Bijoy Kumar, Richard Meaden & Richard Porter

Bijoy contemplates his dependence on technology in the lockdown

My hands are itching for it, my mind is going through withdrawal symptoms

IT HAS BEEN 53 MINUTES SINCE MY WIFE took my phone to get the screen changed. And I have reached out for my phone over twenty times only to realise that it has gone for repairs. As the clock moves on, I am getting anxious, worried and mad at the same time. Am I missing a very important office mail that wants me to do a dance sequence and send it back so that some busy brand manager can weave it into 40 other dance sequences? Did someone actually like the photograph I posted on Instagram? What is the terrible memory that Facebook puked back onto the screen so that I can share it again – since I have only a dance sequence to share. Did the creep who negates everything that I stand for, like smoking, drinking and riding fast, sneak in a post supporting spirituality in my beloved fourth grade Whatsapp group? This story is just 154 words old and I have looked for the solace of my phone another ten times. My hands are itching for it, my mind is going through withdrawal symptoms, my muscle memory is making my fingertips swipe the computer screen I am staring into. I wanted to call my wife who drove out braving the lockdown – not because I was missing her, but I was missing my phone. But then I couldn’t, since my phone was with her.

It has been well over an hour since I checked how much more the Sensex has fallen and how much closer to bankrupt I have become. Oh no, I forgot to PM good morning to my friend in Australia and it is already noon here. Facebook reminded me that sixteen people I know have their birthdays today and all sixteen will be waiting with bated breath and uncut cakes till they hear from me. And guess what, I forgot to congratulate my friend’s neighbour’s son who croaked a John Lennon song in Korean – my friend must think I am so inconsiderate. My batchmate who is an officer in the Navy was supposed to run a half marathon inside his house and all my other fauji friends would have cheered him! Should not forget to send a ‘you continue to be my inspiration’ message as soon as I get my phone back. Oh my god, my boss was supposed to do some lockdown cooking today and I haven’t sent a ‘you are a pro, you will rock it’ message which should make him pretty happy before he gets on with my online appraisal! ⌧