Staring at the paper in my hand, I couldn't believe myself to be standing there. Although it still feels like a dream to me, the banner scrolling overhead made it a reality. Suddenly, the thought pops in my head - I have been cornered by well-meaning people in my life. Aarti, my best friend and colleague, couldn't stop smiling and was grinning like a besotted fool and Dipti had her head in the clouds probably imagining my life thereon. And me, I was still staring at that lemony yellow coloured sheet of paper.
Everyone I know has them and all I see on their faces is a satisfied smile. Initially I had been indifferent; then knowledge had filled me with envy. But as headstrong I was, I decided to ignore those satisfied smiles and live my life as I always have been. Besides, I wasn't alone, I had my comarades, Aarti and Dipti, walking by me. Or so I thought. The last blow of this fantasy existence was blasted when Aarti too had ditched me and joined the other side. The two of us go as far back as I can remember. How could she do this to me?!
Thinking of all this my mind wanders to random thought worlds. Looking back, I think of the worlds before this. Now we are nothing but light bulbs. We have become addicts looking for our next shot, the next dose of that pulsating energy. All our senses have become akin to air-waves, be it virtual or physical. Every fibre of this world is coated with the codes that run our daily lives. Technology, in all its granduer and over-riding our senses, is now involved with us in our relationships as well.
I am thinking these and many more mundane thoughts, envisioning my future life. Pestered by well-meaning friends and family, I have given in to their advice. Their happy faces filled more life into me then any gadget could. Filling up the details, their excitement is contagious and I too am engrossed in the name, the colour, et al; they come in different sizes, grey matter and skins. But then am I ready for such a heavy responsibility? Although we are given unlimited replacements I am unsure about the outcome. The million dollar question is : How would life change with this new toy?
Unexpectedly I hear someone yelling, jerking me back from my stupor, and I look back. It was an eager 30-something jostling people to move forward. And the toughts run again, as if an inch would make any difference. Then again maybe it would. To her. Maybe it could add the much-needed zing back in her life or just maybe she really needs the support this thingamajig can provide. I shrug. Clutching that crumpling paper, I move forward in the queue.
The thoughts continue to make the rounds in my head. Overhead, the banner still scrolls the same message. And I still stand. Queued up, I am here for the licence of a new Artificially Intelligent Husband.
Everyone I know has them and all I see on their faces is a satisfied smile. Initially I had been indifferent; then knowledge had filled me with envy. But as headstrong I was, I decided to ignore those satisfied smiles and live my life as I always have been. Besides, I wasn't alone, I had my comarades, Aarti and Dipti, walking by me. Or so I thought. The last blow of this fantasy existence was blasted when Aarti too had ditched me and joined the other side. The two of us go as far back as I can remember. How could she do this to me?!
Thinking of all this my mind wanders to random thought worlds. Looking back, I think of the worlds before this. Now we are nothing but light bulbs. We have become addicts looking for our next shot, the next dose of that pulsating energy. All our senses have become akin to air-waves, be it virtual or physical. Every fibre of this world is coated with the codes that run our daily lives. Technology, in all its granduer and over-riding our senses, is now involved with us in our relationships as well.
I am thinking these and many more mundane thoughts, envisioning my future life. Pestered by well-meaning friends and family, I have given in to their advice. Their happy faces filled more life into me then any gadget could. Filling up the details, their excitement is contagious and I too am engrossed in the name, the colour, et al; they come in different sizes, grey matter and skins. But then am I ready for such a heavy responsibility? Although we are given unlimited replacements I am unsure about the outcome. The million dollar question is : How would life change with this new toy?
Unexpectedly I hear someone yelling, jerking me back from my stupor, and I look back. It was an eager 30-something jostling people to move forward. And the toughts run again, as if an inch would make any difference. Then again maybe it would. To her. Maybe it could add the much-needed zing back in her life or just maybe she really needs the support this thingamajig can provide. I shrug. Clutching that crumpling paper, I move forward in the queue.
The thoughts continue to make the rounds in my head. Overhead, the banner still scrolls the same message. And I still stand. Queued up, I am here for the licence of a new Artificially Intelligent Husband.
