Seeking For The Most In The 'Less'

As it is, Ved liked weekends (because, of course, no school!). But this weekend was all the more special, for, a fair had been arranged at a convention centre behind the colony where Ved lived.

He and Thatha were on the way to the fair. It was a only a short distance away, so they went walking. Ved was excited, for he was wearing his father’s smart watch that tracked his steps.

“Thatha, its already showing 1000 steps!” He exclaimed.

Thatha grinned. “You are getting quite the workout today!”

They reached the convention center. It was located in a busy road of the town. A lot of vendors had set up stalls outside the center, their wares ranging from toys to household items to mouth-watering food delicacies.

Ved’s mind was inside the convention center already. He knew there would be at least one book stall, and he knew a toy company that regularly set up stalls in the fair. Ved knew what he was going to buy – a remote-controlled drone toy that he had had his eye on since a long time.

As they both reached the center, Ved saw some kids standing near a stall that sold watches. They were obviously fake watches but the kids bought one each and they put it on their wrists with great enthusiasm.

Ved took in the scene as he entered the center with Thatha. He was unusually silent. All his excitement seemed to have dimmed.

Thatha gently tugged at the hand that he was holding. “What happened?”

“Thatha, those kids who brought those watches – I think they were duped. The watches weren’t original. Why, some of them weren’t working even!”

Thatha smiled. “No, they weren’t duped. Most of the kids knew that the watches weren’t working.”

Ved’s eyes widened. “You mean they brought those watches fully knowing that they were duplicates? But the kids – they looked so happy!”

Thatha had a thoughtful look on his face. “Ved, those kids do not live privileged lives. They do not have as many luxuries as we have. Every cent of money their parents earn is well-earned with hard work and determination. You have smart-watches and many more luxuries which they can only aspire in their dreams. But they do have something that is far more precious than all the luxuries combined.”

Ved was listening with rapt attention.

“They have the ability to appreciate the little gifts that life bestows upon them. They have found the secret of happiness which is to be grateful for what they have or get, and not to chase after anything. They are contented because they have learnt to be grateful for what they have, and to not to hanker after any riches or possessions.”

Ved looked at his smart watch glumly. He thought about all the times when he didn’t get what he was expecting and showed his displeasure. He thought about all the expensive yet unnecessary possessions that he and his friends had accumulated over the years.

He thought about the kids and realized something.

“Thatha, the kids – they have lesser than us, but they looked happier.”

Thatha looked at him expectantly and grinned when Ved finally said, “I know now, that true happiness lies in being grateful for what we have and in appreciating it, rather than hanker after more.”

Smiling, Thatha gave a one-armed hug to the kid and together they walked to the fair. Something told the old man that he wouldn’t have a lot to carry home today.