They all sat in different corners of the house, their faces glued to their mobile screens. The serious expression on each of their faces was all very palpable. Is there an examination coming up? Well, how can that be? I have not heard any discussion regarding the same from even the little one ! They all had ear plugs on and sometimes, would look at each other and express hurriedly with gestures and again go back to their screens. Their fingers would scroll rapidly on the mobile screens that emanated a bluish light . Ironically when there are more screens glowing , the environment always seems dull. There was an eerie silence!

This has been the new normal. Since the pandemic , everyone is home but gradually they all have stopped talking. Communication has been only about gestures and sometimes, the same people who stay under this roof, send messages on their phone and talk! I mean , can you imagine ? Human beings are the only species, who can actually talk and express like no other species. But that is not how things have been lately. They have passed on this ability to few texts & some funny looking symbols which they call as ’emojis’. Again ironically, with extensive use of emojis, there is a diminishing effect of emotions among the family members of this house. I have seen the progression happen in front of me. With time, they have been becoming more mechanical . They just perform the house chores , talk bare minimum and again go back to their phone screens! That is the new routine!

I do not know what good has happened with these small rectangular thin boxes in their hands .They say, the world is coming closer, thanks to something called internet and such mobile devices called the phones. May be it is true! But, all I have known is they have completely forgotten me and they have moved farther from each other. The distances among the strangers is decreasing and that between the known ones is just becoming bigger and bigger. Well, what can one do? You just have to move ahead with the times. That is the law, that is how life is supposed to be! I feel disconnected in this new trend of individualism , unwanted and discarded just lying in one corner of the house.

There was suddenly a knock on the door and the lady of the house opened the door. And what do I see! The man who loves me the most, has arrived ! I think , its probably because the imposed restrictions have eased a bit and hence there is little bit of movement allowed outside. I am just so happy to see him after such a long time . Probably, I will be needed now ! Let me keep my hopes up and wait for tomorrow morning.

Next day, early in the morning, the man who loves me the most showed up infront of me and switched me on. The devotional songs started playing and the entire household was up to a soothing aura. I find a change in the atmosphere as well. To my astonishment, the family members are all talking to each other. At least , the man who arrived yesterday is ensuring they all do. I over hear some discussions.

” So , how is your school?”, asked the man who loves me the most.

“Nothing much , just regular stuff, Grandpa.” answered the child of the house.

“Now tell me except studies, what keeps you busy? How about your dance classes?”

“I don’t get any time, Grandpa. After online classes, I just watch something on the phone .That’s all “answered the child.

“What is wrong with this generation ? I don’t see any expression on your face now days. Have you become a zombie? Go and just increase the volume. We both will dance right now. It’s Sunday right !!”

The child of the house, came running towards me with a big smile and did the adjustments. So there were upbeat songs playing and I can see both the Granddad and the Grandson dance to the beats of one of the popular songs. The proud parents of the child also could not resist their eagerness and soon joined the little moment of celebration. There was laughter, joy and liveliness in this house after such a long hiatus. It felt really good.

The individual playlist on the phone, the subscription renewed every month had never put such smiles on the faces which the increased volume of this old instrument did! Sometimes it is not always the fancy items that give happiness. It is the cohesiveness that comes with the vibes, becomes the real cause of happiness. Sometimes, it is not about being alone but with the group that sets the smile on the face. Sometimes, it is not just about self love but about sharing affection that sets the heart free. Sometimes, it is not melancholy, but the right company that helps one find the spark. I just hope ,that all of them do not go back to their dark dens once the Grandpa leaves the house. Well, just when I was lost in such thoughts, there was an announcement , that made me smile again.

” This radio set in the house is my favorite. Please take good care of it.” Announced the old man while everyone nodded along.

I , the radio set, was thinking to myself, “Just don’t forget me ever again.”

It was a good day, for sure !

Love,

Chinmayee

‘This post is a part of ‘Blogchatter Half Marathon’ .