It Remains!

I cleaned the other kitchen just now, what a mess! This kitchen is like no other, a store room is a more suitable title. Initially made for culinary activities, it could only enjoy the status for 3 months. Soon, the junk began creeping in, turning the once beautiful kitchen into a dump. I am amazed how much junk one can collect in a year. It starts innocently enough, one small insignificant object, and huge boxes, plastic bags, bottles, clothes, shoes, and newspapers suddenly appear as if by magic.

Every empty space beckons to be filled with things you don’t need and will never use. While clearing away the boxes, folding bags and sorting through dozens of things one often comes across stuff that brings back old memories, a birthday gift wrapping paper or a plastic jewllery box, and once your eyes fall on such things you should know that the moment of impending insanity is upon you.

Here lies my weakness, I find it hard to throw away my old stuff. Everything brings back memories no matter how withered or damaged.

The used gift wrapping paper suddenly acquires a crushed look as you pick it up, “how can you even think of throwing me away”, it seems to implore, “I am the same pretty wrapper you so carefully unwrapped from your birthday present”. My hand freezes in midair as I struggle with my emotions, to throw or not to throw, is the big question that even the Bard couldn’t possibly have imagined. I sigh, the crumpled wrapping paper goes back into the bag, maybe I could use it to wrap the presents this year, I thought to myself, knowing that I am not going to remember it even exists. And most probably won’t see it again till I gather all my courage to clean up the room next time, in the next 10 years. Now I know why Archie's store is still so popular.

Other objects don’t act so innocent; they are manipulative and have sinister approach. They try to entice you into keeping them, “you may need me tomorrow, if you throw me away now you’ll be left in a lurch”, an old clock stares back at me with a glint, “I may come handy at a time of crisis”. It, too, goes back into the box and up in the loft. A time of crisis would never come when I would need this old sticky clock, which by the way, doesn’t work and is quite filthy to touch! Next comes my old torn t-shirt, “good heavens, finally your eyes turn to me – I suspect the room is bewitched – now be a good loving thing you always have been to me and put me back somewhere safe, away from that awful garbage bag you are holding”. That’s it! Stop being such a wuss, I say to myself, and put that dirty little cloth in the garbage right this minute! With shaky hands I threw the t-shirt into the garbage bag – I swear I could hear weeping. There you go, the spell is broken, I congratulate myself. The work is almost done, the room is looking much cleaner and neat. As I was getting ready to leave I saw an old ribbon lying in the corner, ah the one I bought from the Amarsons store as a kid! The once bright red pattern is faded now, I pick it up, roll it and gently put back it in the box. So much for the bravery, some habits die hard, I guess.