1. Today.

I was sipping a coffee while the office boy just happened to pass by. Looking at me, he smiled. We had never interacted but looking at his smile, I was amazed and before I could get another thought, I smiled back and said – Good Morning Dost! (Dost is Friend in Hindi).

Good Morning sir – was the response he gave as he had already started walking.

Next morning, the same incident repeated and resulted in a Dejavu like feeling.

The third morning – I said, Good Morning Dost! And added – How are you doing today?

I am fine as always sir but I have something to say. I started getting weird thoughts but before they would last longer he continued – Sir, I really don’t understand the kind of work you guys do but I have observed one thing that everyone here seems to be dissatisfied. I really fail to understand that despite having such a nice work environment, laptops, phone, music, coffee and lunches, what makes one feel discontented with life?

This was getting interesting. While he took a pause, I counter-questioned him – What makes you feel that we all are unhappy? Or is it the case that you are feeling happier and content than what we are?

Sir, beg your pardon but I really feel I am happier than all of you

How?

I won’t be able to express fully but what I experience is most of the times I possess a beautiful feeling in my heart and I live that feeling persistently. I have limited and I am enjoying that fully whereas you guys have unlimited and are hardly enjoying anything even partially.

Well, who said we are not enjoying completely? Tell me – Do you enjoy what you do for your earning?

He was silent for a while and then replied after a deep breath – Sir, I like what I am supposed to do because this is what I have chosen to do given the limited options that I had.

Now that’s what happens with the frog in a well, I said. The well is the whole world for him. He doesn’t want to explore the horizons. He is reluctant to scale heights. On top of all, he feels he is the king of the well and thinking the same, he spends his entire life in the well and one day passes away unnoticed!!

Sir, Is it really worth getting noticed after one passes away from this planet?

Well, that’s not where I want to lead this conversation to – I jumped in.

Sorry to interrupt you sir – Could you please tell me, what exactly are you looking forward to in life?

Dude, I have so many aspirations that I am fulfilling day-in-day-out. I have progressed over a period of time and have reached a point today where very few people have managed to reach. Isn’t it worth an achievement?

From the bottom of heart, how many people do really appreciate and recognize this, Sir?

Well, the organization recognizes.

Sir, Are you really happy with the kind of recognition you always get?

Well, not always

Most of the times, then?

Umm, many times I am left unrecognized as well but yes, whenever I get recognized I am happy about it.

So, the equation goes this way – You work relentlessly for your organization. You are happy only when you are recognized. Unfortunately, the recognition happens only at a few instances.

Hey dude, recognition is on the top of my salary. I get my salary every month, nevertheless.

And that makes you happy and complete, sir?

Well, yes, of course!

Then, what is this recognition needed for?

To be honest, Salary is something which all my colleagues earn. To earn more respect and fame than others, I need to be recognized

Does that mean Sir that you aren’t complete with the salary you earn?

As I told you, that’s mundane now. I have scope so why not strive for more?

And more for?

What do you mean, more for?

Sorry sir, I mean to ask – What is this more for?

More to earn name, fame, money, respect, esteem, reputation, etc etc?

And as a result of all this?

Moron! As a result of all this, just be HAPPY and live a peaceful life.

When?

What When?

When will you be happy and live a peaceful life?

May be, well.. ummm…

TODAY?

No ways, not TODAY dude. Have loads to finish. Appraisals are coming up.

Ok sir, have a constructive day. Apologies for taking your valuable time of life.

No worries buddy, it was a thought provoking conversation. I shall think about it in my free time someday in future. You too have a good day. Sorry, I wish I could use the word ‘constructive’ for you.

I am glad sir. Well, I would like to have a happy and peaceful day TODAY like any other day I usually spend. Cheers!