The present generation
deluged with the sheer plentitude
of mind-numbing options,
would perhaps never
know the excitement of
waiting with bated breaths
for the entertainment that
came in small doses.
When the antenna correction duty
was as exciting as a warrior
going to the war to
set all the wrongs right.
When the spate of advertising films
irritated but tantalised us
as we crooned the jingles
throughout the day.
When Ramayana united
the motley neighbourhood
and our house filled with
Dahi Bhalla, jackfruit curry,
Rajma chawal and idli dosa
carrying the subtle gratitude
of the TV watchers
who thronged our homes
to watch the epics on
our new colour TV.
When Rooh-afzah and nimbu pudina
was drunk in copious quantities
as the audience argued over
the correct course of action
for the helpless Pandavas.
When films were a rare treat
and we wrote little postcards
requesting for our favourites,
hoping fervently that
our prayers would be heard.
But the most beautiful memory was
to be wanting to watch it
together with everyone
day after day,
Week after week,
unlike today, when we scroll
endlessly on our individual devices,
trying to find a companionship
among the strangers
in the virtual world.
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