Cynical Love

Happy reached out with his left to get the TV remote, but in the process, spilled his coffee on the table. With anger, he looked up and sighed. “Oh my god! This is all I wanted. And now the match has also started.”

Lapping between the kitchen and hall, as fast as a 46-year-old man could, to clean his mess. Keeping one eye on the TV screen, paying close attention to the football match. “I hate this table and the stupid, mug. If only the base of the mug was wide enough,” His mouth did not shut, as he made haste, in his really short shorts and green checked shirt.

After a quick cleaning, he settled on his couch. Complaining about his absent coffee that he liked to sip during the match. And wasn’t happy about missing the first few minutes of the match. If you may not have noticed, he has a very bad habit of complaining and nit-picking. And he also says it out loud which helps him less often.

He is a person who rarely, has something good to say about, anything. And he is honestly, proud of it. No one knows, whether he knows about this particular habit or not. And the ones that tried to let him know, he would say something rude to them and that would result in falling off, of the relationship. And he has burned countless bridges, because of this cynical behavior.

Being completely engrossed in the match, his nature of complaining goes dormant. But pops up whenever his team makes a bad play. And that one incident will cascade into memories of the last final that the team had lost and once again, the critique in him wakes up. And the worst part is, even if his team would win, he would still at times be not happy and would be busy picking the flaws in the plays they made. And not even the advertisements between the commercials break were safe.

He proceeded to watch the entire match but did seem impressed by the win. According to him, their team got lucky and the other team played horribly than theirs. Not happy and out of boredom, he headed to the park.

And on his way, picked up a coffee, as his coffee thirst wasn’t quenched. Coffee was something that he did not like to argue about. However, his coffee maybe, he would drink it peacefully.

As he entered the park, the first that is usually visible is the massive ground right in the middle of the park. Big and circular enough to host a cricket match. On the brim of the ground, lies multiple lanes to walk, jog and cycle. And on the brims of those lanes, are benches. There are countless of them and he never bothers to count them. And behind the benches are planted grass and at the end, is the wall, that encapsulates the park.

Sitting dead center of the bench, sipping his coffee, with no emotions on his face. Yet, there is ease on his face. maybe he really likes the play or is happy that his team won.

As he steered his eyes to the right, a group of young children played football. As he looked at them, he smiled. Once again, he switched to his habit of criticizing how bad they played, and he said it out loud, even though he is all by himself.

But there was something else, which he did not say out loud. He kept it to himself and kept smiling. He thought to himself, “They are so full of potential, and they don’t even realize it. They are busy enjoying life. And that is how it should be.”

“They may not be realizing it, but right now they are sewing golden memories. And once is while they will come back to it and cherish them,” he continued. “Some will grow quicker than rest, while some will struggle to transition from school life to real-world, some will make a lot of money, while some will struggle and these struggles will be more precious nuggets of experience that will help them in life. No one knows, who will stay friends forever, while who will grow up, and grow apart. But in the end, they are experiencing the beauty of life.”

“And talking about football, thank god the team won,” he said to himself out loud. And as he sipped on his coffee, he also praised the coffee.

As his eyes scanned through the ground, he realized a group of senior citizens. “That is me in some time. But the main question is, will I join them?” He paid attention to them and their yoga possess, but the thought of being so old bothered him and so looked away.

To his extreme right, were a group of youngsters. Who are unloading gym equipment from the van. After few laps, they had already begun their gym session with basic pieces of equipment like dumbells, rods, and stretch bands. “The youth, the backbone of the country. There is a lot on your plate, but you are also strong enough the should the weight of this entire nation. All bets are on you and I am sure, whatever problems there may arise, you will find a solution and come through.”

By now we know that he has a heart somewhere inside him. Yet, he acts as if he doesn't care. Maybe he doesn't like showing his true feelings. No one knows whether his demeanor changed because he doesn't trust people, or isn't interested in showing his true emotions.

Before leaving, he took a big breath, as if he knew, he will go back to his old ways. As he stood there he had a big smile on his face, and as he took small steps towards the exit, the inches on his smile reduced. And as he set his foot outside, he gave up his caring side and picked up his tough, cynical exterior. And walked home.