In the blink of an eye

Yesterday at half past six in the evening we decided to watch LunchBox in the theatre. Bookmyshow ensured that we had reservations for the 7.55 pm show at Rex.

And then it was a flurry of activity
Take Max down for a quick pee
Can I come in this only? Jeans is OK change the shirt ...
Feed Max no... give him pedigree
Did you leave him some water?
Who has the house keys?
Close the room doors... I don't want him sleeping on my bed
Should we leave the TV on... Max will feel better
(notice that it's mostly about our boxer pup Max!!)

We finally started the car at 7.20
We took the Domlur flyover curved into an immediate left, cruised down to MG road and braved through the heavy traffic on Brigade road to reach Rex theater in 15 minutes! We had time for a pastry at adjacent Nilgiris. Good old Nilgiris! So nicely they have built the flyover. Just so convenient, we gushed!

When the area was all grime and dust and narrow muddy deviations we were happily away... driving down the wide freeways of Delhi. I am sure there must be many who think, at last the flyover is ready, and sigh relief.

Hey! When did this happen? We say, a little perturbed, or a little angry! Or as it happened elated at the convenience.
It is as if it all happens in the blink of an eye. Suddenly it's different. Suddenly things are not the same.

kids grow up
relationships change
technology moves ahead
new business methods arrive
competition thrives

But that's not true
Na-a-
Nothing happens suddenly. We just did not pay attention. Or we chose to ignore because other more important things consumed our attention.

And when suddenly something nudges us awake, we look around like Rip Van Winkle and say  "Surely, I have not slept here all night."

Yet
When he did wake up, Rip Van Winkle, gleefully exclaimed, I have slept for 20 years! It takes courage to say that too.