My collagen and I were not the best of friends. In fact, when I looked at other people’s results with Exilis by the time week 4 came around I dare say I was a little disappointed. To begin with I did not look 20 years younger like I expected to. That was a beginning enough. So my conversations with my collagen began on the way for my 4th date with Exilis.

“It will take six weeks for the results to show,” he said, referring to my file. “Today is only your 4th session.”

“Ok,” I said meekly and went to lie down and let the Exilis session begin. At the end of it, I must say the lines besides my mouth did look less prominent and my neck had fewer wrinkles. Maybe even my eyes were brighter.

“Hi,” I said, trying to sound cheery, young.

“Uh…. hi,” it replied, tentative, shy a little hesitant.

“Ok. Now that communication has been established, tell me what I need to do to get you become better?

“There’s nothing wrong with me. All is well.”

“Now don’t give me that 3 Idiots stuff. The movie is long gone,” I’m sounding a little rude.

Hurt silence from Collagen. I felt it shrinking a little.

“Look. I’m sorry. But I’m going through this whole Exilis exercise so that you can cooperate and make me look and feel younger. You know, you play such an important role in making my skin tighter, plumper, shinier,” I whine. “Please?”

Long silence.

I’m about to give up, till I hear a sigh. Its Collagen.

“You need to eat the right stuff, you know. Food that will encourage me to work well. Eggs, meat, nuts, and garlic. You never give me any juicy red meat.”

“Hey, don’t go into a sulk. I don’t eat red meat. It is against my religion.”

“Fine. You don’t give me garlic either. Actually, garlic is the best for me. While you are at it, add green tea to the list along with cherries, blueberries, strawberries and foods that are rich in Vitamin C. That’s it for now. I’m tired. Now you go have your Exilis session and leave me in peace.”

At Chennai Plastic Surgery, nobody really ooo-ed and aah-ed over my emerging skin. Except Dr. K. He noted the subtle differences by looking at previous pictures and pointed them out to me.

“It will take six weeks for the results to show,” he said, referring to my file. “Today is only your 4th session.”

“Ok,” I said meekly and went to lie down and let the Exilis session begin. At the end of it, I must say the lines besides my mouth did look less prominent and my neck had fewer wrinkles. Maybe even my eyes were brighter.

“Collagen,” I whispered as I took huge gulps of water.

“Hummm?”

“Thank you for cooperating.” I smiled. And I think Collagen smiled too.