How long am I going to be washing dishes and cleaning rooms?’ complained Rahul over the phone. ‘Because of the lockdown, I can’t even go out. I hate this.’
‘Whoa,’ said Rakesh. ‘If you think like that, it’ll get worse for you, Rahul.’
‘I’m doing my maid’s job,’ said Rahul. ‘Can’t get worse, bhaiyya.’
‘Is there a way to make things better, bhaiyya?’ said Rinku.
‘My aunt taught me a way that changes the situation completely,’ said Rakesh. ‘We can even get a surprise gift out of every trouble we face. List down all the things you’re missing badly now.’
‘The maid,’ said Rahul, ‘Meeting friends, college and canteen.’
‘Classes,’ said Rinku, ‘Walks, eating chaat, meeting cousins, grandmother and normal life without being scared.’
‘There,’ said Rakesh. ‘So many gifts.’
‘What?’ said Rahul. ‘These are things we’re missing, bhaiyya. Where’s the gift in being locked in and doing the maid’s work?’
‘You won’t find your gift if you’re upset, Rahul,’ smiled Rakesh. ‘You need to look differently. Why’re you mad at things you were happy to have all these days?’
‘Because we don’t have them anymore,’ said Rinku.
‘Ever wondered why you don’t have them?’ asked Rakesh. ‘What if more things were taken away? Now, can you see your gift?’
‘No, bhaiyya,’ said Rinku.
‘Okay, dudes, the keyword is gratitude,’ laughed Rakesh. ‘You can find the gift only if you look with gratitude. Now?’
Rahul and Rinku thought for a moment.
‘We took all those things for granted,’ said Rinku, ‘As our privilege. The lockdown is showing us their value.’
‘Yes,’ nodded Rakesh. ‘To find the gift in any situation, be grateful for what you have. When we’re grateful for what we have, however little, our gift grows into something beautiful. Any ideas of how to practice being grateful?’
‘Stop complaining,’ said Rahul, ‘And be grateful to everything I have. My family comforts at the home, grocer and the government.’
‘I’m making a list of the people in my life,’ said Rinku, ‘Family, friends and thanking them. It’s a long list. I feel good already.’
‘Great,’ said Rakesh. ‘And be grateful to nature, even the virus, for making us aware of what we have. Know that even chai tastes better when we’re grateful to the stove, gas, water and grocer. There’s so much to be grateful for. How can we stay mad?’
