Pawanraj Sadhwani

"Happy New Year!"

"It's been a while."

"You're supposed to say Happy New Year to you too. But yes."

"Happy New Year. But also, what kept you busy?"

"Well, you already know..."

"You're not wrong. But tell me again, anyway."

"Mmm. Some new connections were made towards the end of 2020. Sister and nephew have been visiting all of last week."

"New connections?"

"So you're just going to pretend to be unaware of my reality now?"

"It is more fun that way..."

"Uhh, I thought being connected with your subconscious was better?"

"Yeah, well - new year, new me - or in this case - you."

Sigh

"So - new connections?"

"Yeah. Something substantial."

"Like a relationship?"

"Possibly."

"A long term relationship?"

"Maybe."

"Oh, very good! With a girl?!"

"Come on, now!"

"Okay okay... I'm just kidding. That's progress! And?"

"And?"

"In the words of Dr. Phil - How does that make you feel?"

"I am not sure. I keep feeling like I am making a mistake."

"That's new."

"Can your sarcasm, will you?"

"You mean YOUR sarcasm?"

"Dude, seriously. This is why I keep it short!"

"Okay, okay! So why mistake?"

"Well, if I was 10 years younger, I would not want to be in it.

"Why?"

"It is all so different from the usual. You know - she's not as smart as I would like. She doesn't like the same things I do, and there are challenges - like - thought process challenges."

"Thought process challenges?"

"Yeah. You know, like - some of her conclusions about things like politics make no sense to me. Per se, I am not worried about her political views. Only the road she took to get to those conclusions. I am not sure if I am okay with that kind of thinking."

"Do you think it is that big a deal?"

"It could be?"

"Okay, well, you must like something about her?"

"Sure, easy to talk to, simple unassuming person, ready to commit."

"That's important."

"Yes."

"Are you just scared of committing? You seem to have a problem moving beyond a certain point in relationships."

"I don't know. Perhaps."

"So why not focus on the positives, and see where it takes you?"

"Maybe I should. New Year, new me?"

"There you go! Besides, what's the worst case scenario for political disagreements?"

"Mmm. my inability to reconcile that I am living with a proto-facist?"

"You can educate. You like to lecture."

"New year, new me, my ass!"

"..."