I AM IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Preeta

It seems I am in the last year of school and answering questions in a friend’s slam book. Thanks to Chiradeep, who arranged such a captivating week of questionnaires.

• Are you only good at laughing or can you even make people around you laugh at your jokes?

Ans: I am a jovial person. I love to laugh and I make others laugh as well, not at my jokes though, but at my actions and phrases that I use on certain situations.

• Have you ever smiled at a stranger and then wished you hadn’t? Why or why not?

Ans: No, I have done something bigger than that- held a stranger’s arm! I was walking with friends in the busy Paltan market of Dehradun. I saw something and I hastily held one of my friendsss, Kapil’s arm and started walking fastly. I felt strange when Kapil wasn’t walking as per my pace. I was about to shout at him when I looked upon his face- the man wasn’t Kapil, but a complete stranger. I apologised, but the man was more embarrassed than I was.

• What is your most embarrassing childhood memory?

Ans: I must be around 10 then. There was a pile of clothes on the bed that had just been dried under the sun. I thought to surprise mom by folding the clothes. I started the work and after a while I heard my mom calling me. I didn’t answer as I wanted to surprise her. Suddenly, everyone in the house started shouting my name. I still kept mum. Then my mom came into the room and was relieved to see me. She had thought I had gone somewhere without telling her. Though no one scolded me, just said that I should answer whenever my name is called, I felt embarrassed for the fact that my idea of giving a surprise scared everyone else.

• What is your favourite activity or hobby that you always manage to spare time no matter how busy you are?

Ans: That would be definitely listening to songs, which I hear almost daily while doing my work or travelling.

• If you are in a bad mood, do you prefer to be left alone or have someone to cheer you up?

Ans: Yes, I prefer to be left alone, but that has hardly happened. I am lucky to have a few loving and caring people around me who sense something is wrong with me and they lift up my mood.

• Out of the negative emotions of greed, anger, jealousy and hate, which one would you say affects you the most?

Ans: Anger for sure. Actually, I have never been affected by greed, jealousy and hate. I don’t pay a heed if anyone hates me or is jealous. But, I do get affected by the anger.

• What skill do you wish you had?

Ans: Remembering the numbers involving money! I am very bad at recalling the exact amount I paid for something, or have to pay. I even forget the amount of my kids’ tuition fees and my husband’s salary. Gosh!

• Are you a good listener?

Ans: Yes, I am a good listener. I listen calmly and give my advice whenever anyone needs me.

• Are you able to say no, even when it makes you unpopular?

Ans: I say no only if I am not able to do what’s been asked. Popularity is secondary for me.

• What is the funniest rumour you have heard about yourself?

Ans: That I am going around with someone. Sounds too funny when one is happily married with two kids!

Thanks a lot, Geet for this interesting questionnaire. I loved answering it. It was fun recollecting a few memories.