Khul Jaa Sim Sim

I was out of the office already and was on my way to Al Ain for a client meeting. Most of my day is spent within reach of internet, but when I'm on the move I use my HTC handset for checking my emails. I prefer to receive the headers of my emails so that I download anything that looks interesting and if important… reply back. Although I generally wait until I'm back at my desk. So during a typical day… my hand set does so much more than just making and receiving calls… not to mention the SMS which I use the whole time to keep in touch with my family and friends.

That day too I logged into the mNet and opened my email page, typed my User Name and started to recall my password. I was not sure about the password as I usually swipe my finger on the laptop rather than typing the password (another indication of me being Aalsi). "Invalid User Name or Password" written in red colors appeared on my mobile screen. "Kya password tha yaar!!!" I tried to recall my password. I tried again… but the same message appeared. I couldn't play around, trying different passwords as it could lock my account. I was pissed off…

I have a total of 20+ passwords and User Id's at work and another 20+ passwords of my personal mails n other web portals... 7 or 8 PIN numbers. HUSH!!! I decided to make a note of the passwords in a diary but misplaced the diary within 7 days.

Today, we need passwords everywhere and for everything. Whether it is the bank account or the e-mail or the net surfing… you can't reach the first base without this essential key. How can the new age banks expect me to remember the 10+digit account number when the length surpasses the amount of money I have in the account!!! Trying to remember a password along with the account number is like... I don't know… I just hate it… Writing down the PIN for the ATM is a breach of security and trying to remember them is impossible. Internet banking... you are supposed to remember your password for the account. Not only that; they expect me to change the password... OFTEN. I have already run out of ideas about passwords. So many times I have had to re-register myself in various websites just because I forgot the password and couldn't recall the helpful reminder question, either. I have five bank accounts and for every account I have to remember at the least following information:
Bank Account Number
Customer ID
ATM Number
ATM PIN
Credit Card Number / PIN (Master Card)
Credit Card Number / PIN (Visa)
Internet Banking PIN
Telephone Banking PIN

Eeeeeeeeee…

Then there are umpteen telephone number that need to be remembered and each year the number of digits keep growing as more and more people opt to get connected. At one time, a decent five-digit number belonged to the telephones but now there are 7-8 digits.

Of course, the story doesn't end here. One is expected to remember the passport number, Visa Number, Staff Number, Insurance number, the driving license number, the PAN number etc…

Hey how can I miss the Floor Number, Flat Number… I have been confused a lot of times whenever the delivery boy has called to ask my Flat Number. Moreover I have to remember the flat and floor numbers of my friends too! I call them every time I stand below their building.

I am thinking of going into the business of providing ideas about password just like people are making 'moolah' by writing books on baby names.

I think this password stuff all began when the chaalis chor of "Ali baba aur challis chor" used a 'password' to open the door to the cave. 'Khul Jaa Sim Sim'… I can bet it was the first password ever used.