The Hood

The Hood

It was not just a sweat shirt. Casuals aren't casual stuff. The hood, color, contrast stripes and my attitude made me look like a suspicious vigilante from an action block buster. I assume we all are well aware of the fact that seasons and occasions are just an excuse to flaunt our wardrobe.  Well, in my case this style was a costly compromise. I had to spend extra cash just to show off. Later I was pondering how I am going to make up for the weekend parties.

With some fake body language and a weird style, I flipped the hood and crossed the corridor of R Mall. My mirror reflection cheered me up showing - thumbs up.  I guess all guys know what I am talking about. All of us have an alter ego or a body double that will praise you for stupid stunts you perform even in front of lame chics. (No offense girls..Chill)

Like a lead, leading the stage, I crossed few giggly girls. Wow! Are they noticing me? I asked myself. With immense curiosity, I peeped through the hood. Now, I got to know the power of sarcasm. Girls are sarcastic pieces of art. If you look at a portrait, u will be deceived by a thought that the portrait is actually looking back at you.  Trust me, what you see are illusions.

Those girls actually had some manufacturing defect in their mouth. They were giggling for a selfie. How stupid was that.

My alter ego just came out of me and slapped me. Like a balloon with a hole in it, my Vin Diesel image flew up, up and away.

Never mind. Refresh your minds. An interesting experience awaits you here. Our alter ego has many faces. The best part is being Invisible and silent.

I am not Harry Potter to use an invisible cloak. But, I have a hood. Again, I flipped and locked the 

zipper. I covered my face and started walking with long strides.

A sudden pressure was felt on my neck. Is someone sitting on me?

I could not turn my head. My breathing became heavy. My heartbeat was alarming my entire body. I had no clue what was happening to me. I tried harder.

1, 2 and 3 breathe.

1, 2 and 3 breathe.

A big sigh came out my mouth. It was like a discharge of cane juice from a sugarcane machine. I felt so relieved. I felt lighter. My vision was sharp and my hearing capacity was stronger like never before.

Every drip, drop and dust was clearly audible. Two massive wings fluttering with great power crossed my sight. Was it a dragon?

No, a dragon fly.

My fingers started to fade. Simultaneously, a pair of hands appeared on the reflection of stagnant coolant water which was leaking from a car. Over a point of time my entire body just disappeared.  The other side of me conjured from the glossy surface of the coolant water.

I am invisible now.

I must be drunk or this must be a dream from the side effect of the mall incident.

All of these may sound silly. But, rewind your memories. Don’t we get invisible most of the time.  Overshadowed by other identities that we try to adapt, our tendencies to remain locked under the familiar warmth gained more density. All we do is observe and ignore things happening around us.

But, this time I chose this power. I wanted to become invisible. For few hours I wanted to conceal my identity.  Most precious things on this earth are not tangible. If we try to feel it, we end up facing great consequences.

I stepped out of my flat to observe the spectacle that emerges every night.

Situated in Mulund, my place is known as the prince of suburbs. This is the only place in Mumbai where you can find some breathing space and fresh air. When the twilight moon displays the spot light on the ink coated tar roads. The street dogs pop out of their den to dance and romance with their beloved.  As a true sign of liberty, there were no honking sounds or any other means of transport. Their tail movement blended with rhythmic creaking sounds of the crickets. To address this entire scenario in Desi style, this was a JUGALBANDHI.

Next stop - Cypress.

Cypress is a small mountain area in Mulund. It’s also an epitome for all posh big shots who spend their post retirement life. At weekends, it’s a hot spot for all hot birds to liter and loiter the natural vicinity with their lame boyfriends.

I come here for bird watching. Just birds guys. Chill

I stepped into the foot of the hill. Around the corner of this fancy epitome lies a small park. The old tribal inhabitants of the mountain were forced out of their homes.  So, this abandoned park became the final destination where they could make a final stand.

Neither shelter nor food, nothing seemed to worry them. With the wide open sky pampering them and a vast solid ground supporting them, they were truly the off springs of Gaya (Mother Earth). Even with all amenities and imperial life style, people around me just had the luxury to spend. But, off all the places I witnessed the luxury to smile on these unknown, uncivilized people.  What I got here was more than an insight. It’s a way of life. Life is a game and every one can’t be the king of queen they want to be.

First time I felt contented and convenient for the way I was.

My cheek bone stretched to release a little tension. Wow. I was smiling.

Here comes the last stop, the theater.

The scent of sorrows, intensity of navarasas and master reviews mixed together making the atmosphere filmy. The late night show ended around 2 am. Hundreds of footsteps traveled back to their own dimension after spending 3 hours with their beloved stars.

 This place really has an amazing portal.

Well, I can name it as the Bermuda rectangle. (LAME)

People of this B town (Bollywood town) love to sneak here on weekends. It takes them to a new world of entertainment and enlightenment. Especially at night time, they make your life lively. As the people crossed me, I felt a temporary satisfaction that reality can never be created. It stays for a short time, but that’s what all we need to get revitalized for, the next day.

Yes. Life is simple.

Be invisible, not ignorant.

Observe the simple science of truth that lies behind every action.This invisibility is a choice. The hood is just a median to characterize myself.

Now, discover and allow your hidden persona outside.

C u soon…

Ashwin Muralidharan….

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