life. He turned his head toward the cell phone lying silently on the bed and gave a tempting look. Ah! That urge to take it in hand and take a tour of social media. The craving was no less than that of chain smokers for the puffs of cigarettes.

Nevertheless, Samarth was equally determined. The next moment, he became conscious and shifted his gaze back to the notes. He began to read it again. Alas! His poor concentration. Within five minutes, his mind was wandering across multitudes of thoughts. He recalled that;

He had to return a pair of shoes which was delivered to him yesterday. It was having a size issue and he had to order a new one. Oh! Dimple asked for notes and he forgot to send her. Also, a match is scheduled between MI and LSG, what may be the score? Who is winning? There may be messages on the class group regarding the exam. Moreover, the second season of this web series will be streamed today. Shit! He forgot to book the tickets his father asked for. Oh! It’s time to give a phone call at home.

In this daydreaming, he sensed that another fifteen minutes had gone. How quickly time passes? It was an afternoon a few hours back and now it’s evening. Samarth felt hungry. He made up his mind to visit the canteen to satiate his hunger. After all, a hungry body is directly proportional to poor concentration. He was about to grab his phone but suddenly realised that he vowed to keep himself away from it. He took the notes that he was reading with the idea that he’ll go through them while having snacks and strolled toward the canteen.

“One banana shake and two samosas”. He placed the order.

“Rs. 50/- payment cash or UPI?” Canteen wale bhaiya asked.

“UPI”

With that, he explored his pockets to look for his cell phone. Oh, it’s in the room. The canteen offered no credits. Embarrassed Samarth came out in haste, in order to escape being eyed by others. Khana to mila nhi, chalo evening walk kar lu. With this idea, he set off toward the playground of the college. That evening was one in its kind. The rain, the previous night appeared as if purified the whole sky, allowing each minute rays of the sun, golden then, to fill life in the surroundings. The weather was neither too warm nor too cold having soothing as well as healing in nature. A quiet but steady breeze was blowing all around. The aura was such that it can lure even the busiest person into the open. Samarth located a flock of birds passing just above the sun that was about to sink into the horizon. He ardently wished to capture this moment but….but….a moment later, he realised that he is observing ‘No Screen Day’ today. Little distance did he cover from there when he came across a bird bathing in the fountain. He wanted to scribble some beautiful thoughts that instantaneously came to his mind. He knew he would forget it later, hence he wanted to write it soon. But where? He didn’t have a cell phone. Moreover, he forgot to bring a pen. Samarth felt helpless, lost too. He could do nothing but abandon the thoughts. If not then, he hoped to remember it after reaching his room.

With the series of things happening in quick succession, Samarth started feeling bored. He wanted to calm himself with some music. He recalled how traversing even longer paths seem cakewalk when earphones pour melody into the ears. He again dug into his pockets only to realise the absence of his true companion. He felt dejected.

In that weather, Samarth realised that walking alone was no joy. He wished to ask a few friends to join him. But how? He can’t call them to ask their whereabouts. Even if he visited their hostel, there was the least possibility of finding them in their rooms. He can’t even visit the Girl’s hostel to ask his female friends out. For a moment, he felt like requesting the passer-by to lend their phone to make a call but later he realised that he hardly remembers the contact no. of anyone.

Hence, he came back straight to his room.

And guess what,

He spent 2.5 hrs writing this post on ‘screen’.

– Shashank