I hate Indian serials

No, I'm not a fan. Is it a big surprise?
I don't like my heart in the strings of a master puppeteer who doesn't care about me.

I have enough drama in my own life, thank you very much.

The thing I most dislike about Indian serials is that they go on for years, decades and even centuries maybe. I don't know, has any ever come to a satisfactory ending?

If you have ever observed me at places where I'm forced to watch serials because someone around me is a fan... You'll find me either leave the room if I can, ignore its existence or negatively commenting on how unrealistic and melodramatic everything is.

All serials/series aren't bad, of course, but most Indian ones are.
Here's a list of traits I especially hate:

1. Prevalence of stereotypes, biases and cultural evils
And you wonder why so many old aunties and uncles are so rigid in their traditions that are obviously ruining everyone's lives.

2. Antagonists are always after power, property and money
Oooooh! And most of them are borderline sadists who indulge in deeply hurting people.

3. People have no work and are always plotting against each other
I'm amazed at how free people are in serials. I didn't have that much free time even in primary school. The bad people plan traps for the good people and the good people do the same. It's a never ending cycle.

4. Police and law only come into the picture when it's convenient
When I say "convenient" , I mean, when it's used to frame innocent people.
There are so many unacceptable activities done in serials that would easily send one to jail including violence against elderly and minors, domestic violence, kidnapping, etc. But are the police ever called? Nope. These things "Remain within the family" but why? *no response*
And even if said people go to jail, they are given easy bail and sent home within days.... Unrealistic for most of such offenses.
Also, the way most police are shown reinforces the notion that all of them are corrupt and useless to actually take care of law and order in society. And then you wonder why even with so many social reforms and laws in our country... We're still so backward and not progressing at all. It's because we don't trust the police, the law and the peace they're meant to bring.

5. Unnecessary extending of episodes
Indian serial writers and production directors are great.... Very great at this.
I absolutely hate it when they repeat the same drum beat while zooming into everyone's face as they make some dumb shocked expression. It's so lame.
Also, those weird "romantic" scenes where the couple is looking into each other's eyes for what feels like hours. That's so strange and unrealistic. I mean I know you love her... But at least have a human conversation... What are you trying to accomplish? Telepathy?
And those scenes that tense everyone up... The people that are not supposed to meet, almost do... This happens around 10 times, in different locations and in different ways. Stop it! Please.

6. It never gets over
I've heard of serials that last 300 episodes. And I wonder what hellhole the viewers have been through waiting for so many episodes to see a happy ending....

7. ...That's not even there
Very rarely do serials have a good ending. It's like you've waited for so long and then they murder your heart. What is this?
This happened to me once while watching an Anime too.... What do these writers think of themselves? Well, never again. Never watching that anime ever again.

I sincerely dislike watching Indian serials. They play around with stereotypes too much. I have learnt to joke about the entire plot in my head and I comment about it outwardly too many a times. People need to know how they're getting toyed around because of these serials. People need to be more socially aware and not encourage such biased opinions to be so easily broadcast in our country. If we really love our country, we'd care about the lives of our Indian people. And that means the healthy social lives of all people....not just ourselves.

Indian entertainment industry, I'm keeping my eye on you and I won't support your work if you don't respect social harmony, tolerance and national integration.

Morning madness

(My classmates will recall how I got inspired to write this)

Most of the Mumbaikars, living in or near the city are early birds... Or at least, have to be. We are awoken by our alarms, a sound we've learnt to hate. Waking up before the sun has risen is tough and we dislike it dearly... Unless there's something spectacular to look forward to during the day. We, the Mumbaikars, not fully awake without a hot cup of tea or coffee and a delicious good breakfast.

And so my journey begins the moment I step out of my door and walk towards the lift. I exit the building and the cold morning air hits me. Some are washing their cars, splish-splash, and there's water on the concrete ground as if it just rained. Making my way to the bus stop, I keep an eye out for coming buses, if there are any. I speed to the bus stop anyway. I then see a bus coming from a distance. Half a minute passes and it still appears to be afar. Is it stuck in time or just coming in slow-motion? The bus finally arrives and so, I hop in quickly and choose a good seat by the window. I take out the money for my ticket, the coins are all warmed up in my hand by the time the bus conductor comes to take it. He gives me my ticket. I look at my ticket for a few seconds before keeping it in my bag... Just another one for the already existing pile.

The wind is gushing in through the window. The bus driver has always wanted to be a racer. But at least I'll reach college faster if I'm alive at the end of this. Who am I kidding? I'm thoroughly enjoying the speed at which he's driving at.

I make "the sign of the cross" as I pass by the Church. I relax a little. But then I get anxious when I look at the time on my watch. I try to calm myself down by counting the numerous dogs on the sidewalk. They're out for their morning walk, along with some others jogging for a fitter lifestyle.
Most of the stores are closed, though many are beginning to open and set up for the day. I cover my nose and mouth at the sight of the garbage dump. And after it's away enough, I let out big sigh. I look out for my landmark building a little before my destination stop. Once I've passed it, I get up and get down.

I, then, walk across the junction, on a serious lookout for cars and bikes...To reach the other bus stop. As I'm waiting there, I try to observe and notice other people in the area who are on their own morning adventures.

A lot of us are anxious and in a hurry right from the start of the day. Our worry reflects on the clear expression on our faces. We're easily troubled by even the slightest of delay by any of the transports we rely on. Even the most trivial of extra space in between the 2 dominoes could spoil the chain reaction. Besides, a day begun well puts us in a good mood throughout the day. Or so, we believe.
Still dazed by the dreams of yesterday, we take on a new venture today. The first mission of the day being, of course, to reach on time to our schools, colleges or workplaces.

Waiting at the bus stop sometimes feel like forever. And to get to college, I mostly have to wait twice. Finally! I see the bus. I get in, pay for my ticket and get down. There isn't time to look out of the window and let my mind wander anymore.
From here on, it's by foot....a walk that lasts 3 mintues if you can walk at my pace.

On entering the college lane, I wear my ID Card and go through the college gates. I make a quick stop to the chapel and go to my class...Where I see my friends already seated at our desks. My class is the finish line to my morning madness.

There are some other classmates who just got here too, panting for breath. And when I see other students like me who made it on time, all I can tell them in my mind is, "Way to go, fellow racer, you've completed the race."