The number of people who truly understand others’ feelings is remarkably small. In every phase of life, there are things we like and things we dislike. We have our own preferences, aversions, anger, and affection. We often try to impose our preferences on others, forcefully intruding into their personal spaces. Yet, the number of people who consider what others truly desire is negligible. They suppress their loved ones’ preferences with their own, thinking, ‘I’ve given them so much!’ But they spend their time obsessing over what the other person wanted and what they actually got.
The best way to understand someone is to know their likes and dislikes. Surprises, outings, sharing meals, and gazing at the moon together—what greater joy can there be? Where can we find it? We don’t want to win hearts; we want to conquer them! As if hearts were territories that could be seized by the ruling party or the opposition whenever they please! Hearts don’t obey commands. A heart’s desires have value. Those who give with respect receive. Those who force, lose.
We buy sarees for loved ones, heavy sarees, but when do we ever buy flowers? We stock our homes with fish and meat from the market, but when do we share a plate of fuchka outside? Do we know the joy that lies in a bunch of bangles? We buy sickness, we buy medicine, but we don’t think about what brings happiness. And yet, alas! We aren’t happy in life! We haven’t received their love! Complaints and grievances!
When the maid, Marjina, moves around with her untied hair and flour-dusted clothes, the man’s mind wanders. Men want to be surprised too! Within your means, you can gift her perfume. Know her preferences, give her books. There’s no bigger celebration than exchanging gifts between yourselves. The happiness of the world, I believe, lies in sharing a plate of food, sitting face-to-face, and watching the sunset from the balcony. Spreading a mat on the roof on a moonlit night, sipping tea—that is happiness. Yet, on Facebook, we find the entire world outside our homes appealing. Every man in the world seems worthy! But the man at home is half-baked, as old as twice his age!
We have everything in life except happiness. With very little, we can weave beautiful stories. With small efforts and little care, we can fill our hearts with gems. A trip or two a year, small gatherings on different occasions, little surprises—these are all joys. A life of excessive indulgence makes life obese. There’s no happiness there, nor does the body remain healthy. Mountains of resentment! Beautiful moments can beautify relationships. They can play the tune of happiness in the mind. We can sing, ‘Loving someone for a lifetime won’t fill the heart.’ -Chorus!
