The other day when I walked into McDonalds, it was more crowded than usual. I placed my order and then with my coupon and locator I was searching hard for a place to sit. Finally, a lady with a toddler called me and offered me their seat. They were done and leaving. I was happy. Finally, I have a place to sit - relax - and destress myself.
Well, over the past couple of days, I had had enough of the cold shoulder of people. And if they somehow happen to live with you - under the same roof, in the same room, it suffocates you.
I wanted an escape and my time with myself in some fast food corners was one of them, where I would be away from all routine tasks; anything that would remind me of them.
As I was about to sit, an old man about the age of my grandpa came over and asked me if he could take the seat across my table. Well, in a new city when strangers approach you and unfortunately your own life in your country hadn't been quite a safe haven, you feel awkward. But then I reasoned that he looks old - fragile. And I am at McDonalds which today is over-crowded. So, if anything happens I can have help at hand. Thus, I responded with an yes to him.
Shortly after, our meals arrived, mine before him. And as I started eating, he started talking to me. Initially I didn't respond. I thought perhaps he is drunk or trying to get something out of me. Actually, this is the first caution I got after arriving here that come what may - do not talk to strangers or indulge in anything with them, even smile.
However, while my instruction manual cautioned otherwise, the human inside me, my experience with people and the fact that I do miss my family terribly led me to talk to him - having a gut feeling that he is not unsafe.
And thankfully I did.
He told me a story. A story of a man - who was really very handsome in his youth. Strong and well-built along with excellent academic & extracurricular performance, he went on to serve his country. He became a class-1 army officer.
Soon afterwards, he got married to a lady from his native town. He knew her before marriage - they were friends. But, they weren't in a relationship before. However, even before marriage despite the fact that he had a lot of female adulation - his wife was the one whose company he enjoyed the most. This would often bring both envy and sarcasm for her. She wasn't really a very pretty woman in the eyes of the world. So, all other women in the town would wonder what is it that draws their prince charming to an ugly duckling.
But for him, the time he spent with his wife, were the most blissful moments he cherished till they met again. It was her ability -
1. of analysis and see light at the end of the tunnel,
2. to adjust in any circumstance
3. to make him laugh even when life seems to fall apart
4. to care for all
and a lot more which drew him towards her. And beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. To him, she was the prettiest woman in this whole world. And he was the happiest man ever when he married her. Indeed he felt, that God has blessed his love story.
An year later, they gave birth to their first child - their daughter. And, both of them decided that they would try to give her all the happiness in this world they can afford or create.
And then they had a son. They felt their world is complete.
Years passed by. The man retired from active service.
Both their children had grown up till then. Their daughter grew up to be a very beautiful young woman and their son reflected his father in all way. Except one thing. One big thing which the couple, who had now turned old didn't realise until, they were shattered - beyond repair.
His daughter got married to a rich businessman from a foreign land. From that marriage, he had a granddaughter. He thought he would spend all the time he has with her - which somehow because of his army life he couldn't give to his own children.
But, both his daughter and later granddaughter made it clear to him that he doesn't have the status enough to deserve their time. Both have earned something for their beauty. And, they don't want to tan it by letting him or his wife into their lives. If he needs them - he must make an appointment. If they feel they could accommodate him they would but definitely not in front of others. After all, letting in the old couple would lead people would question the source of their beauty which would make them feel judged and embarrassed.
They had parlour schedules, they had regimes, they couldn't find time for a worn out man like him. If they don't look good, they won't get the attention and that would ruin their lives.
And, his son - had also cast them out of home. His son felt that their presence would add disgust to his charming persona. The man had written away his property to them. All that he had. Every single penny.
And even the life of his best friend, perhaps. Owing to such shock his wife - whom he considered his best friend succumbed to heart attack and passed away.
This left him - all alone. He had to start afresh. All over again. Because of some sources he knew, he got a job of a clerk in a govt. department. He has rented a room in a broken corner of the city. Despite having his own home he has to live a shabby - insecure life.
But, he was happy that day. I felt he was overjoyed. Needless to say - the man in the story was the man sitting in front me, across my table. He narrated all that he had supressed within. Tears rolled down his eyes. He said, he hadn't cried since his wife left him - although he badly wanted to. He thanked me - only for listening to him.
And, finally, left me with a golden piece of advice - 'Child I don't know if you already have someone in your life but if you don't, then make sure you choose a person who is indeed beautiful. And train you kids too - to love that real beauty.
It's easy to be beautiful on the outside - extremely hard to cultivate it within. But, often people forget to groom themselves on the inside in an effort to look good outside. They live a fake standard of beauty - which is definitely not beautiful. So choose and act wisely.
Lest - you would be - Beautiful, but only for the Myopic eye.
And this would do no one any good.'
Comments
Post a Comment