That Old Television...

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Rudrapur, 19th March 2015: India vs Bangladesh, Cricket World Cup Quarter final

It was a usual day in the usually unusual city of Rudrapur, Uttrakhand. The cricket world cup furor was in full flow, with every average Indian fan glued to the television. We (the treacherous souls who were placed in the city along with me) were perched in our apartment, sprawled across an assortment of bean bags, mattress, a typical ‘chattai’ and the floor. The match was on, with the usual gusto of shouts and explicitives, with ‘expert’ comments on the batting and bowling!
Bang in the middle of the room was our source of joy- an old, rusted television, which despite its dilapidated state, was persevering in displaying the all-important match. Now let me remind you about this group of mine- all MBAs, earning decently and living in a city with no particular expenses. So prior to the world cup, elaborate  plans had been made to get a 42 inch ‘Plasma    LED TV’, a snazzy DTH and then enjoy the world cup. With each passing day, the actual need for such high handedness slowly and steadily disappeared (aided by laziness of course) and we ended up with our old (given for free) TV- which was; to use the term, counting its last breaths.

Back to the match-with India close to winning, our joy had no bounds. The old TV, with its sagging display and a ‘had been white’ remote had us rooted to our spots- all luxuries forgotten. The need for a luxury had long gone- vanquished by the zeal and excitement of spending time together and watching our team winning.

                                         This small incident made me realize the true meaning of luxury and enjoyment- it’s not those high profile gadgets and expensive treats that will give you excitement and a feeling of prudence. It’s when you sit with your two friends (or anyone for that matter) and getting excited by the whole thing, by being caught up in the spirit and not wondering about the how and what of things, that you actually learn to ‘enjoy’ life.

Go, wear an old pair of jeans, grab a road side tea and ‘enjoy’


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