The opportunity cost

Say it the aftereffect of the lockdown or for any other reason but after higher government authorities allowed social animals like me or any other person a free move outside the four walls of home the craving for watching a movie in the theatre with added butter popcorns increased manifolds. So as the theatres opened without caring for the reviews I turned on the Bollywood movies in the theatre. At last, watching Bollywood in a theatre has a different feel because watching movies on an OTT platform for me is like watching movies on Set Max always giving a nostalgic retro feel. But all my excitement started to dampen as Ranbeer, Siddharth and Varun failed to create magic on the screen and my mind stopped accepting so-called fantastic, highly promoted storylines.

As my doubt about Bollywood theatre art was increasing and I had already decided to abandon Bollywood there came the trailer of 'Roadside Detective'. Under my insightful gaze and from the trailer only I was sure that I will have to postpone my idea of estranging Bollywood. At last, it needs devoted viewers like me.

Anyways the fact is that the trailer ignited the craving for movies to double notch and I decided to watch the first-day first show. As I was eagerly waiting for the booking date to come I tried to rationalize my desire by watching the trailer again and again. Just then as if God tried to lessen the inner turmoil I was granted a 15 days trip to Europe by my company as a reward for my exceptional work. I have to be sure on the seventh cloud and so was I. With great zeal I and my family prepared for the journey, went there, enjoyed a lot, came back, and bragged along with photos in our social circle, earning envious gazes and returning smug scoffs.

One day I was returning from my aunt's house after completing my bragging and self-praising session in mere 2 hours. The sky had already darkened but our society complex was well-lighted thus overshadowing the gloominess of the dark. As I stepped into society I watch 'The great Sharmas' going somewhere. I decided to socialise with them so with my sugar-coated smile I tried to greet them. But please note I only tried. Before I could say something the little Sharma boy interrupted me, " Di we know every single detail of your Europe trip, so much that I can write a 1000 words memoir over it. And if you want that memoir please wait because we are in a hurry to catch up for ' Roadside Detective'." With this monologue, the family vanished leaving me in utter shock with wide eyes and open mouth. My first-day first show. Suddenly something struck hard and I opened my phone and searched for every damn theatre in the city if I can be lucky to avail myself a single seat. But as if the whole city had booked their places to see the blooming Neelkurinji ( flower blossoms once in 12 years), not a damn single ticket was available. A feeling of remorse took over me. The phone fell to the ground, my head automatically lowered as I received the fruits of my Karmas. After all, every action has a reaction and everything has an opportunity cost.