Beautiful Lies

In this world that we live in, there are no absolutes. Good or bad is a mere matter of perspective. And often one man’s happiness is bought at the price of others’ despair – a thought that crossed my mind following the fateful dismissal of Tendulkar at the hands of Ravi Rampaul (May he burn in hell!). It was not as much the wicket he took but his manner of celebration which, in my eyes, earned him a ticket to perdition. Though, in all fairness, the guy was only celebrating his success. Yet, for the millions of heart-broken fans, truth or fairness offered no solace. Sometimes, people deserve much more than the truth – they need hope. To children, a fairytale; to adults, their fantasy; for the more useless ones, their daydreams; anything to take the edge off the harsh reality.

There are certain tales, so powerful, they become legends: the heart continues to revel in its spirit even as the mind outgrows the belief. There’s an age-old story: of a fat, jolly, old man as nimble as a sprite – the harbinger of joy and the spirit of giving. And on this story has grown the custom of trees, stockings, carols and milk and cookies – celebrated the world over. It’s a lie the truth of which the parents never bother telling their kids about. It’s a lie, they all like to believe in, every time they show a happy ending to any of the countless Hollywood flicks on its miracle. Christmas, after all, is an assurance that goodness is rewarded.
To such goodness within each one of us, cherished or forgotten and the belief that Sachin will very soon reach the much-awaited milestone, Season’s greetings to all of you. Happy holidays!