Madhav

Angry Copper Boy series

“Is it some made-up story of yours? Or — ”

“Madhav! Why would I lie? Are you listening or not?”

“Yeah, Magan! Go ahead. Pour your heart out; I’m all ears.”

“She said that I’m a good man. And you know what! — The last time when someone told me that I’m a good man and felt safe around me, the very next day she made a mockery of my — what they call it nowadays! what’s the word…”

“Insecurity?”

“Yeah, insecurity! Hitting me right there where I’m unguarded. You know when someone compliments you, especially a woman and when she says you’re a good man, it does mitigate this chronic pain, this feeling that you aren’t worthy enough. It makes you feel less burdened. Some words are soothing.”

“Who is she?”

“Someone I met at the office party today.”

“What made her say that?”

“Basic chivalry, I believe!”

“So what’s next?”

“Nothing. I’m just telling you what happened. How it made me feel good and how it made me feel disgusted. My thoughts eat me up sometimes, and every time I try to explain, the conversation leads nowhere. There’s no place to dump or divulge how this brain of mine is wired. Sorry for my choice of words! I’m just overwhelmed. And these little details — that are etched in my memory…”

“Don’t worry, man! You’ll figure it out — you’re sharp as a tack. And it will happen again.”

“What?”

“Groundhog Day!”

“Stop it!”

“It’s my world, and you all live in a simulation.”