The Power of Invisibility

Ever since word got out of a 'Cloak of Invisibility' from the Harry Potter books we have all been fantasizing having one and doing all sorts of things with it. The idea of walking into people's homes, especially the ones you see in the opposite building, without being watch, is certainly an appealing one.

But cruel reality tells us that leaving aside scientific innovation which will cost an arm and a leg if applied to general use, the likelihood of attaining such a power through supernatural means, is sadly slim. There are however, fairly mundane ways to be invisible in the eyes of certain people.

In fact for some, being invisible is not necessarily a matter of choice but rather a trait imposed on them whether they like it or not.

Being poor, for instance, gives one instant invisibility. That's why beggars keep knocking on the door incessantly to annoy the rich into actually seeing them.

Domestic workers, chauffeurs, security guards and other household staff, have the ability to be invisible. This is evident from the behaviour of their employees.

Family members for example, will make no bones about engaging in juicy gossip amongst themselves, eat scrumptious munchies, show off their recently acquired outfits and jewellery announcing the astronomical prices they have paid, with no acknowledgement of the presence of the young housemaid standing timidly by the door. How is that possible? It's because they are invisible, silly.

Being the shy and quiet sort is a sure shot way to be invisible, especially at parties, meetings and other places of gathering. If you are the type who finds words stuck at the base of the throat every time there is more than one pair of eyes on you, over time you will become less and less noticeable. Colleagues you have worked with for the past twenty years will not so much as give a glance in your direction when you cross paths with them. It is as if you are just not there. Sometimes your power of invisibility is so great that even after you smile or greet them, they will not notice.

At rallies where you are patiently standing to hear what the speakers are saying, it is a mistake to politely shift every time someone passes by behind you, in front of you, poking their umbrella ends at your back. Immediately people will 'see' you as an opening to pass through. You can test this by moving away to a different spot. Lo and behold! People will move towards you, jostle you and push you to the side to get through. You have attained the power of not being seen.

If you have the power, while queuing up you are sure to be overtaken and at stores the person at the cash register will always forget that you were there before the burly, aggressive man with the flashy gold card.

According to social media groups, the police and other law enforcing members have been able to make hundreds of bodies become invisible despite the presence of a good number of journalists including camerapersons on the scene. No wait, it seems these guys were also in on the 'vanishing act'.

At other times law enforcers find muggers and hijackers 'invisible' even when these criminals are robbing people right under their noses.

There are also zillions of times when one could burst a capillary willing for the power of invisibility – but nothing happens. This includes: falling flat on your face as you sashay into a five star hotel with six inch heels; getting caught red-handed by the Boss munching on chanachur at your desk when eating at the work station is strictly forbidden, failing to stop your cellphone from playing a loud ringtone that sings 'Chikni Chameli...' in the middle of a board meeting or bumping into the nosy Aunty from next door while holding hands with a boy at the mall.

Invisibility, therefore, is not just a power that comes to you because you want it so badly - it chooses you rather than the other way round. Hence the loaded warning many a genie has given: Be careful what you wish for...