The name game!

Remembering names is not easy. The problem starts at the beginning- right at the point when you ask someone’s name. That moment is distracting- you are either scrutinizing the face, or shaking hands, or focusing on telling your name, that you miss the reply completely. Seconds later, you are unsure whether it was Mahesh or Sunil. Even now, there is a possibility for course correction. You can ask a second time, “Sorry! I did not get your name!” Leave this chance also, and you are forever doomed to play a catch-up game.

He could be someone in your work-place cab. Each day, you converse, and familiarity grows. Soon, you have chatted on all topics ranging from office politics to Cricket. Once you hit this phase, you cannot suddenly bring up the topic, “What is your name?” You try surreptitious methods- try to peek at his badge. Or check his name when he signs against the cab attendance register. Or beat around the bush by asking, “Whom do you report to at work?” Later, you cross-check the reporting-chain directory to find his name. Meanwhile, friendship continues, and you are now thick pals. While he calls you by your name, you are forced to take recourse to “how are you doing man?”, to add that element of cheeriness to the conversation!

The problem gets compounded when a third person joins the same cab. One day, catching you by the office café, Mr. Third enquires, “What is the name of that talkative person in our cab?” You are now caught napping. You blurt out, “I don’t know!” It leaves Mr. Third totally confused, “But I thought you knew him well!” You sheepishly reply, “I do! I just do not know his name! Can you find out? By the way, what is your name?” Mr. Third backs off, totally alarmed!

The pandemic has wiped the mind clean! Virtual working has ensured that you thankfully retain the names of those you regularly contact. But when it comes to the secondary circle of associations, they have faded away. After 2 years, you meet one of them. You recall the face very well. But the name eludes- it is at the tip of the tongue, but you cannot spit it out!

Self-doubt creeps in- Is it ageing, or has corona eaten away memory? The fact is- the mind has its own mind. It is a hyperactive, mischievous child. The more you are vexed with the mind, the more it toys with you! Leave the mind alone, and out of the blue, someday, somewhere, it bubbles up the name! The Eureka moment is sudden! “That was Hari!” You smile at yourself! “How did I forget his name?”