With smart phone turning an inherent part of us, we gained many things. However, we also lost a few valuable, memorable and adorable things as well.
It’s the penultimate day of December. I am sitting with some stationery and a couple of greeting cards from last year. I may not get time on the 31st due to the various plans and games, hence, lets do it before. The excitement is at its peak. I am waiting eagerly for the Jan 1st morning rays of the Sun. After drawing inspiration from last year’s greeting cards, I am trying to cut the paper into different shapes with the help of scissors. In this process, I’ve wasted a couple of sheets. Mata Shree, from the other room, is repeatedly scolding to not litter the room. After some unsuccessful attempts, I settled on simpler designs, like a quarto or folio of Shakespeare. The paper is unevenly cut and folded. Sketches of cartoon characters, hearts and anime are first outlined and then filled with colours. The inner part, which is visible after lifting the upper, is scribbled with plagiarised shayaris (with my name underneath, such as from) to wish and welcome the new year. I can recall one of those innocent rhymes:
Chakki me chakki, chakki me aata
Purana saal tata, naya saal aata
The card for close friends would differ from those of others in their standard and aesthetics. This time, I have also got some 50 rupees, of which I’ll spend Rs. 15 on cards and the remaining on the picnic. My school friends are visiting from a distance to bestow me with greeting cards. Meeting school friends away from school has always been a special feeling. You’re accustomed to seeing them in a school uniform, unlike when they visit you informally. I should also return them with cards. There is also a picnic planned with friends in the locality, post which a cricket match is scheduled. The plan to visit nearby attractions has been cancelled because parents said that it’ll be quite busy. It’s not less than a festival.
My reverie broke when my phone made the accustomed noise. Friends started pushing a video call. I could see the minute and hour hands aligned with 12. Cell phone started brimming with notifications in the form of photos and videos with new year wishes. Statuses of the contacts revealed different shades of life. I don’t have to wait till morning. Everything is synchronous.
Greetings still come, but their mode of communication has changed. And as Frost says, “That has made all the difference.”
They appear detached, which lacks the necessary intimacy and cordiality. The very purpose of greetings couldn’t be satisfied. I used to cherish the card for a long time, showing it to my friends and preserving it. I don’t know why, but I don’t do the same to the messages anymore.
©Shashank
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