Simple Joys Of Life

'Joy is simple to find but very difficult to locate.' - Unknown.

Most people around the world think that joy depends on the number of things we have, the amount of money or purchasing power we possess, and the lifestyle we lead. Yes, all of these factors matter for living comfortably, but do they truly create happiness and joy within a person? That is a matter of debate. What may be important to many may not be significant to others. Whether all rich and famous individuals are happy and joyful, and whether all deprived individuals are unhappy and depressed, is questionable.

Let me share my thoughts and perspective on this topic in the form of a story that I write with simple joy in my heart and mind.

Riya was reading the morning newspaper while sitting on the balcony of her house. The weather outside was pleasant, but the news, as usual, was depressing, filled with crime and negativity happening in the world. Just as she was about to get up and go into the kitchen, her husband Vikram joined her. He wished her a good morning and asked her to prepare a cup of coffee for him. Riya was about to enter the kitchen when the doorbell rang. She knew it was her maid Lali. Lali was a lady in her early thirties, active and energetic. Her work ethic was exceptional, even though it was the job of a maid. She spoke less and completed her work on time. Riya was satisfied with her.

That day, Lali was cleaning the kitchen while Riya was preparing breakfast for herself and Vikram, as usual. Lali usually preferred to take the breakfast that Riya would give her home. Lali stood at the kitchen door and, in a murmuring voice, asked Riya if she could borrow five hundred rupees in addition to her regular salary. She explained that she planned to travel to her hometown during the festival season of spring, known as "savan" in traditional terms. Riya agreed because Lali had never asked for anything like this before. However, she was concerned about Vikram's response. They were strict with their finances, and all their expenses were planned according to their budget, which Vikram managed. Riya needed to seek Vikram's permission before giving the money to Lali.

As Lali was in the backyard cleaning utensils, Riya went to the bedroom where Vikram was working on his laptop. She presented Lali's request to him. Vikram replied that it was not possible because it was not in the budget, and he had promised to get pizzas for their children that weekend, which would cost extra money. Upon hearing this, Riya responded that she would explain the situation to the kids and suggest giving the money to Lali instead. She believed that it was good to help someone in need. After a moment of thought, Vikram said, "It's okay, let the kids have pizza, and let us give five hundred rupees to Lali. What you said is correct. We should help someone in need. For us, it may be a small amount, but for the person in need, it brings relief and happiness. Small little things bring joy, so give Lali the money." Upon hearing this, Riya felt relieved, and she gave the money to Lali, who happily went home.

Riya allowed Lali to take the required leave, even though she would have to handle all the household chores until Lali's return. After about four days, Lali came back and knocked on the door. Riya was surprised to see Lali coming to work a day before the planned date. Lali explained that she didn't want to trouble Riya by being absent, as Riya would have to take care of all the chores. Lali thanked Riya for lending her the much-needed money. As they were talking, Vikram entered the kitchen to ask for an extra cup of tea. When he saw Lali, he asked about her trip to her village, how her parents and siblings were, and, most importantly, what she had purchased with the five hundred rupees that Riya had given her before she left for her village.

With a beaming face, Lali began sharing that she had bought a small bag for her mother and mother-in-law, costing 150 rupees each. She also purchased toys for her daughter and nephew, costing 80 rupees, and colourful bangles for her sister, costing 50 rupees. For the journey, she spent a hundred rupees, and with the remaining amount, she bought books and stationery items for her children. Lali exclaimed how much they all enjoyed during her stay in the village. Lali finished her work and happily went home with the food that Riya had packed for her, as she did every day.

After Riya finished her cooking and other tasks in the kitchen, she entered the bedroom and found Vikram lost in deep thought. She asked him what he was pondering. Vikram replied, expressing his surprise at how someone could buy so many things with just five hundred rupees and be so happy as if she had spent a fortune. Meanwhile, they often grumbled about everything, even though they were better off than Lali. Vikram was puzzled by how simple things could bring so much joy. In fact, Lali hadn't even attended school, nor was she employed in any corporate office where these life skills are taught. She might not know what depression is, what targets and projects are, or what deadlines and pay scales and paychecks and promotions and bonuses mean. Yet, she was leading a successful life with simple wants and needs that could be fulfilled more easily.

Vikram and Riya agreed that life is undoubtedly complicated, but they need to simplify it according to their own perception and limitations, making it worthwhile by being of some use to others. They discovered how happy they became after helping someone in need.