The Month That Almost Wasn't

 Fate. Kismat. Destiny. Fortune. I wonder how many people believe in it. There are several things which have happened in life as part of a seemingly random choice or outcome, but have made an enormous difference. Or not. It varies from one person to another, honestly. 

I was walking through book lovers' heaven again today. College Street. I had already walked past the stalls once the previous day. I was going to have to do that not once today, but twice. Imagine my plight. Rows and rows of books of every sort and I could not stop. The booksellers stood there like sirens, luring me to the rocks that were the books. I would have gladly wrecked my mom's (and my) wallet, but there was business of a different sort we had to attend to. And no, that's not a euphemism for any mafia-like activity.

Once that business got over, we started back. Not by a different route, though. We had to walk back the same way as before, so that I could see the books but not stop for any of them. Frankly, I'm making it seem more grandiose than it actually was, but there's no other way to describe it. I had enough self-control to not stop for even a moment, no matter what the book was. And then it happened. 

As we were walking, right before my eyes, I saw it happen. The pile of books began to lean, then lose balance, and finally topple over. Obviously I wasn't going to walk by without picking up the fallen warriors, I stopped. I picked up the books and then saw the stall. And I couldn't move. Move, said my brain. Just look, said my heart. You can guess which one I listened to. 

One the spur of the moment, I managed to convince my mother to buy two books (no more), so that we would have a more complete collection. I was able to take a few pictures this time, since I could afford to stop and look at the books. It was enough to melt the heart of even the most hardened book-lover.

 

 

You know the best part of it all? Unlike a bookstore, where the more recent editions of books are available, these stalls had old editions, new editions, and everything in between. Didn't matter which book- there must have been at least 3 editions of Birds of Prey in that stall alone. 

There are many different mindsets when we talk about readers. Some people get a recommendation, then buy the hard copy of the book and read it. Doesn't matter what the book is; even if it is 50 Shades of Grey, these people will buy the book and then read it. The other category is the opposite. They'll read the book first, and then buy the hard copy if they really liked it. They know that there are several good books, but only some ought to be owned. 

I belong to the second category. It's a strange thing, actually. People ask me why I buy books I've already read. It's because those books are worth keeping. There's a difference, which some people may or may not understand. It's perfectly fine- as long as you read, it matters. Somewhat like fate- as long as it happens, that's what's important. It's not how it happened; all that matters is that it did. 

Like when I was assigned my section in Class 1. I was supposed to be in Section A, but due to some error, I was transferred to B, and I stayed there. Until I left the school, that is. Nevertheless, the friends I made as a result of that single, seemingly random choice, are still with me. The things I learnt are still with me, as are my experiences. And all of that is due to something which happened and was completely out of my control. 

In any competition, it's a given fact that people will have some level of apprehension before they go on stage. Quiz, debate, dance, music- doesn't matter. Nerves will be there, but in different ways for different people. The very act of picking a chit to decide the speaking order in a debate is fraught with possibilities(and probabilities, for the mathematically concerned), and it has been the reason why I've met a lot of people, or received a position. 

Much like I said in my first blog, there are so many things which could have changed the outcome of a certain event. So many unknown variables which could have led to a different result, but none of those happened; only one did. This goes for people we know, too. 

I might've never met some of my friends had I not changed schools. I might've never learnt half the things I have. I know for a fact that I would never have met some people had I not decided to strike up a conversation out of the blue. I might've still retained a connection with some people if I hadn't tried to strike up a conversation, but that's a different matter altogether, I suppose. 

The first blog I wrote was on 28th December. It's been a month, but there are a lot of things which are still the same. There are many things which are not, but that's life. I've written every day but three since then, and it feels good. It could feel better, though. I believe I've rambled enough for today, so I'll stop now. Adios!