‘The world is so messed up br that I’m afraid br it won't be long br before it turns red br (like Mars) br and becomes br nothing but just another ugly br lifeless sphere br in the universe. br But then, you won’t have to worry br and have sleepless nights in your bed. br By the time all this happens br you will be long dead.’ br I said all this to the man br sat next to me br on the long journey br to my village. br br He looked at me and said, br 'Madam are you a pessimist? br I don’t really like what br I have just heard. br Try to say something pleasant br or don’t say a word.' br br 31.1.