One early morning, I switched on my radio. It was unlike rest of my busy days; never know what’s happening around me. Normally I never spend time to see movies, television or even a radio. I am very workaholic person. I am sure, even my wife and children have forgotten about a quality time we together would have spent. Thinking about a picnic or a small vacation is certainly out of question for us.
I remember, it was very casual day for us. Everyone was slipping that day. I had a reason to switch on my radio because I had a business meeting that day which got postponed for some reason and I was wondering to spend time till next meeting.
When I switched on my radio that time, an old man was talking about thousand marbles. He was talking so passionately which forced me to pay attention. He was addressing to his friend, “sachin! Wherever you are now and can listen me, Please listen carefully.”
He continued, “I know that you are very busy in earning money. But have ever tried to know what your family is sacrificing? Most of the time, you are always on business trip and never attending any family events. Did you remember that last week your daughter had a dance appearance in town hall? I am sure you must have missed that, isn’t it?” and he paused.
It was really interesting for me now. I raised volume of my radio immediately.
He continued, “Sachin, my brother, I want to tell you something which has changed my life. One day I made a calculation of life. Normally, a human being can live for average 75 years. However, few may live little less or may be little more than this. Now multiply 75 years with 52 weeks because in a year there are 52 weeks. That comes to 3900; it means a person will get 3900 Sunday in entire life. When I made this calculation at that time I was 55 years old, means I lived for 2900 Sunday. Now if I survive till 75 years then I will have only 1000 Sunday to live.”
In murmuring voice he said; “it means I have only 1000 Sunday to rejoice and to enjoy. And it was a great shock to me. I plunged in deep thoughts. On same day I went to market, bought 1000 marbles and placed them into big glass pot. Since then, I threw one marble out of window on every Sunday. Now as I see less marbles in that pot, I have dire desire to meet all my friends, relatives and well wishers. I spent more and more with them, with everyone. In fact I have prepared a list of important work and every possible task which I can finish within available time. Truly, when you think that you have very little time in life that teaches you how to live.”
There was deep silence on radio and he continued once again: “Sachin my dear, today I threw last marble from the window. I completed 75 years today and taking my wife, children and grand children to the restaurant for dinner. My pot is completely empty now. Every Sunday from now onward will be a great gift from his great almighty for me. I am very happy today in true sense and wish you too have same time with your family. Hence, you will never carry any regret of what have you lost in 75 years. And I wish you too. My best wishes are with you always. Now it’s a time to say good bye.”
It was an end of the programme. I forced to think now. They were really very uncomfortable moments for me. I went upstairs and wake up my wife and children. It was great surprise for them, still no one talked about. But they found me in very light mood that day. “Get ready soon now. I have cancelled all my business appointments for the day and we are going on picnic today,” I said. It was shock for them. They wondered that how could I spend time for such a task where I never spent time with family.
In next one hour everyone was ready for the picnic and we left for nearby place. We decided to spend whole day, just for fun. I placed myself in driver seat and drove my car to nearby market place. “Why? What happened? Why did you stop the car?” wife asked. Probably she asked me with huge question mark on her face. Son asked me: “Have you changed or mind”?
In next one hour everyone was ready for the picnic and we left for nearby place. We decided to spend whole day, just for fun. I placed myself in driver seat and drove my car to nearby market place. “Why? What happened? Why did you stop the car?” wife asked. Probably she asked me with huge question mark on her face. Son asked me: “Have you changed or mind”?
Without answering them I entered in a shop, bought few marbles and came back to my car with big smile on my face.
Indeed, it was a great day for all of us, many more great days ahead of it.
-Makarand Bhatt
