India, Dec. 7 -- A friend of mine has a lovely quotation written on her social media account: Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. I find these words beautiful, simple and serene. Upon introspection, indeed, I often realise that I am quite upbeat and cheerful when I am hopeful about something, or even better - when looking forward to and excited about something. It can be as small (read big) as an awaited message from a friend / an affectionate purr from a pet / pleasant weather / a melodious song on the radio / watching a short yet hilarious stand-up comedy randomly.

Recently, I received a forward on my phone. The heading read, 'The window light theory' and description underneath was, 'Not all hop...