Nature's Breath

The wind caresses my face as i walk towards the metro station. It seems like the cool breeze is pleading me to take a moment..to savour the moment..the touch of life flowing from other parts of the world.

It is ironical that i find this busy road full of speeding traffic, the most peaceful spot to take a break from the monotonous rut. The flock of birds flying in the sky also seem to be having a gala time, letting the wind carry them to their destination. The leaves of trees dance with joy. The monsoon clouds are teasing those who look up in anticipation. It has been a long time since i have had such an encouter with nature. But, even after all these years, it seems like nothing has changed.

Time stands still as we merge into each other, once again.

The 'SALA' Model

It's a wonder how small little things can make one forget about all their worries of life and make them feel that life is simply superb. Be it a toddler's innocent smile or mischief to someone smiling at you in the packed metro.

Everyone knows the system of using connections to get things done in India. Termed as the 'sala' model by the famous political theorist, Fred Riggs, this system of using informal connections to get things done is a very common feature in most developing nations.

The absence of something as small as a signature across your photograph in an admission form can stop someone's application. On the other hand, a simple call from the senior officers in the same institution can make officers ignore these small necissities and go around their rules and regulations. In the usual process of examination form submission which would have taken me hours today and maybe tomorrow as well, took exactly 5mins with everything approved from the seniormost person responsible for the same. Indeed, in such cases, everyone does become a 'sala' for one another in a completely indian sense of the word.

 It's a wonder because I suddenly felt on top of the world getting treated like a VIP whereas, others like me stand in the scorching heat and wait for their turn.

I feel happy but then, should i?