You Have Never Listened. Neither Do I.
- Madhukar Dama
- 6 hours ago
- 19 min read
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Prologue
We live under a constant illusion. We think that words connect us, that listening bridges the gap between human beings. Parents believe their children listen. Teachers believe their students listen. Lovers believe each other listens. Leaders believe the nation listens. It is a myth that has survived for centuries.
But the fact is plain: nobody listens. Not once, not ever. Every word is broken apart before it reaches the mind. What remains is not what was spoken, but what the listener’s memory, fear, prejudice, and desire allow.
This essay is not about how to listen better. It is not about techniques or skills. It is about facing the raw truth that listening itself does not exist. What follows is not philosophy or imagination, but a report from life as it is lived in homes, schools, workplaces, temples, markets, parliaments, and streets.
The purpose is not to console, but to expose. If you demand comfort, you will not find it here. What you will find is an unshakable fact: you have never listened. Neither have I.
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1. Home and Family
Listening does not exist in the family. Every word is received through judgment, memory, tradition, and fear. Words are never heard as they are.
Children vs Parents
A teenage boy says, “I don’t want to pursue engineering; I want to study animation.” The father hears, “He is throwing away his future,” not the child’s genuine interest.
A teenage girl says, “I want to take a year off after school.” The mother hears, “She is being lazy,” not “She needs time to explore.”
A child says, “I want to travel abroad for studies.” Parents hear loss of family control and expense, not the opportunity or ambition.
A child complains, “I hate waking up so early for coaching.” Parents hear disobedience, not fatigue or stress.
“I don’t like cricket; I want to play basketball” becomes “He will waste his time and money” in the parent’s mind.
Between Spouses
A husband says, “I need some time alone after work.” The wife hears, “You are ignoring me.”
A wife says, “I want to start my own small business from home.” The husband hears, “You are being reckless with finances,” not her drive for independence.
“I am worried about the electricity bill” becomes “He is panicking” instead of a factual concern.
When one partner says, “Let’s save money this month,” the other hears judgment on their spending habits, not practicality.
A husband says, “I am tired; let’s order food tonight.” The wife hears laziness, not exhaustion.
Extended Family
“Please don’t comment on my parenting” is heard as disrespect.
“We want to live separately” is heard as ungratefulness or insult to elders.
“I don’t want to attend the extended family gathering” becomes “He/She is rude or disrespectful,” not personal need.
Advice like, “You should wear traditional clothes for the festival” is heard as criticism, not guidance.
“Don’t interfere in my finances” becomes rebellion, not privacy.
Festivals and Family Gatherings
During Diwali, someone says, “Let’s keep it small this year.” Elders hear insult to tradition, not financial sense.
At weddings, when a cousin says, “We can’t contribute much,” others hear stinginess, not genuine limitation.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, someone says, “Let’s avoid loud firecrackers.” Others hear nagging, not safety concern.
While cooking for family meals, “Can we reduce oil?” becomes criticism of previous cooking, not health concern.
Stories told by grandparents, when a child questions them, are heard as disrespect, not curiosity.
Everyday Household Instructions
“Switch off the lights when you leave the room” is heard as nagging, not instruction.
“Clean your room” is heard as insult, not advice.
“Take care of your health” is heard as judgment on lifestyle, not concern.
“Don’t waste water” is heard as control, not environmental care.
“Finish your homework first” is heard as demand, not guidance.
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Observation: Every single word in a household — from life decisions to small instructions — is filtered through identity, fear, tradition, and habit. Children, spouses, and elders never hear what is spoken; they hear their interpretation, often loaded with judgment, expectation, or worry.
Conclusion for this section: Families are filled with words, but listening never exists. Each statement is distorted before it reaches the mind. This is not failure; it is reality.
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2. Schools and Colleges
Listening does not happen in education. Every word is filtered through authority, tradition, fear, and expectation.
Students vs Teachers
A student asks, “Why do we have to memorize these dates?” The teacher hears disrespect, not curiosity.
“Why can’t we do a project differently?” becomes “The student is challenging authority,” not creativity.
Asking for clarification, “Sir, I didn’t understand this formula,” is heard as incompetence, not a genuine question.
“I want to study arts instead of science” is heard as laziness, not passion.
Complaining about workload is heard as disobedience, not fatigue.
Peer Interactions
“Can I sit here?” in a crowded classroom is heard as intrusion.
“Can I borrow your notes?” is heard as freeloading, not collaboration.
Group project suggestions, “Let’s do it this way,” are taken as criticism of others, not teamwork.
A student who stays quiet is judged as uninterested, not shy or thoughtful.
Parents and Teachers
A parent says, “She is struggling with math.” The teacher hears exaggeration, not the child’s difficulty.
Teachers report grades: “Needs improvement in English.” Parents hear failure, not feedback.
Requests for extra coaching are heard as laziness, not need for guidance.
Exams and Instructions
“Finish your homework first” is heard as command, not guidance.
“Submit by Friday” is heard as pressure, not deadline.
“Revise your chapters” is heard as threat, not advice.
“Don’t copy from your neighbor” is heard as mistrust, not instruction.
Observation: Every question, answer, and instruction in Indian classrooms is distorted. Authority, tradition, and fear dominate over true understanding. Students pretend to listen; teachers pretend to be heard.
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3. Workplaces
Listening fails even in professional life. Words are distorted through hierarchy, ego, fear, and competition.
Managers and Employees
A manager says, “We need efficiency.” Employees hear threat of job loss, not guidance.
“Complete this by Friday” is heard as impossible, not achievable.
“We need to reduce costs” becomes panic, not action.
Feedback, “Improve this report,” is heard as personal attack, not correction.
Colleagues
“I have a suggestion” is heard as challenge to authority.
“Can we split the tasks differently?” becomes “You don’t trust my ability.”
“I will take this leave” is heard as irresponsibility, not necessity.
Praise like “Good job on the presentation” is filtered through envy: “Are they showing off?”
Clients and Customers
A client says, “I want this change.” The employee hears criticism, not request.
“We need it faster” becomes pressure, not clarity.
Complaints, “This is not working,” are heard as insult, not feedback.
Hierarchy and Office Politics
Seniors hear juniors’ suggestions as disrespect.
Juniors hear instructions as threat.
Gossip distorts messages before they are spoken.
Every email is interpreted through tone, hierarchy, and suspicion.
Observation: The Indian workplace, whether corporate, government, or small business, is a minefield of mishearing. Words are never received neutrally; every sentence is filtered through fear, pride, and survival instincts.
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Conclusion for Sections 2 & 3:
From classrooms to offices, every word is distorted before it lands. Questions are heard as challenges, advice as criticism, and instructions as threats. Students, employees, teachers, managers — nobody listens as it is. This is not a flaw; it is the reality of human communication, amplified by culture, hierarchy, and social norms in India.
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4. Streets and Public Life
Listening disappears the moment we step outside the home. Words, instructions, and warnings are instantly filtered through assumptions, fear, and identity.
Traffic and Commuting
A traffic policeman shouts, “Wear a helmet!” Riders hear harassment, not safety advice.
“Stop at the red light” becomes insult, not instruction.
A rickshaw driver says, “Extra fare, it’s late night.” Passengers hear exploitation, not caution.
Pedestrians asking, “Excuse me?” are heard as annoyance.
Marketplaces and Vendors
A shopkeeper says, “Price has increased due to supply issues.” Buyers hear cheating.
“Fresh vegetables today” is heard as boast, not fact.
Bargaining statements, “This is my best price,” are heard as insult, not negotiation.
Public Announcements
Train station or bus stand: “Platform change” is ignored or misheard as permanent confusion.
Festival announcements: “Follow the crowd” is heard as control, not safety.
Street vendors calling, “Sale today!” are interpreted as distraction, not information.
Crowds and Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, or Holi: safety warnings are heard as nagging.
Loudspeakers during Navratri say, “Keep it down” — dancers hear interference, not instruction.
Temple volunteers say, “Queue here” — devotees hear rudeness, not guidance.
Observation: Every interaction in public life is instantly filtered. Intentions are rarely heard. Misinterpretation is normal; listening does not exist.
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5. Politics and Religion
Words in politics and religion are never neutral. They are interpreted through caste, religion, region, party allegiance, and identity.
Politics
A politician says, “We need reform.” Supporters hear savior; opponents hear traitor.
Campaign slogan, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” is heard differently by each caste, community, or region.
Farmers say, “We need loan relief.” Politicians hear vote-bank strategy, not real suffering.
Protestors shout, “Justice for all” — authorities hear disruption; supporters hear truth; opponents hear threat.
Public Officials
Government notices: “Submit forms by Friday.” Citizens hear harassment, not instruction.
Local leaders say, “We need to implement water conservation.” Residents hear extra work, not advice.
Complaints by villagers about roads or electricity are interpreted as nuisance or demand for bribes, not real need.
Religion and Spirituality
Priests say, “Perform this ritual.” Devotees hear blessings; skeptics hear exploitation.
Monks or gurus say, “Be silent.” Followers hear method, not silence.
Scriptures: “Love thy neighbor” is filtered through identity — Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or caste group — never received as a universal instruction.
Temple or mosque volunteers say, “Help here.” Visitors hear duty, obligation, or judgment, not request.
Festivals and Rituals
“Don’t use firecrackers excessively” becomes nagging, not safety advice.
“Observe fast properly” is interpreted as moral judgment, not personal choice.
Ritual instructions in marriages, births, or deaths are filtered through hierarchy and social expectation.
Observation: Politics and religion in India are arenas of constant distortion. Words are never heard as they are; they are always interpreted through identity, fear, and past experience.
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Conclusion for Sections 4 & 5:
From the streets to rallies, markets to temples, every word is filtered and distorted. Traffic signals, festival instructions, sermons, slogans — none are truly heard. Citizens, devotees, politicians, and volunteers all hear what their mind allows, not what is said. Listening does not exist; only interpretation does.
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6. Caste and Community
Listening collapses completely when words are filtered through caste, community, and social identity. Every statement is instantly interpreted by social hierarchy and past prejudice.
Marriage and Relationships
A boy says, “I want to marry her.” If she is from another caste, parents hear betrayal, not genuine love.
A Dalit student complains, “I was insulted by seniors.” Higher-caste ears hear exaggeration or lies, not injustice.
A woman says, “I want a separate household.” Elders hear disrespect for family, not independence.
Community Interactions
Villagers complaining about lack of water are heard by upper-caste landlords as exaggeration, not need.
Someone protests local election malpractice — community members hear selfish ambition, not civic concern.
Requests for fair access to festivals or temple ceremonies are interpreted as challenge to tradition, not justice.
Social Hierarchy
Advice from lower-caste members is dismissed as irrelevant.
Complaints about wage theft in informal labor are filtered as exaggeration or greed.
Village decisions and Panchayat meetings are dominated by perception of rank, not the content of words.
Observation: In caste and community matters, words are rarely heard as facts. Identity and hierarchy shape every interpretation. Listening does not exist; distortion is built into the social system.
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7. Entertainment (Cricket, Cinema, Music)
Even leisure and art are arenas of mishearing, because words are filtered through loyalty, fandom, or pride.
Cricket
Post-match interviews: “We tried our best” is heard as betrayal by angry fans.
Captain says, “We need to improve fielding.” Media hears scandal; fans hear failure.
Critiques like “The pitch conditions were unfair” are twisted into excuses, not observation.
Comments about young players’ performance are read as favoritism or criticism, not fact.
Cinema
Actor says, “Cinema needs change.” Industry hears arrogance; fans hear betrayal of tradition.
Critics’ reviews: “The film is weak in plot” is heard by fans as personal insult, not evaluation.
Box office results: statements about audience taste are interpreted as praise or blame.
Movie dialogues and scenes: different communities hear ideology, caste, or religion, never art itself.
Music
Lyrics are heard as political statements, social criticism, or personal attack, rather than poetic expression.
Classical performances: “The rhythm is off” is heard as disrespect, not technical critique.
Film songs: “This song glorifies modernity” is heard as attack on tradition.
Media and Public Reaction
Social media amplifies misinterpretation. One statement about cricket, cinema, or music becomes a thousand distorted meanings.
Fans interpret praise or criticism in the lens of identity, community, or loyalty.
Observation: Even in art, leisure, and entertainment, listening is replaced by interpretation, fandom, and identity projection. Words never arrive as intended; they are immediately reshaped by perception.
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Conclusion for Sections 6 & 7:
In caste and community, cricket and cinema, music and media — nothing is heard as it is. Every word is interpreted through identity, hierarchy, loyalty, or pride. Whether discussing love, justice, or art, Indians interpret first, hear never. Listening does not exist; it is replaced by distortion, projection, and preconception.
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8. Villages and Cities
Even outside structured spaces, listening disappears. Words are filtered through class, caste, tradition, and survival instincts.
Villages
A villager requests water supply; the local government hears political nuisance, not genuine need.
Complaints about electricity outages are heard as agitation, not fact.
Farmers say, “We are in debt; crops failed.” Authorities hear vote-bank concerns, not hardship.
Suggestions to improve irrigation or sanitation are interpreted as criticism of past leaders, not constructive input.
During village meetings (Panchayats), words from lower-caste members are filtered as irrelevant or challenging hierarchy.
Cities
Migrants say, “We came here to work.” Locals hear threat to employment, not survival need.
Residents complain about encroachment or traffic congestion. Authorities hear personal annoyance, not civic responsibility.
Requests for public safety measures (streetlights, traffic signals) are filtered through bureaucracy as extra workload.
During festivals in cities, advice like “Keep the roads clear” is heard as nagging or interference.
Noise complaints: neighbors hear control, not consideration.
Observation: In villages and cities alike, social position, identity, and survival instincts distort every word. Listening as it is meant — receiving words plainly — never happens.
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9. Courts and Law
Even where listening is supposed to be the foundation of justice, it fails. Every word is interpreted through bias, social status, caste, and identity.
Witnesses and Lawyers
A witness says, “I saw this happen.” Lawyers hear only what supports their case, ignoring facts.
Statements of facts are twisted to create doubt or argument.
Lawyers’ questions are interpreted as intimidation, not clarification.
Judges and Accused
A judge explains law to the defendant: the accused hears personal judgment, not guidance.
Legal instructions: “Appear on this date” is heard as threat, not instruction.
Advice on legal rights is filtered through mistrust: clients hear condescension, not information.
Evidence and Social Bias
Testimony is interpreted differently depending on the witness’s caste, class, or social standing.
A complaint about harassment is heard differently depending on the victim’s social identity.
Even CCTV footage or documents are argued over and misinterpreted.
Police and Bureaucracy
A citizen’s report about theft or dispute is heard as exaggeration, nuisance, or attempt at bribery.
Officials filter complaints through assumptions about caste, neighborhood, and history.
Administrative instructions, notices, and orders are misread or ignored based on social perception.
Observation: Courts and legal systems assume neutral listening, but in reality, everyone hears selectively, shaped by personal bias and social hierarchy. Justice is always filtered, never direct.
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Conclusion for Sections 8 & 9:
From rural villages to metro cities, from Panchayats to high courts, listening is replaced by prejudice, identity filters, and social hierarchy. Villagers, city dwellers, migrants, officials, judges, and lawyers — nobody hears words plainly. Every statement is interpreted, distorted, or ignored. Listening does not exist; interpretation dominates.
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10. Media and Technology
Even words delivered through screens, print, or social media are never truly listened to; they are filtered through identity, opinion, and bias.
News
Political news: “Government announces loan relief” — supporters hear triumph, opponents hear failure.
Social issues: “Protests erupt over water shortage” — locals hear exaggeration, others hear threat.
Economic news: “Inflation rises 2%” — one community hears hardship, another hears government failure, another hears manipulation.
Environmental updates: “Flood warning in certain districts” — many hear panic, others ignore.
Social Media
A tweet saying, “Eat healthy” is interpreted as criticism of personal habits.
“Support this campaign” is heard as judgment or coercion.
Comments on videos or posts are filtered through caste, religion, or political loyalty.
Viral messages exaggerate tone and intent; nuance disappears entirely.
Technology and Apps
Notifications: “Update your app” — some hear suggestion, others hear intrusion.
Messaging: “Call me when free” — interpreted as demand, not request.
Emails: “Please review” — interpreted as criticism, not request for collaboration.
Observation: Media and technology amplify misinterpretation. Even when information is neutral, identity, belief, and habit distort reception. Listening does not exist in the digital world any more than in the physical.
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11. Everyday Life – Micro Examples
Even small, routine interactions demonstrate the impossibility of listening.
Street Conversations
“Can I borrow some sugar?” — neighbor hears laziness, not need.
“Excuse me, can I pass?” — heard as rudeness.
“Please reduce the noise” — heard as personal attack.
Family WhatsApp Groups
“Send photos of the festival” — interpreted as demand or judgment.
“Good morning” — ignored or misread for tone.
“Take care of your health” — interpreted as criticism.
Public Transport
“Next stop, please” — ignored or misheard.
“Please keep bags on your lap” — seen as harassment, not instruction.
Shops and Markets
“Fresh vegetables today” — heard as boast, not fact.
“Price has gone up” — heard as cheating, not reality.
“Can I help you?” — interpreted as patronizing.
Festivals and Rituals
“Queue here for darshan” — seen as rudeness.
“Don’t throw firecrackers near the crowd” — heard as nagging.
“Please donate what you can” — interpreted as pressure, not request.
Schools, Colleges, Workplaces
Everyday instructions: “Submit by Friday,” “Revise your chapters,” “Finish your work” — interpreted as threat or criticism, not guidance.
Questions: “Can we do this differently?” — seen as challenge.
Feedback: “Improve this report” — heard as insult, not correction.
Observation: In everyday life, even the simplest words are instantly filtered and distorted. Small conversations, instructions, and requests become misheard, ignored, or reinterpreted. Listening does not exist; interpretation dominates all interactions.
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Conclusion for Sections 10 & 11:
Whether through news, social media, family chats, street conversations, markets, or schools, every word is filtered through identity, expectation, fear, and habit. Even when intention is clear, reception is distorted. Listening is impossible in daily life; what exists is constant interpretation.
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12. Why Listening Never Happens
The human brain cannot receive words plainly. Every word is filtered through memory, identity, habit, fear, desire, caste, religion, or past experience.
By the time a sentence reaches consciousness, it is already interpreted.
Words are compared, judged, and reshaped by past patterns.
True, neutral listening — receiving a word exactly as it is — does not exist.
Indian society amplifies this: hierarchy, family duty, caste, religion, tradition, and social expectation constantly filter communication.
Even when intentions are pure, reception is distorted.
Observation: This is not failure or weakness; it is the universal human condition, intensified by cultural and social structures.
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13. Consequences
Because listening never happens, every level of Indian life is affected:
Family and Relationships
Misunderstandings between children and parents, spouses, and siblings.
Marriages suffocate under imagined insult or criticism.
Family advice is misheard, creating conflict and resentment.
Education
Students’ curiosity is suppressed because questions are heard as disobedience.
Teachers’ guidance is distorted as criticism or favoring some students.
Parents interpret academic feedback as judgment, not information.
Work and Economy
Workplace communication fails; instructions are misheard, feedback misinterpreted.
Office politics dominate over collaboration.
Client requests and complaints are distorted into threats or criticism.
Politics and Society
Political speeches and policies are interpreted through caste, religion, or party loyalty.
Public protests and civic complaints are filtered through identity, creating conflict.
Social inequality and injustice are ignored because voices are unheard or misheard.
Religion and Culture
Rituals, scriptures, and religious guidance are interpreted through identity, not intent.
Devotional instruction is distorted into duty, fear, or hierarchy.
Cultural traditions are enforced by misunderstanding rather than genuine practice.
Media and Technology
News, social media, and messages amplify distortion.
Even neutral information becomes weaponized or misinterpreted.
Observation: Mishearing is not accidental; it is the natural outcome of how the brain works, combined with social, cultural, and identity filters.
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14. What Can Be Done
Since pure listening is impossible, we can minimize harm by practicing clarity and verification:
1. Repeat and Confirm: “Did you say this?” ensures words are received correctly.
2. Acknowledge Filters: Admit your mind interprets; don’t assume words are received as intended.
3. Separate Words from Stories: Identify your interpretation vs. what was actually said.
4. Clarify Continuously: Check understanding in family, school, workplace, and public interactions.
5. Focus on Facts, Not Emotion: Especially in disputes, try to isolate facts from assumptions.
Observation: This does not create “true listening” — that is impossible. But it reduces misunderstanding and conflict.
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15. Affirmative Reality
You have never listened. Neither have I.
Everyone filters, distorts, and interprets. This is universal, not personal failure.
Accepting this fact is sanity, not pessimism.
Once the illusion of “true listening” is dropped, clarity, honesty, and correction become possible.
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16. Final Conclusion
From villages to metros, homes to courts, temples to offices, cricket fields to cinemas, nobody hears words plainly. Every word is filtered through identity, memory, expectation, hierarchy, and desire.
Accept this. Accept that misinterpretation is unavoidable.
Then:
Repeat, clarify, and verify.
Admit your filters.
Separate words from stories.
Work with the reality of interpretation.
This is not negative. It is the only practical, timeless, and universal way to navigate life.
Listening does not exist. Words are always received through distortion.
Acknowledging this is the first step toward living honestly, safely, and sanely in a world of constant misunderstanding.
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Epilogue
When you have read this, do not imagine that you will suddenly listen. That fantasy must end. You will continue to filter every word through your history, your identity, and your fear. That is what it means to be human.
But now you cannot escape the fact. You know that what you hear is not the world, but yourself. You know that every argument, every promise, every prayer is twisted before it lands. You know that listening is a myth.
What remains, then, is honesty. Admit distortion. Repeat and clarify. Separate words from stories. Do not pretend to listen; instead, face what actually happens.
This is not defeat. It is freedom from the lie. When the myth of listening collapses, life becomes simpler, more exact, less burdened by false hope. Conversations will still misfire, but at least you will not mistake the echo of your own mind for the voice of another.
That is enough. That is the only sanity available.
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You Have Never Listened. Neither Do I.
-- a dialogue with Madhukar
It is early morning at Madhukar’s off-grid home near Yelmadagi. The tamarind trees are alive with birds, smoke rises from the kitchen hut, and the dew clings to the grass. Anil, Ravi, and Meera have come from the city to sit with him. Shankar, a neighbor farmer, joins later. They sit on stone steps, cups of hot tea in hand.
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Anil: It feels so still here. No traffic, no honking, no phones buzzing. Just silence.
Madhukar: Silence? You don’t know silence. You hear your own chatter and call it silence.
Meera: We came here to listen — to you, to this land, maybe even to ourselves.
Madhukar: You cannot listen. You have never listened. Neither have I.
The group falls quiet. The koel calls from the tamarind tree. The words land heavy.
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Ravi (trying to recover): But surely, if we pay attention—really focus—we can listen properly?
Madhukar: Attention only strengthens your filters. The harder you try, the faster your mind interprets. You still don’t meet the word. You meet your own thought.
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Meera (gently): But if no one listens, how do teachers teach? How do parents guide?
Madhukar: They don’t. Teachers speak, students obey or rebel. Parents advise, children pretend or resist. Nobody listens. They only compare, agree, or oppose.
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Anil (hesitant): I don’t know, Madhukar… In my office, my boss says I never listen. I sit in meetings, I take notes, I nod. But still, I miss something. I get blamed. Maybe I am careless.
Madhukar (sharply): No, you are human. Your boss speaks, you hear threat. Your mind prepares excuses, defenses, counterarguments. You don’t hear the instruction. He doesn’t hear your situation. Both sides collide. You call it communication. It is miscommunication.
Anil (softly): That is true. I spend half the meeting defending myself in my head, instead of hearing.
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Meera (with pain in her voice): In my classroom, I tell my students, “Listen carefully.” I beg them. But they look at me with blank eyes. Sometimes I feel they hear nothing.
Madhukar: They don’t. They hear your tone, your authority, their fear of marks, their boredom. You think they hear the lesson. They only hear themselves — hunger, distraction, daydreams. You cannot change that.
Meera (hurt): Then what is the point of teaching?
Madhukar: The point is not to pretend they are listening. The point is to know they are not. Then you stop fooling yourself.
Meera’s eyes drop. The sting of truth cuts through her love for teaching.
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Ravi (defensive, almost angry): But in relationships… there must be listening. My wife says, “You don’t listen to me.” I try. I sit with her. I hear her words. I repeat them back. Isn’t that listening?
Madhukar (coldly): No. She says, “You don’t spend time with me.” You hear blame. You prepare defense: “I work hard, I provide.” You don’t hear her longing. You hear accusation. She doesn’t hear your effort. She hears rejection. Two prisons talking to themselves.
Ravi (frustrated): Then marriage itself is doomed?
Madhukar: Not doomed. Only exposed. It runs on mutual mishearing, patched with compromise. Call it what it is. Don’t worship it as communion.
Ravi exhales sharply, unable to argue but unwilling to surrender.
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Shankar, the neighbor farmer, walks in, wiping sweat from his brow, laughing.
Shankar: He is right. My wife says, “Don’t drink too much arrack.” I only hear, “She wants to control me.” When I tell her, “Save money,” she hears, “You don’t know how to manage.” We never hear each other. Only ourselves.
The group laughs uneasily. Truth in his earthy example cuts deeper than theory.
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Meera (in a low voice): Then what is left? If nobody listens, if every word is twisted, why speak at all?
Madhukar: Speaking is unavoidable. Mishearing is inevitable. What remains is honesty. Admit distortion. Ask again: “Did you say this? Or am I hearing my own fear?” Not listening — only correction. That is enough.
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Anil (gazing into the distance): But it feels small. We all dream of understanding, of communion.
Madhukar: Dreams are cheap. Reality is exact. You don’t want understanding. You want confirmation. When you don’t get it, you call it “misunderstanding.”
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Meera (whispering, almost to herself): In school, in marriage, in prayer — I thought listening was the bridge. Without it, everything feels broken.
Madhukar: It was broken from the start. Religion? The priest says, “Pray.” Believers hear promise of reward. Skeptics hear manipulation. Nobody hears the instruction itself. Love? A partner says, “I need space.” The other hears rejection. Always the same.
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Ravi (bitterly): So all we can do is accept isolation?
Madhukar: You already are isolated. You were born inside your own mind. Words cannot free you. Seeing this is not condemnation. It is clarity.
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Anil (after a long pause): Madhukar, when you say, “You have never listened, neither have I”… does that include you?
Madhukar (without hesitation): Yes. I too cannot listen. My words pass through my history, my language, my fears. I hear only myself, just as you do. That is why I speak plainly. Not to offer escape, but to remove illusion.
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Meera (eyes wet): It is terrifying.
Madhukar: It is freeing. When you no longer chase the impossible, you live lighter. You stop demanding to be heard. You stop expecting perfect understanding. You work with what is possible: check, confirm, clarify, and accept the rest as noise.
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Ravi (looking away, voice breaking): So this is all we get? No pure listening, no communion, no escape?
Madhukar (quiet, steady): This is all. And it is enough.
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The group sits in silence. The night settles over Yelmadagi. Stars blaze above. Insects sing. The air is cool. The friends lie awake, turning his words inside them. They feel no comfort, but they cannot deny the truth.
Madhukar (his voice carrying into the dark): You have never listened. Neither have I. That is the only truth worth carrying.
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No Ears
you never listened.
not once.
not in the womb,
not in the cradle,
not at the table,
not in the bed.
you nod.
you wait your turn.
you load your gun.
you protect your little kingdom of self.
but listen?
no.
your wife said i’m lonely.
you heard you failed.
your child said i’m scared.
you heard don’t disturb me.
your friend said help me.
you heard weak.
your father said do better.
you heard you’re nothing.
the words died in the air.
you buried them in your own graveyard.
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priests spoke.
you heard heaven, sin, ritual.
not the words.
teachers spoke.
you heard punishment, marks, fear.
not the words.
bosses spoke.
you heard threat, insult.
not the words.
lovers spoke.
you heard need, blame.
not the words.
everywhere
the same machine.
every word goes in,
ground into powder by memory,
by pride,
by hunger,
by fear.
and you swear you listened.
but you only heard yourself.
---
stop lying.
stop waiting for the miracle.
it will not come.
there is no listening.
there never was.
there is only distortion.
there is only you
trapped in your own skull,
pretending to meet another.
---
so what now?
admit it.
say it plain:
you have never listened. neither have i.
the lie is gone.
the burden is gone.
the echo is all you have.
carry it.
---
