27th Feb 2010

This week I went to 3 events & even I was surprised, cause I am…what should I say…anti-social. But 2 of my very dear friends have asked & I just couldn’t say no.

We went to this book launch at the Art’s Council on Wednesday. Actually a page has been written on the parents of Sara in the book Karachiwala: a subcontinent within a city. The book is about all sorts of communities who live in Karachi. As usual I was sleeping while people were talking & it reminded me of my Zoology class when I used to look at my watch every now & then, & even a second seemed like a century. One of the reviewers said that he didn’t know why Romana has asked him to write an essay on it. The others were all praise how people usually are. One individual said that it’s an important book.

The author highlighted a very important aspect in her speech. She talked about the class difference that can be seen everywhere. She was even thankful that people came as it’s very difficult to drive or come at any place, due to traffic & other problems including fear that we face on a daily basis. She has even written on 4 boys who ran away from their homes & now live on the foot path.

However, the snacks were disgusting. My friend wanted to have dessert & she made me have a bite even though I didn’t want to…that piece of cake seemed like 30 year old something & then she didn’t have it herself after seeing my expression. People were using spoon to pick up plain chips & then devouring it with the aid of their fingers…that was a funny scene. Sandwiches were fine. And there was this old uncle who couldn't help inquiring if we went to Karachi Grammar.

I think I should move on the next event. So on Thursday, my sister called me at around 6:30 & asked me to get ready for a play at PACC. I like theatre for a variety of reason, but I went to this play after one hell of a long time. They are new people & they do have talent. The character of donkey man was cute & so was the real donkey. And such aged people came to watch the play. I felt terribly young :P

And today I went to this session arranged by my friend Tya. I did learn that mobile is actually a very powerful weapon. What a pity it wasn’t accessible when I was a teenager! Again I was sleeping during the entire session. The speaker looked a lot like Karan Johar. When he asked me as to what is augmented reality. I had no clue as I didn’t even listen to the question. Later on my sister gave a summary of it all & I was like…she’s related to me AND she was listening. I did comment but on useless things. Actually one of the guys who was sitting beside me…whenever he said something, I just added something to it.

I didn’t miss my watch as such but seconds could actually be so long & again I was reminded of that Zoology class. However, it’s a coincidence that twice this week I was reminded of my college days & that Zoology teacher.

Before I forget, there was this aged couple sitting right at the back. They kept on talking so loudly. People in Pakistan have no manners & they were not even teenagers. They were in their 40s I guess. Even when the session was over, they were talking.

I don’t know whether Sara & Tya would give me points for this write-up, but they must :P I usually don’t make commitments, but when I do, I keep it. And I have been very, very honest. And for friends I take out the time to sleep even in book launches & sessions on mobile phones.