In the heart of an Indian household, amidst the clatter of daily life, sits a humble steel glass. This unassuming object, made of simple steel, holds a special place in the family. It's a daily warrior, enduring hot chai in the morning and cool water in the afternoon. Its grey exterior reflects the myriad shades of the lives it touches, resilient yet often overlooked.

Every day, the steel glass faces a multitude of situations. It is grabbed roughly in the morning rush, filled to the brim with boiling tea, its metal exterior warming in seconds. By afternoon, it holds cold water, beads of condensation forming on its surface. Sometimes it falls, clattering noisily to the ground, yet it never breaks. Its greyish hue deepens with each scratch and dent, a testament to its endurance. On busy days, it may be left uncleaned, still carrying the remnants of the previous day's use. Despite the rough handling, it remains steadfast, ready for the next challenge.

But come evening, when a guest knocks on the door, this favorite warrior mysteriously disappears into the depths of a cupboard. Out come the glass glasses (tumblers/glasses made of glass) —shiny, transparent, and delicate. The steel glass, sturdy and reliable, makes way for its fragile counterpart, chosen to impress rather than serve.

The glass glass is a different story altogether. It's transparent, gleaming with an air of sophistication. Unlike the steel glass, it needs to be handled with care, for a single slip could shatter it into pieces. It's a vessel designed to impress, not to express. Brought out only for guests, it symbolizes perfection and elegance, a carefully curated item meant to leave a lasting impression. It’s fragile and delicate, reflecting light in a way that catches the eye but requires constant caution.

Isn't this scene a perfect metaphor for our lives? Just like the steel glass, our inner selves are complex and multifaceted. We're not black or white but shades of grey, carrying the weight of our experiences, emotions, and secrets. We are heroes in our own stories, yet inevitably, a villain in someone else's. 

But when it comes to the outer image we present to the world, we strive for transparency, much like the glass glasses. We want to appear clear, flawless, and uncomplicated. On social media, we post pictures of perfect moments, share stories of success, and curate an image that reflects our best selves. In reality, however, our personalities are layered and deep, much like the steel glass tucked away in the cupboard. Every star that shines in society may seem like a "glass glass", but underneath, they are often steel glasses with hidden struggles and stories. Even the most successful people have their shades of grey, their moments of doubt and challenge, the "not so white things" in their personalities! 

Our steel glass self is filled with memories and emotions—joy, sorrow, love, and fear. It's the part of us that deals with life's daily grind, showing resilience and strength. Yet, it's also the part we often hide, fearing judgment and rejection.

On the other hand, the glass glass self is what we showcase to the world. It's the polished version, free from visible flaws, seeking approval and admiration. We present this version at parties, in job interviews, and across social media platforms, striving to appear as clear and perfect as possible.

But this pursuit of transparency is ironic. True transparency in human beings is a myth. No one is entirely transparent; we all have our shades of grey. We all hide parts of ourselves, revealing only what we believe is acceptable or impressive.

This discrepancy between our inner steel glass and outer glass glass selves can be exhausting. The effort to maintain a flawless image can strain our mental health and relationships. It creates a barrier, preventing genuine connections based on our true selves.

So, how do we bridge this gap? How do we embrace our inner steel glass while presenting ourselves to the world?

Firstly, it's about accepting our complexities. We need to understand that it's okay to have flaws, to be vulnerable, and to show our grey areas. This acceptance can lead to greater self-awareness and inner peace.

Secondly, we should strive for authenticity. This doesn't mean airing every detail of our lives but rather being honest about who we are. Sharing our true selves, even in small ways, can foster deeper and more meaningful connections with others.

Lastly, let's challenge the norms. Instead of hiding our steel glass selves, let's bring them to the forefront. Let's share stories of our struggles along with our successes. Let's show that being human means being imperfect and that there's strength in vulnerability.

In conclusion, the tale of the two glasses reminds us of the beauty in our complexity. Our steel glass selves, with their shades of grey, are what make us unique and resilient. While the glass glass may catch the eye, it's the steel glass that holds the true essence of who we are. So, let's not hide our steel glass selves in the cupboard. Let's celebrate them, embrace our imperfections, and present our true selves to the world, shades of grey and all.