The TV was already on and before I could think of changing the channel or even scanning the remote control buttons a hand snatched the remote away from me. 'Hey! What's the big idea?', I asked and all I got is a gesture that clearly said, 'Shut up!'.
So I turned to the TV. What did I see? It sure looked like the News with all numbers around the guy in it. People who sported a white attire that is so white that a white mask on them would make the blacks get real pissed off( If you didn't get the joke, I meant to say they 'd look like followers of the KKK) were being interviewed. An itch prompted me to give my unshaven cheek a scratch with my left index finger which bore the dark line that citizens get after exercising their right to vote.
Now, after almost 3 minutes of total confusion, it all becomes clear. Votes are being counted all over India and the media is having an orgasm over it. After that, it was like watching cricket. And watching cricket is what I do when the I am tired of rolling my eyeballs fast enough so that I can actually see the blades of a ceiling fan that is running at full speed (Take the hint!). This is a free nation and I have the right to think that watching flies is more amusing than cricket.
Things got interesting ... after surfing all the other channels and realizing that this is all that I can see. People all over India, including myself in my pyjamas are waiting for the moment of truth. The ruling party was leading in most places and the political scenario in my state was almost the same. Leaders, some expressing their gratitude while others exclaimed how shocked they were. Well over a billion people in the nation have nothing else in mind for now, but this.
Now I am excited too. I liked the freak show on the streets that got over just a few days back. The whole idea of campaigning and other pre-election stunts was a wonderful sight to see. It was election fever every where. Everybody made it a point that they spare a few hours of each day in expressing their views on who will form the next government. Political leaders who would swear that they saw a white crow were patrolling the streets. And now they are all waiting for the results like everybody else does.
It was getting late (not for work or anything. I mean, how long do I stare at a couple of numbers that go up and down?). But the fact that my single vote was contributing to the ultimate decision was exciting. Now I start flipping TV channels and try to get a clearer idea of the political scenario.
Then it was declared that the party I had voted for had secured a seat. I was all excited. The people have spoken! I stood with joy and pride. A grin across my face that proudly stated our victory. I could imagine millions of people cheering. I could think of nothing but celebration.
I switched off the TV and decided to take a walk. I opened the doors and took a deep breath like I could actually smell victory. But this time victory smelt funny. It was not the smell, but the feeling. It was like I had a splash of water right on my face. A sudden realization of reality. It was like this was the question Socrates would have yelled out loud if he were here. It was simple, yet true. And I asked myself,
'The results are out. SO ?!!!!'
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