Clouds of Joy

I sit at my desk in my high-rise office building and watch the clouds float on a crisp winter day, forming a canopy in the blue sky that reminds me of the tapestry of nature. As I take a deep breath, stretch, and relax, as a part of my Pomodoro technique, I study the cloud formation that constantly melts in the mid-morning sun.

One of the clouds resembled a flower. Another one, a fawn. I often assume that the cloud takes the shape of happy and satisfied beings on Earth, at the given moment of time. I often search in the clouds, if I could see my face - up there But alas, it’s a big no. My search is always in vain. Not that I am unhappy, but, a certain part of me is more determined to be a happier self, that I often end up in remorse.

Why? Amit why? I think to myself. Why do I hate myself so much that I become a nervous wreck?

They say, being grateful allures strength and inner courage. Rightfully yes; and big words they are, but, unless you experience it, I knew it was baseless.

As I walk home after a busy day, I see an old beggar seeking alms. I often see him, seated at the same spot, with his hands stretched hoping that he receives an added bonus, if he keeps mum and presents a desolate form. I hand him a few spares of loose change. Maybe he can buy a cup of tea to keep himself warm.

Then, I could hear it. A tiny chatter. It was a clear sound in the silence that was good enough to scare a bird to flight. I looked at the source of this sound. His old mouth still had a full set of yellow teeth that chattered in the cold. He smiled at me looking embarrassed. A man can never be so miserable, I think.

So, I visited a nearby clothing store and purchased a woolen blanket. As they say, beggars are not choosers, and any gift of this sort is considered a blessing. The old man probably won his bonus. I covered him with the newly purchased blanket without expecting him to say anything. The man warmed himself and wriggled inside it. We both looked at each other in silence, reminding me that it looked like a scene from an award-winning contemporary art movie of the late '90s.

I was pleased took a deep breath and walked back home.

Up above, in the now evening sky, a solitary cloud took form. It was me.