AAP, Main aur Woh

After many years of marital harmony, I didn’t think that I would embark on a piece with a title like the one above.

But things change, prompting a revamp of one’s mindset, more so when having to write about the woh in one’s life.

Who would imagine that something like the humble broom could become the woe, I mean, the woh in one’s scheme of things?

As the LOH (lady of the house), there was a time when I would buy half a dozen brooms and store them in my attic, to be brought down one at a time, whenever there was a need to replace the old one.

But, since the last few years, there has been a change in my buying pattern, as the price of this very essential item started soaring upwards, like a happy Sensex chart.

The big guns, realising the viability of this household essential, soon took it over from being a cottage industry.

Over a period of time, I found that buying half a dozen brooms at one go was resulting in my household budget to spiral out of control.

I reduced the buying to three and then two at a time, and now, it’s just one. I also found myself becoming possessive about this item.

When shifting to my own place, I ensured a dedicated broom cupboard for the precious commodity.

I found myself sweeping very carefully and giving instructions to the domestic help that she would have to make one broom last for at least six months, as the price was shocking me each time I went broom-shopping.

But the latest elevation of the broom as a symbol of sweeping out corruption has put me in a dilemma.

Though I perfectly understand the logic of the party that has cleverly chosen this item as its election symbol, I fear for my monthly budget.

Now that the picture of this humble cleaning device has made it to voting machines, what will happen to its price?

To make matters worse, the party in question has launched flash mobs, which turn up at different venues to perform the ‘broom dance’.

I understand from a member of the family that Facebook messages are being posted, of practice sessions for this dance, along with the party song that goes with it.

Initially, I considered volunteering to see whether the dance steps would help to speed up the time I spend to clean up my house.

But thought better of it, for fear that in accelerating the work, I would increase the wear and tear of the broom.

But, I suspect that the damage has already been done.

Soon, I envisage a disco prop called the ‘broom’ that will be hired out, before you get on the dance floor to embark on the latest broom dance! When that happens, and the price of the broom becomes unmanageable for my household budget, I think I will go out and buy myself a vacuum cleaner.