Peeping toms unite....
>> Monday, October 29, 2007
As I enter my housing society, I suddenly have a sinking feeling that I am being stalked. Wherever I go, i feel few pairs of eyes piercing my back . I turn around to catch the stalker but alas i find no one around. I almost sound like the protagonist of Sidney Sheldon's "Tell me your dreams", but in reality this is not MPD( for people who must be wondering whether I have completely lost it :D )..
This is what I call OCN . It usually strikes when I am sprinting faster than P. T. Usha to catch my 9:30 Madras Mail office shuttle ( see I leave my house at 9:28, so you can just about imagine the scene). I am almost lunging for the finish line and lo, I am struck by a virulent attack of OCN. Unlike other viral infections, OCN usually begins with a pleasant smile so initial reactions are mild.
This is a conversation between me and OCN virus, yeah the virus talks too :D
OCN : So Deepti, you leave for work at this time daily?
Me: Yes Aunty,
OCN: So you are late today?
Me: Just a little (No, I am running the Mumbai Marathon next year, hence the sprint :( )
Before the attack becomes more intense, I smile my brightest smile and run off, knowing very well that this is only a temporary relief .
Scene 2:
My weekend had just begun, and my long suffering mother who secretly suspects I am turning aethist, coaxed me to atleast put my attendance at the nearby Ayyappa Temple.
Sadly, she doesnt know its not god i am againt but some of the viral attacks I am subjected to each time I go there, each being more vicious than the other.
OCN: How are you Mole? Visiting the temple after quite a few days?
Me: I am fine aunty ( big smile to avoid the questions).
OCN:How is work?
Me: Fine
OCN: So when are you getting married?
Me: Smile ( Actually gritting my teeth), No idea aunty, amma and acchan are looking out. ( And they also think they are running out of options)
OCN: I am looking forward to a sadhya ( wedding feast in malayalam) soon...
Me: ( I almost mumble the name of nearby mallu restaurant for sadhya) Silence...
I have never prayed as intently as that day and on many days when this strikes me ... God , why single me out for all this torture?
Now the incident that triggered this blog,
Last night one of my friends came down to borrow a book. I had just finished handing it to him , when he told looked at the top floor balconies and exclaimed " Deepti call the fire brigade"
startled I looked up, and to my horror, OCN had struck again. In the process of having a good look at my "male" friend , OCN had got tangled in the balcony grill. With great difficulty, the fire brigade rescued the poor soul. ( But I am sure she must be grinning at the breaking news she had at hand, isnt breaking news worth all the pain folks .. wink .. wink.. )
Long live OCN .. Overtly Curious Neighbours .. atleast they keep the fire brigade busy with their antics.. and I am seriously planning to run the marathon .. or maybe the obstacle race next Olympics as I practice daily .. dodging and running away from OCN :D
