My Name is......

My identity, my name. Well, one can always fight that there are too
many people in this world with the same name. So as Shakespeare
said, "What's in a name"?

Let me try to reason out with my sense of reasoning. Anywhere i hear
the word "Darshana", my ears are automatically tuned to what's
happening there. Many a times, it even lingers on the border of
eavesdropping (not intentional). I dont mean just my name but this
sense of overprotectiveness extends to the names that people call me
often. So whenever I hear someone using the term "ulloo" (owl in Hindi)
in the second person's context, i automatically do a 180 degree turn
and crane my neck to find out who wanted me.

Now comes the emotion of rage/exasperation or whatever else you may
choose to call it. The first time my name was misspelt by an American,
I was polite and patient. The next time the same guy tried to mess it
up, I was a little less civil. The third time, I was not myself. Thats
of course, an exaggerated response. I guess it was more to do with my
home-sickness. I did apologise to him (thats for those who are annoyed
with my behavior). But the bottonline is that I simply cant stand
people ruining my name. I try my level best to get other's names right
and I do expect the same of others.

This one time, I was joining a new school and my name appeared in the
boys section as one great idiot has forgotten the last 'a' in my name.
Yet another time, the StanChart guy who keeps calling me for a loan (I
am sure many of you must have experienced that), thought I was a guy
and I had to clarify to him that I aint one. Yet again another time,
the AIRTEL guy.......I would rather give you the conversation......

Airtel: Hello! Am I speaking to Mr.Darshan?

Me: No, its "Ms" Darshana>

Airtel: Sorry, Can I speak to her?

Excuse me!!! am I missing a point here??? Most of the times, in the
train reservation charts my name is not there. it assumes such
improbable dimensions that I am myself SHOCKED. No offence meant to
anyone in particular. Just that -

Hellooooo! Its my name and I am really proud of it. I dont need my
religion or caste. My name will do for me. Anybody else who shares my
sentiments?????