Hope And Life

So I recently visited the non-sleeping, 24/7 busy city of my country, INDIA - "Mumbai," and its outskirts, Thane. I was very excited to explore the local markets and see what they were selling - all the hustle and bustle.

I went to Thane West, "Jhambali Market," and I never thought that I would get a life-experiencing lesson there.

While I was walking around the market, searching for umbrellas - we all know why umbrellas because you can never predict when it will rain in Thane during the monsoon.

An old man, around 60-65 years old, approached me to buy an umbrella from him. He had a sack full of items, a handful of umbrellas, and a shoulder full of hand towels.

I stopped and had a glance at his face - white hair, pale face, but eyes full of hope that I would buy something from him.

He looked very tired, his hands were shaking, and his body was shivering. I don't know, but for a few seconds, a thought hit my mind and heart very hard - what situation is he in? What led him to this much work at this age? Where people at this age relax at home after retirement, he is selling things to earn his daily needs.

His eyes were so hopeful to earn something from me by selling his items.

A tear rolled down my eyes, and I could not stop thinking about what happened to him.

He had big umbrellas, so I did not buy those as I was looking for a smaller one.

So I bought hand towels from him. He started opening his sack and told me that he also had bedsheets if I wanted to buy them and started unfolding them. I said I did not want them. He insisted I buy umbrellas, and I said no.

I handed him the money, and he took out his wallet - a plastic one with some cards and money. That plastic wallet made me realize how hard it is to earn money, how hard life is, but this man is not giving up. He is old yet working hard, not complaining.

He is just hopeful that one day everything will change.

He handed me the change and again insisted I buy a bedsheet. I really did not want bedsheets, so I refused, but I handed him some extra money and did not bargain for the item I bought.

Seeing that extra money, his eyes were smiling. I know that extra money will not take away his struggle, but at least he was contented for a day.

He smiled, all sweaty and restless.

I left but realized and learned that no matter how hard life is, DON'T GIVE UP.

Continue your hard work as long as your body is working.

Life is not always good and smooth, so be prepared for anything, anytime.

A big thank you to that old man for teaching me a life lesson, and I pray that his struggle ends soon.