Out with the old (fashioned way of love), and in with the new!
Notions of love and romance in the so-called traditional manner of red roses, dining in candlelight or holding hands in the moonlight, perfumed love letters written in ink, Shakespearean sonnets, and lingering poetry are truly a thing of the past.
Today, its all about ordering flowers online, along with a gigantic red cushioned heart, a teddybear, chocolates, expensive jewellery and what not. None of which makes an everlasting memory, especially since its pure commercialism that lacks soul.
Instant fulfillment is the buzzword now. Have money, will lavish. It certainly ain't the thought that counts, only the currency notes - the more the merrier.
Looking for fast love? A la George Michael?
Into this seemingly sacred world of pyar, ishq, aur mohabbat, comes dating and its variations that are currently in vogue. Whosoever invented the concept of speed dating and that too, into India, must certainly have a very wry sense of humor!
Speed dating - can it get faster than 3 mins to make or mar a potential suitor/love interest? They say it works on the concept of the first impression being the lasting impression. Never mind what side of the bed one might have awoken from that morning or if something unpleasant occurred on your way to the venue.
A journo landed at the city’s very first foray into this [mis(s?)]adventure all eager and enthusiastic about reporting a historical moment in this conservative city. But what is the point in watching from the sidelines? So, said journo dived right in and signed up as a player in the game.
One facial expression seemed to dominate the 50 odd guys and girls in the age groups of 18-30 gathered there – CLUELESS. The event was heavily advertised in the newspapers as a “speed meeting”. Like that makes the agenda very clear to all somehow.
Funnily enough, the organisers did not ensure the usual strict rules that speed dating follows in the western world. That of a cut off of 3 mins flat when a bell rings (tolls?) signalling that each participant has to move on to the next table where a new guy/girl awaits his/her luck in love. This resulted in abundant confusion, painfully long silences crossing 3 mins, inane conversation, nervous twitters, and twiddling of thumbs and toes by all.
Sample this convo:
Journo: *nervous smile* Hi…
Weird Looking Guy (WLG): *silence*
Both look askance for a while. All of a sudden, Journo hears a chomping sound and looks up to find WLG munching on peanuts rather noisily and at a furious pace. With an amused expression on her face she says:
“You like peanuts?”
WLG: “Oh, I love peanuts! Like them a lot!” (extends arms to show how much he likes them)
Journo: “Really…you should pack some and take them home then…”
WLG: “Oh, I have LOTS of peanuts at home, a whole lot in fact…”
Journo: “Okay…” (rolls eyes in her head)
An awkward silence envelops them again…
Finally, journo gets to get away from monkey man and breathe easy!
The local TV music channel made its presence felt with banners and its dolled up babelicious VJs sticking their mikes in the unsuspecting faces of the guys and girls who showed up. Most of these people who had signed up to participate in the “speed meeting” event looked lost as though they had wandered in by accident. Some had no expression on their faces; they probably thought they would get dope for free, what with the misleading event title! On offer were snacks and drinks at a five star hotel for a 500-buck cover charge.
The whole thing was very amusing to say the least, especially since many of the girls actually brought their dads along!! Wonder what crossed the minds of these over protective dads who witnessed the strange goings on?!
And where does all this leave dear ol’ Cupid with his antique bow and arrow ensemble? With people whizzing in and out of relationships in the blink of an eye these days, does Cupid sign off with “Speedily yours”? :P
Wonder if Cupid is as bemused as me…if so, then we could be soulmates – Cupid and I.
Cupid honey, will you be my valentine? :-)
5 comments:
Oh yes
pehle the rant in the last post ab you want cupid....we are the only stupid ppl here, huh??
:P
Hey Jane, which city is this ? Seems an adventurous city :D
Speedily yours! what a punch line ?Is Valentine's day close by ?
#Neihal,
You don't actually read my posts, do you? :P Rant post was about how people try to set up singles with idiots! Who said anything about not meeting asli Cupid, let Cupid do what he's best at! ;)
I just said 'asli Cupid'...how old am I again? :D
#Satya,
Chennai is the wonderfool city :D
This happened on Valentine's Day and that's when I wrote this but putting it up here only now! :P
Not as 'speedy' as modern day Cupid am I :P
From when have u been blogging here? AND HOW THE HECK DIDNT I KNOW ABT THIS???????????????
#Coco Captive,
Quite a mouthful of a name there :) As for your question, SURPRISE!!! And welcome here :P
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