The Last Word

We are riddled with all kinds of problems today. In the big picture, we are faced with grave issues like terrorism, global warming and territorial conflicts. In our day to day lives, we struggle with power cuts, water shortage and increasing traffic woes. It is hardly within the common man’s control to solve any of these problems. All he can do is let out his anger on the first unsuspecting victim.

As any one who drives on the roads of Delhi would very well know, road rage is a very common phenomenon. People cruise through the roads hurling unspeakable abuses on whoever might intentionally or unintentionally cross their way. Tempers flare at the least provocation, sometimes leading to serious accidents. I myself confess to have fallen prey to this monster. So when this man on his two wheeler in front of my car suddenly braked in the middle of the road, I was barely able to control my anger. However not wanting to get into an argument, I just gave him a piece of mind and moved ahead. As luck would have it, the light turned red on the next crossing. And what was worse, I could see that motorist approaching the same crossing. Angry as I was, I braced myself for the verbal duel. But apparently, I hadn’t prepared enough. So when the motorist came and said “Sorry”, I was knocked back by the impact of that word. I have hardly been in such a situation before. I found myself completely helpless and could mutter nothing more than “Its ok”. My anger had vaporised in an instant and all I felt now was a sense of extreme foolishness.

I once read a quote, “An apology is the best way to have the last word”. Today’s incident served as ample evidence for this. What I wonder is, can’t the bigger problems facing us today also be solved by this magic solution? And should we not atleast give it a chance?

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~ by pranayjain on July 25, 2007.