I hate mirrors these days. The moments when it becomes unavoidable, I’m transported back to the ages when there were no mirrors and humans just descended from trees, stood erect and settled in caves. I look like a caveman now, but unsure whether I’m a Neanderthal or a Homo Sapien or Homo Habilus or a Homo Erectus. What’s missing in my wardrobe is the sheepskin loin, leopard skin vest and wooden club and if this paraphernalia is available, I’ll put to shame any caveman of any age.

My hair now is a microcosm of a dense forest. I have begun to suspect whether a bird has made its nest inside. I think I’m hearing sounds resembling a chirp at times. And sometimes when I doze, a flutter of the wings, probably the bird flew out for its daily routine. I dare not explore which other species of the wild have made a habitat in my hair, in the holes and bushes, in the thickets, valleys and gorges formed by my black locks.

My ears have disappeared since a fortnight, concealed by the curls and the sideburns have an uncanny resemblance to seaweeds. Assuredly, there are some strange movements up and down my ear canals, followed by sporadic tingling sensation. Nevertheless my hearing has markedly improved too, as I speculate from depletion of my ear wax, fodder for my unknown guests.

I’m considering to convert my hair into a garden, and wish to grow some brightly colored flowers. Perhaps plant a couple of Cannabis shrubs too, to make the lockdown more bearable and pleasurable.

Coronavirus, like death, is a great leveler. Corporate honchos are conducting team meetings with just shirts and ties. The power handshakes are gone.

Those synthetic smiles and empty words have vanished. The wrinkles, laboriously concealed under a coating of primers and creams are staging a comeback. But there isn’t an iota of desperation or embarrassment anymore.

The spouses are seeing each other in their true colors. The difference in appearance is explicit and disturbing. The reality of personalities dawns on them, wearing a wry smile on their lips…

Mankind has come to realize that military and economic might is powerless to fight an invisible enemy. The most powerful and the least powerless is equally vulnerable before the subatomic vanquisher and utterly bewildered at prospect of being the next victim. Arrogance has given way to humility. Now, Man can only flaunt that he is alive…

Wars and fighting have been suspended as there are no enemies seen in the open. Animals are wondering whether menace, aka humans have left the planet. There is no bloodshed on the streets and alleys. Nights are as peaceful as days and no dangers lurk in the shadows. The king and the minion are indoors, so is the president and the commoner.

The message has always been clear; now clearer. That love and collaboration will only save humanity and it’s continuity as species. While these noble thoughts bombard my mind, the movements inside my hair grow stronger and louder as I desperately contemplate the day I will have a haircut…

About the author : Jaykhosh Chidambaran is an accomplished management professional with over 20 years of diverse industry experience in MNC’s and is currently an EdTech Growth and Strategy Consultant for India & Middle East. He is an alumnus of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of TAS and TAS does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.