Tag: people

All the Love in the World

Frank — the people’s icon. Colleagues loved him, his respectful nature, and knack for avoiding controversies. Friends appreciated his remaining unbiased despite political influences.

He’d seen many downfalls as he had seen successes; lost awards, media insults, lame caricatures, and even protests against his works. Yet he shone through all that without batting an eye. He was used to it all. Fourteen years in the business had taught him how to keep his head through thick and thin.

But all the glitter of Hollywood couldn’t make up for missing his daughter’s birth. For the first time, Frank’s eyes glittered with tears.

Nervous

nervous

I stood backstage listening to my heartbeat’s crescendo. It was my first time. I watched her prepare herself; sneaking glances at the mirror, checking her makeup, and adjusting her bracelet. She seemed calm, panicking only when an assistant informed that he’d misplaced her headdress.

I looked at my sister. I had watched her growth since our parents died. She was three then. I, ten. An artist now, she was about to perform live, and I saw no nervousness.

She walked into thunderous applause. I stole a peek through the curtains–everything blurred.

I remembered. I had forgotten my spectacles at home.

When Amazon Pissed Me Off

It’s amazing how much we, as consumers, rely on brand names. I don’t often buy stuff online, and when I do, however, I always choose Amazon. Whether it’s books, clothes, or something bigger like electronic goods, Amazon is my go-to place online.

I have specific reasons, and they’re simple, too. Amazon is the most popular ecommerce site and it’s ubiquitous. Obvious conclusion: you don’t get to do business on such a large scale if you’re not good.

But as it is with consumer behaviour, it’s weird how a tiny glitch could break even a giant as gigantic as Amazon. A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a memory card on Amazon India and was promised delivery about 12-14 days from the date of purchase. It was a long wait, but I didn’t think much about it then because I was positive the estimate date was just an estimate; most orders arrive much before the delivery date. Besides, the day after I placed my order, I got a message saying my order was shipped. Ha, I thought, Amazon is Amazon for a reason, and I had no reason to worry.

Wrong.

After the prompt first message, I got nothing else. The estimated date whizzed by without me receiving my order. I tried tracking my package only to find out that the shipping details on my Amazon account were false. I dug up some trash on the seller, realising that almost all customers of that seller hadn’t received their orders. I tried contacting the seller (twice) and received no response as response.

I grew annoyed. Deciding to give up on Amazon, I ordered from another website, and got my package within two days.

Now I know Amazon has limited control over the sellers on their website, but I still flare up at Amazon. It’s natural human instinct. As a customer, I don’t care what’s going on with the company and a seller they’re hosting, but if you piss me off, I’m ditching your business.

Maybe I judge Amazon too harsh. But again, customers want what they want, and if a business fails so bad, customers won’t be compassionate. I work for an IT company and I understand that I shouldn’t blame it all on Amazon because of one seller’s mishap. But hereafter even before I type Amazon in my browser, I’ll think twice. My impression of the brand is tarnished forever. And that’s a price Amazon has to pay.

Making People

I felt god-like.

I injected emotions and stamina into nothingness to create Ben. I had complete control. I could twist his arm and his fate anyway I wanted. His life relied on my mood swings and caffeine intake. It was a responsibility I took light, though shouldn’t have.

Affection surged through me when I realised his evolution from a violent thought to a violent person.

I introduced Ben to my friend. Matt’s a lawyer, he knows people and what makes them tick. He’s had experience dealing with ruffians like Ben.

“Well, Matt?”

“Good. Except for one serious plot hole.”