FILE OF EPISODES FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE

  1:  Crossing the Road

  2:  Every  Problem has a Solution

  3. Patient is Patient

  4. In the Dark Corner

  5.  Balloon -Seller

1. . Crossing the Road

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School was just over and some students were standing, waiting to cross the road. One of the boys observed an old lady, hesitatingly standing on the road and waiting for somebody to help her cross the road. He immediately rushed to her, held her hand and helped her cross the road smoothly. The other boys asked him, “Why are you helping her? Is she your grandmother?” The boy promptly replied, “She is not my grandmother; but she is surely grandmother of some or other fellow, who is not here right now to help her. So, it is my duty to help her.”

Rajni Chhabra

21/10/2024

 

2: Every  Problem has a Solution

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I am recalling an episode of my college days in 1971. I had just got admission for my Graduation in Govt. College for Women, Srinagar. Was not knowing even a little bit of Kashmiri language. Not having any friend circle at all. There was no trend of water purifiers or water coolers those days. For quenching thirst, you had to go to tap, open it and drink water by cupping your palms. Sometimes, there used to be long queues and students thronged near tap. Ragging was full on. When, I was waiting for my turn, some senior students called me and ordered me to fetch leaves for them, from a shrub nearby. The moment, I plucked leaves, itching started badly on my hands and arms. It was beyond my tolerance. I was getting so restless. Even washing hands could not fetch me relief. Worst part of the whole episode was that those merciless students were laughing heartily on my plight. 

In the meantime, another group of students neared that spot. They could not bear this plight of mine and immediately instructed me to pluck leaves from a bush, growing next to that shrub. They told me that bush had a medicinal effect and will serve me as an anti dote, if I rub it on affected areas. I followed their instruction and to my surprise, I got relief. I heartily thanked those kind students.

From, that day onwards, I have nurtured a notion in my head that wherever, there is a problem, solution to it lies nearby only. Besides, if mischief-mongers are there to tease you, God has also created some noble people to help you. 

Rajni Chhabra 

21/10/2024

 

3: Patient is Patient

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The patient, lying next to my bed, had met with a severe accident and was hospitalized. He had multiple fractures, broken teeth, injuries on face and several other parts of body. Was not able to move, not able to sleep properly. In spite of his plight, he had no grudging at all.

Doctor came on round and inquired about his condition. He asked him whether he has any other problem. The patient nodded his head. He said to Dr.,"My only problem is that whenever, I try to laugh heartily, my stitches don't allow me to do so".

Rajni Chhabra

21/10/2024

4:  In the Dark Corner

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Away from hustle bustle of  picnic spot, a ripe-aged man was standing in a dark corner of park, was taking puffs of cigarette. Enjoying smoking, he was interrupted by an inquisite young man, who was curious to know why that old man was standing there alone, puffing cigarette. The old man replied that he was smoking in that dark corner of the park, because he did not want to be observed by his son. 

Abruptly, he observed that young man, too, was holding cigarette in his hand and was about to take puff. The old man asked him, "Why are you standing in this deserted corner, leaving the joy of company of others?" The young man replied, "I don't want to be noticed by my parents that I smoke"

Rajni Chhabra

22/10/2024

5. Balloon Seller

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 It was week-end. We planned to dine out in our favourite hotel. It is pleasant to spend some quality time with family, after a hectic week in office. Near the parking area, a half clad, young boy of about eight years was selling balloons. Multi-colored balloons seemed very tempting. And the way, in which that little boy was inviting all to buy these, seemed still more imploring. My grandson insisted on buying two big balloons. I asked him, " Is one balloon not enough for you? Why are you insisting upon two?''

The answer that he gave, simply left me dumb-founded. He said, "Granny, of course, I need only one for myself. But, I am insisting on buying two as I will love to gift the other one to this little balloon seller. He is selling balloons whole day, to render support to his family. I am sure, he does not have money to spend for buying one for himself ". Impressed by his empathy, I consented to buy two, instead of one.

The gleam of happiness in the eyes of both, the receiver and the giver was a source of happiness for me as well.

RAJNI CHHABRA

22/10/2024