By the time grew up, in our budding Hinglish environment, we had been equipped with those three magic words like anti-ballistic missiles to chase down every gesture of niceness showered at us, and bombard them at people all around the world. Afterall, there are 470 million speakers of the English language. PLEASE, SORRY and THANK YOU.
Or as today's internet mob would suggest, Plz, sry n ty.
These words probably pioneered the odd Hinglish movement in India. Picture a 2 year old, uttering these words, polished upon their innocent barely eloquent skill-sets. Oh sorry, pictures don't have sound effects.. Well, anyways..
With time, these words have become fillers - in a conversation. I have been told time and again how I lack the art of indulging in a healthy conservation.. that I lack the social conventions.. that I'm socially awkward.. I respond to these allegations by throwing taunts about the
fake nature of these build-ups leading to a social congress, which everyone around the room recognizes to be bogus - but - fake begets fake!!
Yes, I know I am socially inadequate. Yes, I lack that skill, to make and fake. Or even the innocent art of a polite conservation. I fail to comfort the people I care, with use of wise words. I fail to assure the people I've always wished best for - that I do.
But still I wish.. and I plead.. There was no "sorry". I do not want an emotional supremacy over anyone. Where I am not worthy enough to impart forgiveness, and you are so much more than just willing to make it up - I just wish you'd rather hold my hand up firmly, look in my eyes with the same conviction that I carry for the people around me, and tell me -
"Let us both make sure this does not happen again". To that, I'd just smile, as honestly as I always have..
Sorry is a poor substitute. A poor one.
♫"...coz you know sometimes words have two meanings"
