घर से निकलना काम पर और काम से घर लौट आना
बड़ा खतरनाक होता है सपनों का मर जाना
– पाश

Formalin, as most of us know, is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde used as an embalming agent to preserve human and animal remains (of course if you don’t remember, you can effing google it). I was reminded of formalin in my chemistry lab while coming back from work the other day. The reason behind such a strange recollection was that I am a corporate office-trundler now, one of the many with knife edged creases on dark pants, mute shirts and shoes buffed to a mirror shine, with an occasional tie here and there too. We all look alike, talk alike, think alike. Its the uniform of conformity which we wear 10 hrs a day, 5 days a week.We are pickled in the formalin of formals, kept to the world for display and on sale to the highest bidder.

You might ask, why do we do this. What is the need. Can’t we work with the same diligence and creativity in a pair of khakis and loafers? Does the dark, double breasted suit lend us some supernatural ability to crunch numbers and make shitloads of moolah for the rich kids in their BMWs? Well, the simple answer is yes, we can .. and no, it doesn’t (erm.. respectively in case u didn’t get it) . But sadly, the simple answer isn’t the right one. The word we are missing here is trust. Yes, its all about trust. And trust in this world, among other things, is also highly based on appearances. The other guy wouldn’t give you his hard earned bucks to play around with if he doesn’t trust you. And by tradition, the conservatively dressed, the conformer is more trusted simply because he is not a rebel. He is apparently sensible, following the world’s dictum, smooth talking wtih each hair in place and agreeable clothes, and hence is less likely to lose your mnoney compared to the next braniac with ruffled hair and cargo pants, who has the Midas touch but the articulacy of a Japanese tourist (no offence). The principle of selling a car given by Arthur Hailey in wheels applies to finance too – looks matter. That is an amportant part of the package you sell and believe me, the wrapping paper is as important as the gift inside. I don’t despise this, in fact I was fascinated the day I wore formals. Sort of a boys to men transition. But the formals have formalized my life too. Fixed hours, routine life. I’m living the life of millions of others, with not an ounce of anything special. On a logical level , I understand it all. The demand, the supply. The principle and the practicality.

But I have been wired differently. Someday when I no longer need this, I shall break free. I have promised me that I shall not fall for the vicious charm of the corporate serpent, and I hope to live up to myself.