The Next Best Thing

Once I had seen how lengthy the assignment was, a horrible realization struck me.

I can't do it. 

Some of the ten questions I have to write programs about seem easy, but once I'll start writing, I'll find out that they're not. I have been reminded again of how much control a single choice can have over our lives.

I still won't admit that I've not chosen the best for myself.

When it became evident that I couldn't get into any med-school, came the time for a decision. I had chosen law school and the bachelor's program of psychology at first. But my parents didn't let my choices see the light of day. There was unanimous agreement when a degree in business studies was discussed. But soon, I jumped ship from that to Computer Science.

And now, I am stuck.

When I began small-talk with my dad, and eventually got to the point, he didn't let me say anymore. Meaning, I can't escape. I have to complete my time of four years of CS Engineering, no matter what uncomfortable experiences I have to go through.

Some of my classmates think that I'm one of the geniuses there at campus. If only I could tell them they're wrong. If only they could realize it. Then, I wouldn't have to be a different version of myself in front of them. Since the start of the semester, I've been trying to get the teachers' attention, to get popular; become the star student of the whole university. I don't know why. I do admit that I was a show-off before my campus life. But I abandoned that part of my personality. Why has it come back again?

I thought I knew what I was signing up for. But I was wrong.

From achieving a medal along with the degree, my MO has moved to just passing with a good GPA, unscathed. This, in four year's time and not more.

The cause of this disillusionment might be my focus. C# isn't that difficult. I just am not trying as much as the best in my class. I do love programming. Web-development, even more. But it's human nature to want more without doing more.

Now that I've typed all of my frustration away, I don't feel embarrassed at all about transforming my MO into something else. Another attribute of the human nature: we always justify our actions, good or bad.

My mind is in a fragile state; every decision I make changes within seconds. This is going to influence everything that I do. I am worried.

If only I had chosen the degree program that I wanted. What's so big about programming anyway? You can easily learn to code online. Why the hell pay a fortune for it? I didn't know this before.

Of all the roads I could've taken, I took the one that was my never part of my plan.

Of all the roads...

Who hasn't gone through paranoia?

Culminating the Karachi Literature Festival, the highly esteemed personality who had the ears of all, submitted to the crowd a beautiful thought.

Those who dream, change the world. 

Are you a dreamer?

When it comes down to who really cares about this damn planet, it is the dreamers. If Einstein, Helen Keller and many more weren't dreamers, then what were they?

There are many among us with amazing dreams of their own. You won't find many writers and poets—like me—in the midst. But you will find dreamers of all other sorts; waiting for opportunity. For some, it'll always remain a no-show. But they're not seeing right. Opportunity doesn't come knocking at our door, we have to go knock on its door.  Burst our way in, if it won't let us.

That's the fuss.

Let's not let the fear of embarrassment keep us from flying! Let's do it! Let's accomplish our dreams. To all the singers, dancers, poets and writers, cooks—and you, who has a dream not mentioned here, obviously, you do—I say this: Don't just sit around anymore, thinking stupid things like I can't do it or no one will like me. If you don't do it now, you might never be able to later. That's how cruel life is. That's how much important right now is.

What are you waiting for?

One, two, three...

A little push, and they all fall.

Every individual of our society has faced—or will— the domino effect. The dominoes being compartments of life; and the push, a wrong decision, choice, or someone else's interference. As soon as the blow has been struck, chaos follows.

The advances in technology have contributed to this effect, too. In fact, they have made its accomplishment easier. Victims of stress, incapability, and expectations are bound to experience this tumbling of everything important.

For teenagers, obtaining straight A's, being the ideal child and the like are a few responsibilities. And if, by some inexplicable reason, these responsibilities don't see the light of day, a domino gets pushed and the perpetual effect takes place; until not a single is left standing.

Adults face far more complicated problems, like paying bills and making sure there's a roof over their families, to mention a few. If they are unable of fulfilling these tasks, the thudding happens then, too.

What we don't know is that we, ourselves are in charge of each and every domino. Also, others, but their power isn't as strong as our own. If applied, that is.

One problem may be the cause of several new ones. It is our duty to make sure that the perils of one domino don't bounce off onto another, making it fall and multiplying the damage. Achieving this feat, isn't impossible. It may seem difficult at first, but once a person gets a hang of it, it becomes natural.

In a few cases, others provide the little energy needed for a domino to fall, either by interfering, intervening, being inadvertent or by malicious intent. Whatever the case, leaving that one domino to the mercy of another person is the mistake most commit. And regret.

Sometimes, we are the sole cause of the downfall.

The factors are many, and the destruction, even greater.

It is up to ourselves to remain in full command and not let ourselves be buried under our dominoes. For erecting them back into their original position can be dreadful.

Since the Paris attack, Muslims all over the globe have been seen as responsible. They're being mistreated and are being forced to abandon their homes and flee. The Islamophobia that has been allowed to breathe, to feed and grow has become a nuisance for them. And for us.

The human mind knows nothing better than the art of exaggeration. All it needs is some motivation. That and conspiracy theorists. If all the ingredients have been added in correct proportions, the resulting meal carries worldwide consequences.

Terrorist massacres have given birth to a generation of Islamophobes. This generation has been programmed to despise Muslims, whether involved or not in the extremist regime, and make their lives as miserable as possible. In doing so, they form a terrorist group of their own, inflicting misery on anyone they find related to the religion.

Some of these Islamophobes are genuinely scared, scared of what they saw on their TV screens and became incapable of getting over it. They believe that all Muslims practice the same Islam the terrorists do. They can join the club, because the Muslims—the real ones—live in fear, too. These terrorists target not only non-Muslims, but also Muslims that practice and preach the real Islam. For Islam doesn't encourage the heinous acts these terrorists display. No religion does!

This Islamophobia is another trend, just like the ice-bucket challenge or the selifie-revolution. An ominous trend that is hindering the struggle for global peace and the absolute end of terrorism. If Planet Earth is to be saved, and turned into a livable place for our future generations, this phobia needs to be terminated.

We have been surreptitiously forced into a direction of darkness and desolation. We must turn around now, and select the better path. Our minds are being controlled by illusionists, who seek nothing more than their own gain at the expense of global destruction.

Let us all force our way out of their implemented trance and begin the betterment of all mankind. To achieve this, we must know the enemy. It isn't us! It's these terrorists. Let's fight against them, hand in hand. Let's not let race, color and religion blind us. Let's not let it stop us from seeing the truth. Let's all become one.

Let's all become one against the real enemy.