The "Itch" Hitch

It was one of those mornings when the persistent ringing of the alarm almost prodded me out of bed. I snubbed off a weird feeling fostering on my mind. I looked at my face in the mirror and screamed….no it was not a pimple, it was worse than that…it was rash; It was all over my face, successfully disfiguring it. I pinched myself hard and winced at the fact that it wasn’t a nightmare after all. I felt desperation so deep, as the people of Egypt felt when they were hit by the dreadful plagues. I was reminded of Will Smith’s allergy in the movie “Hitch” and felt like gulping down a whole bottle of Benedryl. At home my mom was worried if this would scar me for life and whether it would become a huge show stopper for my marriage proposals. I was treated like a queen and was being fussed about royally. I had people serving me head to foot.

The thought of going to office with such a classy face struck me to be a greater predicament. But, then a courage so deep and profound emerged from within me, saying – “a silly rash cannot ruin my day”. With this thought ringing in my head, I went ahead to my workplace. It was easier said than done, though. Here, I felt like a fish out of water. I wriggled uncomfortably at everyone’s gaze. Some of them gazed at me, bewildered, wondering if the company was recruiting aliens too. Some others strode on snobbishly, content by the fact that they had a better face than mine after all. My face served as a booster tonic for their egos. Yet some others threw a pitiable glance at me. Fighting away all these gazes, I ran into the comfort of my cubicle. After reaching my heaven I heaved a sigh of relief. But, I think I had rejoiced too soon, as I was flocked by my team mates, some curious to look at me and others to enquire the cause for the allergy. Now I got to know how an animal at the circus feels, with thousands of people breathing down their necks. I wanted to shriek out to everyone that it was only a rash, but, could just muster the required amount of etiquette to smile politely. The day passed on with a few more curious buffoons and pesky enquiries. My friends, the good lot that they were, advised me to consult a doctor and some of them were suggesting home remedies by rote. I was touched by their concern towards me. (They did have fun at my cost though). Frankly, deep down somewhere, I liked all the attention I was getting. Till yesterday no one knew me and today, my rash had brought me to limelight……