The recent Air India crash wasn’t just a technical failure; it was an emotional jolt, a loud and painful reminder of life’s cruel unpredictability. As haunting visuals and heart-wrenching stories emerged, one thing became crystal clear: life doesn’t always give you a second chance. Sometimes, all it takes is 36 seconds, and it’s all over.
Interrupted journeys!
The AI 787-8 Dreamliner, which took off with 242 hopeful passengers headed from Ahmedabad to London, never made it. For many, it was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter, a job, a reunion, a better life. But fate had its brutal edit. The aircraft plummeted, silencing not just lives but unsaid words, unfinished arguments, and unexpressed love.
And yet, even after being surrounded by such brutal reminders, we humans behave as if we’re immortal. As if we’ve struck a secret deal with destiny to be exempt from accidents, illnesses, and sudden farewells.
We’re the species that believes in Karma but ignores call backs. The same people who chant “Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so ab” are often the ones who say “I’ll call you later” and never do. There could be a person on the other side who takes it literally, expecting you to call back.
How often have you ignored a call from your mother, thinking she’ll call back? Or delayed replying to a friend’s message because the office group chat took priority? In India, where family ties run deep, it’s ironically common to take the very same bonds for granted. Especially Indian men—blame it on centuries of macho conditioning or Bollywood’s stoic heroes, but open emotional expression still feels like a task best left for WhatsApp forwards on Mother’s Day.
Not just a figure of speech
“No time for goodbyes”, literally. Not being available or the busy-ness envelope has become a modern epidemic.
One of the families on that flight had spent six years planning their move to the UK. They must have sacrificed everyday joys and special occasions in the hope of having it all when they would settle in the UK. I am sure the family would have postponed birthdays, shelved vacations, and missed family weddings, all for the perfect “someday.” And then, sadly, that someday… didn’t arrive.
Another woman, who was late to board and was denied entry, sobbed at the gate, cursing her delay. Hours later, she realised missing that flight saved her life. That’s the plot twist or a cosmic intervention.
This is the generation of delayed gratification, where everything from love to leisure is being sacrificed for a future that’s still “loading…” I hear many across generations also say things like: “Secure the bag first, then think about relationships.” “Mental health break after this project.” “Love can wait, right now it’s all about the grind.” Really!
The inner world!
We live in a hyper-connected, fast-scrolling world. However, when it comes to genuine connection, most of us are emotionally detached or have become sterile. Some even think it is a bad ass thing to be like that.
I find it amusing that the “YOLO” culture is out there, with the ‘cool’ people saving their emotions for tomorrow. We say things like “I’ll text later,” “We’ll meet soon,” “Let’s plan something after this week slows down,” only to get caught in an endless cycle of hustle, deadlines, and FOMO. Doesn’t it all feel ironic?
And Gen Z, despite being the most expressive generation, often ends up ghosting emotions. Love? It’s too “cringeworthy.” Vulnerability? That’s “low-key desperate.” Saying “I miss you”? That’s reserved for meme captions or Snapchat streaks. I am too old to understand this kind of YOLO!
Emotional minimalism
But here’s the truth: no one’s posting; the grind won’t hug you when life breaks down. The promotion won’t remember your birthday. Your inbox won’t cry at your funeral.
Making space for what truly matters. That long-lost friend? So, if you’ve been waiting for the “right moment” to apologise, to reach out, or to say “You matter to me simply,” this is it! There is no better time. That argument from three months ago that’s still on mute? Break the ice. That friend you keep stalking on Instagram but haven’t texted in ages? Send that message. Sitting with the family without scrolling is a rare commodity. Your partner? Tell them how deeply you care. Life is what it is because they are there!
To me, relationships are like plants; they need to be nurtured, watered, and protected. Relationships aren’t Wi-Fi—don’t expect them to stay connected when you’re out of range. You’ve got to check in (be seen), and yes, sometimes you need to restart to fix the glitch.
Let ego, busyness, or an algorithm-driven life not numb you into emotional minimalism. Sometimes, being emotionally available is the most radical action one can take before it’s too late to express or mend. For me, tomorrow has no guarantee, only intentions or irreversible regrets for not showing up.