Everything For Him - Part 25

As soon as I got into my house, I opened the box and peeled the thin layer of wrapping. There was a note inside on which was written: "To the best friend I have ever met in my life. Happy friendship day - Jayanth." I rolled my eyes and pulled out what was underneath. 

Oh my God! It was a diamond lattice bracelet that looked like it cost more than ten lakh rupees. I latched it onto my wrist and watched it sparkle against the darkness. I wasn't sure whether I should keep it or not.

I couldn't stop my tears from flowing out. I don't know for how long this happiness will be with me. Better to have a few good memories with him at least I can reminisce later. 

I should do something for him. But what can I do? I will think about it tomorrow. I fell on my bed.

I woke up early in the morning and went through all the casual routines. I literally didn't want to do anything for today. All I wanted to do was just relax.

Oops! I forgot to thank Jayanth for this gift. You should have called him yesterday itself. I immediately dialed his number.

'Happy friendship day!' He said as soon as he answered.

'Happy Friendship Day to you too!' I replied. 'Jayanth what's the need for such an expensive bracelet?'

'Did you like it?'

'It's amazing but-'

'Please don't talk anything more about it,' he interrupted. 'What are you planning to do today?'

'Nothing. Just relax. I will try to come up with some new ideas for this European client.'

'Forget about the work. Just chill for today.'

'Ok Jayanth.'

'And also let's break out the formalities. In the office, let's be professional. Out of office let's be completely informal. There is no need to call me with a complete name. Why don't you come up with a nickname? Moreover, I don't like the name Jayanth. My friends used to tease me with the name Jayanthi… Jayanthi…'

'I see. So shall I call you by the name Jay?'

'Very good Ana! How is your nickname?'

'Nice Jay!'

'So, what plans do you have for today?'

'My parents are coming today,' he said in a dull tone.

'That's good!'

'My housewarming ceremony is going to be in a month. I need to go to the airport to pick them up. I will call you later. Bye Ana.'

'Bye Jay.'

I then sat at my desk and stared blankly at the laptop screen. All I could think about was yesterday's rendezvous with Jayanth and what kind of surprise that I can give him.

Nothing cropped into my mind. Maybe I will think about it later. The day went on casually. I just killed the time going through some web series on the internet. As evening descended I thought of meeting Tualsi's grandfather as it had been really a long time since I met him.

I wore a sari and reached the temple. Anjani's uncle was seated in his usual place just outside of the inner sanctum. The giant orange fireball was getting ready to call it a day.

'Hi, Ananya! How are you? Today I asked my granddaughter about you only,' He rose as soon as he saw me.

'I am totally fine, uncle. These days I have been busy with office work. I was completely occupied until yesterday.'

He then performed archan on my name and after I offered my worship we sat on the bench outside the temple.

'Is everything going well in your life? Are you able to balance your life and work?'

'So far it has been a good uncle.'

'The reason I asked you is last month a person came to the temple. He told me that he is not happy with his job. He said something like there is an imbalance in his work-life schedule. I just told him instead why don't you go and search for your purpose and do the job that you always wanted to do.'

'What did he do? Did he find his purpose?'

'The problem with most people is that they resign to their fate. No matter how many times you try to convince them they simply keep doing the same. He came back yesterday again. He said the same old things complaining about his job. Some people are difficult to convince. I didn't dare to provide any suggestions to him again. Time will make him realize one day,' he said, with a mocking expression on his face. 'I see a lot of change in you. There's a lot of difference between who you were before and who you are now. Looks like you began searching for your destiny.'

'I am still unsure whether I started searching for it or not.'

'As long as you keep listening to your heart it will keep taking you a step further. It knows what is good for you.'

'It's good that you started coming out of your past. The past is a lighthouse, not a port. There are always going to be some areas in our lives when we need to close doors simply because, in the past, we have experienced failures, disappointments, or even heartbreak. Our past, that is to say, our life experiences, our failures as well as our successes, must be utilized as our principal landmark, our guide. In using these things as our guide, it will enable us to look at the future through what we have lived in the past.'

He already told me about this before and still keeps repeating the same. I think this is the problem with the old people.

'And also,' he continued, 'lessons in life will be repeated until they are learned. What manifests as problems and challenges, irritations and frustrations are mere lessons. They will repeat until you see them as such and learn from them.'

'Ok uncle!'

'What's special for today?'

'Nothing much uncle. We have submitted an idea to the client. We are just waiting for his confirmation.'

'Don't worry. The blessings of my lord Hanuman are always with you.'

'It is an important client for our company. If we get this contract it will be a big boost in terms of revenue.'

'Do you feel that you have given your best?'

'Absolutely!'

'Then stop thinking about it. Just go home, relax, and prepare your favorite meal. God will align everything in your favor.'

To be continued...