Thoughts in (BRACKETS).

After hearing about the recent bomb blast at Pune, I was transported back in time when Bangalore the city I live in experienced a series of bomb blasts, the first ever and hopefully the last. I dug out an article which I had written then to express my feelings and the interesting reactions of people I interacted with.

Today, I woke up and got dressed with great enthusiasm. My friend and I were having lunch together and post lunch, we decided to explore a popular mall. Half an hour into blissful shopping, we saw people shutting shops and packing up. The coffee shop we were having coffee, served us the coffee and asked us to leave. “Some service this!” I thought to myself and asked for the reason. It was then we got to know there was a series of bomb blasts that rocked the city. I looked at my mobile phone and with calls of concern pouring in, we managed to get in to an auto and reach home safely – a good three hours later than usual because of the chaos around us. Sitting on my bed tonight, a day after the blast I tried to pen my thoughts on all that happened during the last day and half. What really stood out were the mixed reactions of people I interacted with as soon as they heard the news. Friends, by standers, a little kid from the class where I teach, auto drivers and I felt I had to put these down. My thoughts are in (BRAC KETS).

“Must be a joke. It is real amusing (The first reaction to any bad news – Denial).

“Bangalore? Not possible. It is such a peaceful, safe city (More denial. It took a long time for people to register, but the camera didn’t lie, the blood, the damages and the deaths all confirmed it).

“Bangalore now. What next?” (A sheer feeling of helplessness. You know all is not right and what to do about it?).

“Where the hell were you? My heart was racing and I am so glad you reached safely.” (Mom – at her worried best. No one can measure the anguish that loved ones went through that day).

“I was so shaken yesterday. I couldn’t sleep.” (Grief for all that is lost and the beginnings of insecurity from being jarred out a peaceful living).

“Miss, there won’t be any more bomb blasts. God has seen everything and he will punish those who did it.” (The five year old in my class where I teach kids. Ah! The innocence of kids who symbolize hope).

THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT AT A NEW STYLE OF WRITING. JUST A WISH THAT PEOPLE WHO COMMIT SUCH INHUMAN ACTS WOULD REMOVE THEIR MENTAL BRACKETS AND (THINK BEYOND THE BRACKETS. THEN MAYBE WE CAN CREATE THAT PERFECT SENTENCE WHICH NEEDS NO EXPLANATIONS….