Is it better to be good-looking or an influencing mind?

July 8, 2009

Sometimes, some small things bring out the best of our minds or some unforgettable thoughts. It happened yesterday on July 7, 2009, when I finally met my old office colleague-turned-friend after fixing dates for over one-and-a-half years!

The meet could never take place until that fine day due to our different timings of shifts and despite our offices routes being same.

It was also a day I had a bitter argument with my stupid and comedian boss over increment-issue. I reached one hour late and was all-apologetic at heart.

And, here she was presently dressed with dark brown goggles on and having shining pink lipstick instead of her old dark brown colour, wearing trousers and carrying a cheerful smile. She’s my age and didn’t marry for career like me.

We decided to go on a long drive and I welcomed the suggestion. We interacted like two friends meeting after 100 years of longing. The mood turned joyful despite office’ exhaustion and irritation suffered on that day.

Here she was…”Bhaisahab! Larki ko time de kar late nahin aate (Mister, you should keep waiting a girl after promising for a fixed time). And, Oh my God! What have you done to yourself she remarked after noticing my a day-old grey beard.”


Naturally, she is my friend and intended to improve in all respects in life. So the first thing she did was to suggest three things—one should have clean shave, one should perfume himself well, and be presently dressed up.

I smiled at the suggestions and asked her to let's go to some nice place. We wanted to talk to each other for long time but couldn't. We had a pleasant evening and heartiest talks full of laughter and joy.

But by the end of our four-hour meet at India Gate, I felt like sharing my opinion on life and maintaining one’s personality.

I mentioned that after an age one realises we need to look at intellectual beauty and refinement in tastes, as the skin soon fails its charm but the original thing developed in us over the years carries on fascinating till our last time.

We are ultimately remembered for that and not skin, at least among our loved ones including actual friends. I think, she liked the thought.