Sunday Story
Guests who never came
A few days after the father and mother died, the children opened all the boxes and cupboards they had used.
Expensive shirts, sarees given by children and grandchildren on special occasions, utensils brought from the Gulf, spoons, bedsheets, curios bought when they went on tour and perfumes all sat there without being opened or used.
The flawed utensils in the kitchen of the house, the crumpled aluminium utensils, the faded plates for eating, the grey bedsheets in the bedroom all came to mind.
If she was told to take it and use it, she would say, "It is all about taking a drop of water when someone comes up."
Most homes have ceramic items that are stored in glass cupboards on the wall. For whom is all this waiting for?
The tablecloth with small blue flowers is folded to be rolled out when someone comes? For whom are the shining utensils and glasses sitting motionless? Do you expect someone to call your name and come into the house?
The ins and outs will disappear one day. Thoughtful and unexpected guests will also come that day. Your immobile body may not be able to accommodate the crowds that come to see you in expensive vehicles. The cupboards and tablecloths that you have kept like gold for distinguished guests for ages will remain in that cupboard.
The edges of the ceramic cup are dusty and dull. Yellow stains are seen in the folds of the tablecloth.
We need to understand the truth that no bigger guests are coming than us and that there is no bigger celebration than our life. All the endless waiting is in vain. What we lose is our precious life that God has given us.
Time does not wait for anyone. In an instant, you will all become pictures on the wall. Our deferred hopes will change. We always need to remember that we are the only ones who can laugh for ourselves. Like a child who goes to school without good clothes on the day when he is likely to get beaten up, we are afraid of something and put aside our happiness. We do not laugh today waiting for the good days to come.
It is just that we do not realize that a bigger day than today is yet to come. The moments lost without living will fade away forever.
You do not have to wait for anything.
Take out the best tablecloth for yourself today and spread it. Put up your new curtains. Wipe with a damp cloth, the shiny spoons and the best utensils and arrange on the shelf.
Place scented candles on the table. You are the star! Today is your biggest day. Celebrate as much as you can.
This does not mean throwing away money or forgetting duties. Start living for yourself from this day. Make a world for yourself with short trips, music, movies and books.
Drink more tea. One more laugh. Let the nerves come. Let the knee hurt.
Let us go ahead and celebrate. Isn't it a life?
May the days to come be more beautiful. Realize that you are the biggest guest in your life and enjoy every day of your life and live till death.
Reflection
Time will never wait for anyone. Today, it is the only truth. The poet sang, who knows who and what tomorrow will be like.
