Greatest Lesson

(Preface- During the discovery phase of one’s sexual orientation, ‘denial’ is an observed phenomenon, in some cases of homosexuality. Sometimes, guys, on realizing their gay tendencies, tend to go into a relative phase of self-denial, thereby regressing from their sexual identity. There can be many reasons for this, doubt, fear of family and friends, and stringent infrastructure of values in the society. During this period of denial, guys try to immerse themselves wholly in their work, or on the other hand, withdraw from activity and socializing. They lose faith in the emotion called love, and refuse to acknowledge it’s importance. They take loneliness for granted and continue depriving themselves, leaving them dissatisfied. This not only affects one’s social behavior outside home, but also the relationships within the family. This story is about such a youth, who denies himself love, and how he learns the greatest lesson and truth life has to offer. That truth being……Love, and self-acceptance.)

‘Live like you’ll die tomorrow,Learn like you’ll live forever!’
That was his motto. His existence centered on his learning, his education. He was a research analyst at Pharma Labs., a chemical laboratory which was a pioneer in the field of research in modern day medicine. His name, Siddharth meant ‘the successful one’……and his achievements in the 24 years of his life spelled nothing but success & security. He was an intelligent intellectual with an infectious smile. Though he wasn’t self-conscious about looks, he claimed the poise and profile of a good-looking individual. With a little polishing he could have stormed the ramp & modeling circuits. However, in spite of insistent remarks and compliments from friends and colleagues, he wasn’t interested to venture into that. He was much too absorbed in his work, to spare a thought to his attire……or even his moods. Siddharth, better known at home as Sid, and by close buddies as ‘Sid the Sloth!’, was an ambitious, amiable……and outwardly pleasing personality. He had no qualms in life……no regrets…..perhaps even no desires…..or dreams. Maybe that was coz he’d never given a thought to it before……or probably, avoided thinking about it……
‘Siddharth, dinner’s ready, you can come out of your den now!’, his mom bellowed…..Sid slided into his favorite seat at the table, armed with his pen, papers, and perfectionist attitude…..‘ Sid, you’re not to bring your research stuff here, haven’t we warned you before’, his mom voiced indignantly……evidently irritated……‘ Oh mamma, I’ve to submit this file next week, gimme a break, I’m working over-time, please bear with me’‘ Sid, listen to your mom for once, you don’t have to work while eating, eat in peace & let us eat in peace too’, his dad announced, a note of finalty in his voice.‘ Dad, you know how it is……I thought at-least you’d understand!’‘ Sid…’, his mom began again, but was cut-short by the ringing of the phone…..‘ I’ll get it’, Sid jumped up n rushed to the hall….‘ Hello…..Oh hi Parth, yeah about that article, maybe we should just conceptualize on the side effects of…….Oh, hold on a sec’…….placing his hand over the receiver…..’Mamma, you both can begin, don’t wait for me, I’ll join you when I’m done’……returning to the phone…..’Yeah Parth, as I was saying…’, Sid’s speech droned into silence as he entered his bedroom and shut the door……
Shaking her head in exasperation, Sid’s mom sank into her chair & complained aloud…..‘ I don’t recall the last time the 3 of us have dined together peacefully since this boy’s begun this job of his……it’s been like this since his college…..either it’s the phone, or his paper-work, I wonder if he even realizes what’s entering his mouth these days! Suno ji, I’m getting worried about our Sid, he’s too consumed in his work, he doesn’t care about us anymore…..and after we wedded Shilpa off, well I’m beginning to feel a bit lonely at home, it’s as if we didn’t have Sid at all, we have to do something, that job of his is ruling his life!’Sid’s dad replied calmly,’ Sudha, don’t get tensed up at dinner-time, you know Sid’s working hard to settle down well in life……I admit he’s not able to give us quality-time, but that’s accounted for, obviously he’ll want to earn, and settle down firm before he begins on his own. Don’t raise the topic of marriage again, he’ll scoff it off as usual. Be easy on him Sudha, as parents we should understand his limitations, and respect his privacy, don’t worry so much about him. Infact, his perseverance amazes me at times….I’m proud of our boy’……‘ I miss Shilpa…..I miss our Sid, the one we knew earlier…..the one who used to watch TV with us, dine with us, do my grocery shopping for me, make us laugh…..you remember the time we got so mad at Shilpa for staying out late one date, how Sid patched it all up……he was always the good lil brother, the obedient loving son, Shilpa was the stubborn one……I miss those days…..I miss that Sid’…..‘ Sudha, stop it, we’ll discuss this after dinner, I don’t want to miss the news at 9, I’ll talk to Sid ok, relax’‘ If you don’t, I will, we have to say something now, I want my Sid back!’‘ Mamma, I’m here…where did I go?! Why haven’t you guys begun, I’d told you I’d join you…..what were you talking about me?’‘ Not now, dinner first & Sid beta, no more calls till we’ve finished ok’‘ Aye aye captain’Sid’s mom grinned as she served the plates. Dinner-talk was a matter of insignificant ‘muhallah’ gossip, bills, repairing jobs at home, Shilpa’s news…..and Sid’s work. Once the table was cleared & the bulletin at 9 over, before Sid had a chance to clam up in his oyster, his mom n dad had a serious talk with him. Mom’s will remain mom’s, Sid’s mom laid her case, underlining she wanted some changes at home…and in Sid. Dad was the more composed judge presiding over the hearing, however he had his say too…..‘ Sid dekho, we know how important this job is for you, but at the rate your going, you’ll go mad, or we’ll go mad looking at you! We’re not saying it’s bad, but at office there are certain priorities, at home there are certain priorities……and in your personal life you may have some priorities. Priorities change with surroundings……Your mom gets worked up about you working too hard, you should be a hard worker, but not 24 hours a day, not every day of the week…..why don’t you join a club or gym or something……you so rarely socialize with friends. Don’t immerse yourself in work to the extent you forget to live ok?’Sid eyed his parents worrisome faces, and listened on…..his mom spoke next….‘ Beta, we love you, you know that, you’ve already achieved much more than what we’d dreamt for you……when you were younger, you pursued sports, drama…and drawing too. You were so social then, of-course you have a right to pursue what you want, or don’t want…..but….but how is joining a hobby class distracting you from your work?’
It was a grueling discussion, at the end of which, Sid’s folks were much relieved……and Sid was okay too. He’d let his parents talk him into taking up a hobby class, or a health club, so his routine would provide more variety, and he’d get some time off from his study too. Not that a hobby class was necessary, but then having a productive, purposeful excuse was better than just an excuse……and maybe after all, a hobby had the relaxing atmosphere to lure Sid away from his academic world. Anyway, Sid agreed, not too enthusiastically, but readily enough to take up his previous talent with charcoal and colors……a sketching & painting course, at a renowned institute in the city. Yes, the gym was equally attractive an alternative……but Sid was a little shy about the idea of body-exposure there……and well, he had ample physical exercise in his daily morning jogging, & at office too, he was almost always on his toes. Moreover, drawing would allow Sid’s creative juices, which had momentarily frozen in the fast-paced race for career accomplishments, to flow freely again……and who knows, maybe having friends outside your field of expertise may help……For the first time since he’d been offered his research post a year back, Sid began contemplating and entertaining new & fresh ideas. A new window opened……
‘Hi! Prashant here, are you new?’‘ Yes, I’m Siddharth, just enrolled today, I heard it’s a popular course for amateur artists’‘ It is. Mr. Singhal is a marvelous teacher & it’s more than just a hobby class. Presently a workshop is being conducted here for an international crowd…….acclaimed artists, grooming talent, different themes and reviews, it’s all here, a thorough learning experience. So, are you good with the brush n palette Siddharth?’‘ Better with charcoal, though I’ve lost touch. I’m working you know, don’t usually get time for such pleasures.’‘ That’s okay. I’m a Fine Arts student myself. But I have to admit I’ve picked up more tips here than from my professors at college. Mr. Singhal is the best, the teaching here is state-of-the art…..literally!’‘ You’re from Delhi itself?’‘ Originally yes, but doing my bachelor in Fine Arts at a University in UK now. Though an Indian by birth, I’ve lived in London since I was 10.’‘ Oh, so you shifted to UK when you were young?’‘ Yes…..yes……I did……had to.’‘ Coz your folks shifted base?’‘ No….not that…hey what about you, tell me about yourself too Siddharth?’‘ Call me Sid……everyone does!’
And Sid talked…….about his family, his sister, now married and settled in Canada, his childhood, schools, college, his distinction in chemical engineering, his current occupation…….and his interest in sketching, unfortunately for which he’d no time in his hectic schedule………but how his folks coaxed him into pursuing his talent in this forte. Prashant was much impressed by the cascading tirade of acquirements in Sid’s life. Moreover, he found Sid to be a warm, energetic, and friendly guy……..and being an ‘outsider’ in the city for a limited duration, making new friends was not on the ‘to-do’ list for him. In Sid’s case however , this was an exception…….
That first day Sid was unable to collect much information about Prashant, except that he was 19 years of age, from UK, in town for one of Singhal’s international art workshops, and currently staying with his aunt in Delhi. It was soon known that Prashant was quite a genius at human figure portraits. Art was Prashant’s whole n soul passion. It was what he lived for, it was what he’d die doing……
As days passed by, their friendship strengthened amidst the strokes and shades, contours and curves, theory and practical sessions, interactive lectures and recesses. Sid slowly got apprised of Prashant’s past…..the tragic loss of his parents in an automobile collision when he was just 9, how his aunt looked after him for a year before his admission to a prestigious boarding school in England, for which he had to leave his homeland…….How he wasn’t so scholarly when it came to algebra and sciences, but how he discovered he was gifted with the pastels n canvas…….and hence, how he’d decided to focus on art as his goal, his dream.…..and his destiny……
In Prashant, Sid found a friend totally unlike his other friends. He didn’t categorize under those brainy, extrovert, humorous characters who formed Sid’s limited friend-circle. Prashant was more reserved, mature for his young age, a cheerful disposition and a fresh unassuming nature. He had that untouched innocence that is rare to find. His eagerness to learn, and his elation at gaining knowledge were his likeable traits. He wasn’t one of those know-it-all bloated egos that stalked the world of professionalism. Prashant was different, an altruistic shade, a spiritual countenance, and yet, a unique sense of style. He was very perceptive, and positively pure at heart. To Sid’s mind, Prashant resembled a blooming bud waiting patiently to flower into fragrant beauty. To have him as a friend was very rewarding, for not only did Prashant guide Sid during drawing classes, but also regarding general aspects of life…….Sid was able to learn a lot about life, through Prashant’s masterpiece sketches, and his few but wise words……Prashant was truly gifted. He saw people, he drew people, he could connect with other hearts through his eyes, he perceived emotions, understood feelings. His compositions spoke about life & expression in the mould of the human form. A brilliant artist, and a beautiful person. And for Sid, a very special friend……One day, after class dispersed,
‘Prashant, you told me you stayed with your aunt here, so how do you travel to n fro?’‘ Bus, of-course.’‘ Not today, I’m dropping you home, that is if you don’t mind my company during the drive, though, I’m sure my car will ensure a more comfortable ride…….as compared to those tin-box buses on the roads! Come along, we’re travelling in style today!’Saying so Sid caught hold of Prashant’s arm, to lead him towards the car-parking area…….however, he was met by resistance….‘ What’s the matter, forgotten something inside?’‘ No.’‘ Then come on, you don’t want me to drop you?’‘ Well, I’m sorry, but yes, I’m turning down the kind invitation.’‘ Why? You don’t like me do you?’Prashant laughed politely.‘ Nothing like that Sid.’‘ Then what pray may I ask is the reason for your reluctance?’ Sid asked, a tinge of humor in his tone.‘ For that, you’ll have to travel with me by bus one day.’‘ Fine, let’s go now.’‘ You’re ready?’‘ Sure, why not?…..You forget, I belong here, still I’m unsure as to what the novelty of a mere bus ride is, in front of a posh Ford vehicle, that too, considering you hail from UK. Let’s check out what’s so good about the bus.’‘ Haven’t you ever traveled by bus here?’‘ Not for a while….why?’‘ Okay, come then…..you’ll see why.’Once aboard, crammed into seats in the congested bus, their conversation resumed….‘ You chose this to my car?! Prashant, you gotto be kidding!’‘ Don’t you see Sid, I’m used to journeying in luxury everyday, so this discomfort is a welcome experience to me, and enjoyable too! But on a more important note, it’s here you get to observe people, their life unfolding, you blend into their laughter, their chit-chatter, their tears……You learn about life through these people, you learn about yourself through them. You become one of them, you are one of them! You’re inspired for a new artwork here. It’s true, life teaches us it’s lessons in the most unusual places, undoubtedly one of them is the bus. Nothing so special about an air-conditioned car, but sitting with different people everyday in a rickety, rusty bus teaches you things about life you’ll otherwise fail to notice. We cant learn about life unless we open up to it, just like we cant see unless we look around, keeping one’s eyes open isn’t enough! Life’s like a puzzle and the puzzle’s incomplete without those missing pieces…….n those missing links are hidden in the most inconspicuous places, one of them being……the…..?’Sid was dumb-struck, in no condition to promptly fill in that blank……he couldn’t find his voice, it was lost somewhere in his sudden enlightenment……‘ Hello, where are you?’ Prashant whispered to the unblinking face before him…..‘ Uh, I’m here……I was only…. thinking…….sorry, what were you saying?’‘ Never mind!’‘ Yes, you were telling me about the benefits of a bus-ride……I must confess, I never saw it from this point of view.’‘ Everything in life can have more than one angle to it. We usually relate the situation to the perspective that suits our thinking the most. However, each of those perspectives has something good and bad about it, they aren’t completely ‘good’ or ‘bad’ by themselves.’‘ Wow! You’re quite a philosopher, and this is all from observation?’‘ Yes, that and the willingness to let life within you, the willingness to open up to life’s secrets…..’‘ What you said about angles…..and the good n bad of each, do they apply to everything?’‘ As in?’‘ As in relationships or so?’‘ Sure they do, every relationship can have more than one angle to it, each with it’s own plus n minus points.’‘ How so?’‘ Sid, consider a friendship, one angle to that is the ‘friendly, benevolent’ component, another angle is the ‘loving, passionate’ component, yet another angle could be the ‘envy, evil, hatred’ factor. All are different shades of a single relation, all extremely varied, yet they can’t be separated from it. And they each have positive and negative points to their credit. Friends can be lovers, friends can be just friends, and friends can be enemies too, each a different color in the same palette and each color gives a definite depth and value to the painting, same way each angle of a relationship gives the relation a new meaning.’‘ So you say a relationship can have many angles?’‘ Yes, and we choose the one which suits our mentality best, like we do color combinations at art class.’‘ So what about us?’‘ Well, what about us?’‘ We’re friends?’‘ Don’t you think so?’‘ Are we?’‘ Of course.’‘ But as you said, that’s just one angle of it.’‘ Are there more angles to it?’‘ Sure- I can hate you for being a better artist than me, that makes us enemies……I can love you for the person you are, that would make us…….something more than friends…….’‘ Like what?’‘ Like….lovers!’Prashant looked into Sid’s black eyes, eyes that were gazing right back at his own….eyes fired with a new spirit……‘ So what are you saying- do you love me or hate me?!’‘ If I say I love you, what would your reaction be?’‘ I’d laugh!’‘ You’d laugh at love?’‘ I’d laugh at your love!’‘ Why?’‘ It’s preposterous!’‘ Coz we’re both guys?’‘ Initially, yes!’‘ But you can reason it out yourself cant you?’‘ About what?’‘ About two guys who may say they love each other!’‘ Please explain, I’m still at sea.’‘ As you said, each situation or relation can have more than one angle to it, we can apply the same rule to sexuality…..’‘ Are you saying…..?’‘ Yes, I’m saying……homosexuality is one angle, hetrosexuality is one, bisexuality is another, each chooses one which suits his mentality the most……and each have their plus and minus points!’‘ So……you’re….?’‘ If I say I’m one of those angles, and that I love you, can you put two n two together?’‘ Sid, this is inconceivable!’‘ Nothing in life is impossible!’‘ So what do you want from me?’‘ Nothing.’‘ Oh!…?’‘ Prashant, I’ve just given you something to think about, applying your principles to it, that’s all.’‘ Is that the end of it?!’‘ You could give me an answer…..’‘ Meaning you want me to tell you I love you back?!’‘ No, I didn’t say that….’‘ But that’s what you want to hear isn’t it?’‘ Maybe.’‘ You’re not sure?’‘ About?’‘ About what you want to hear….?’‘ Doesn’t that depend on what you feel Prashant?’‘ No, Sid…..It depends on what you feel….and how much you feel…..and how much you give…..’‘ I don’t get you….’‘ Our stop…..let’s get down’, they alighted at the bus-stop……‘ Sid, come over, the house is a 10 minute walk from here, come meet my aunt, have tea with us, she’ll like you……’‘ I will…..on one condition.’‘ Which is?’‘ Which is that tomorrow after class, you will come with me to my place, and meet my folks, okay?’‘ Done! And we’ll go by your car too okay?’‘ Not okay!’‘ Oh, why?’‘ Coz tomorrow onwards, I’m coming n going from class……by bus!’Prashant’s face lit up with an engaging smile. Prashant was 2 inches shorter to Sid’s 5’11” frame. While Sid was athletic & toned, Prashant was slim, with the gait of a wood-nymph. Sid was dark-haired and dark-eyed with a fair complexion, Prashant was lightly tanned with gray eyes, eyes that spoke volumes of wisdom……and truth…..for the truth was plainly visible to Sid, Prashant too, like him, was gay….and loved him too!……Sid didn’t need the words to confirm this, Prashant’s heart was an open book…….They walked in silence…….
Prashant’s aunt was a motherly character. Widowed recently, she lived alone, and though she’d not borne any kids of her own, Prashant was like her own child. She’d wanted the best for him, so had somehow beaten the odds to arrange for his schooling in Britain. She accepted his decision to specialize in Art, since she was aware he was more inclined to being artistic from the time he was a kid. Tea was a homely affair, they chatted like family…….Two hours later, suddenly realizing how late it had become, as Sid was taking his leave, he courteously requested Prashant’s aunt to grant him the weekend’s stay at Sid’s home. Prashant’s aunt was only too happy to agree. Prashant was ecstatic……..
Next evening Prashant was introduced to Sid’s folks. They warmed up to him instantly. Later, Prashant even offered to help out in the kitchen, claiming that cooking was another one of his interests. After dinner, for the first time in ages, the TV remained off, and surprisingly, Sid didn’t retire to his den, they all shared a few rounds of card games, intercepted by many a jokes and funny narratives. The living room came alive with loud laughter this night……..In between, Sid’s mom glanced once or twice in her husband’s direction, with incredulous eyes. She was full of astonishment, what she couldn’t do in a year, Prashant had done in one night!……..
Over the weekend, Prashant really mixed n mingled with the household in a way, he became everyone’s favorite. And Sid paid heed to the beckoning pleas of his juvenile heart, he made a startling discovery……it dawned on him, he was in love with Prashant…… but as he’d already confessed of his this feeling to him, now if anyone had to make a move, it had to be Prashant……..
Monday morning arrived and everyone wanted Prashant to stay longer, but he refused out of genuine concern for his aunt, who was home alone. Sid offered to drop him back, while Sid’s folks invited Prashant to come over again soon, as this home was his own now……During the drive,‘ Prashant, I’ve to talk to you…..’‘ Sid, you have the best parents in the world! Wow! That weekend was awesome fun, thanks so much, I’ve some wonderful memories to carry back with me now……’‘ What…?!’‘ What happened?’‘ You……you’re….leaving?!’‘ In another week……yes…..why are you so flabbergasted, I thought you knew I’m studying abroad?’‘ I did……but…..you’re here for a course right?’‘ Yes……for a workshop spanning 4 weeks, it’ll get over next week, then I’ll have to return. I’d been chosen by my batch to represent my University at the workshop, I’ve done that…..and I had a chance to meet my aunt….that’s all I wanted….’, Prashant diverted his gaze to the scene outside the car window, as he furiously tried to blink back tears…….‘ Stop it, Prashant…..you’ll hurt yourself.’‘ What…?!’‘ I know you love me!’‘ I…….no……I don’t…….whatever gave you that idea?!’‘ You didn’t tell me……..I just realized I already knew!’‘ Sid……I …….No…..’‘ Prashant, listen, I know you’ve to go back, I know you’ll return, and I can and shall wait for you, till you do……’‘ No……..Sid………you cant.’‘ Why not?’‘ Because my duty is over….’‘ Duty?! What are you talking about?’‘ Do you remember when we first met?’‘ Yes…..I do…..Why?’‘ You recall you told me about yourself?’‘ Uh-huh…..what’s this leading to?’‘ Sid, you told me your motto- ‘to Live like you’ll die tomorrow, to Learn like you’ll live forever’, however you’d concentrated solely on learning, so much that you didn’t much savor living anymore, I could see that. I just wanted to show you there’s a lot to learn about life beyond your technical books and that the greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is to love someone and to be loved back in return…..’Sid took a moment to let these insightful words sink in……..then still reflective, he said,‘ Prashant……..but I love you.’‘ Sid, I’ll not be back for another 2 years……’‘ I can wait…..for you….’‘ No, I will not permit that, I…..I forbid it.’‘ Why, don’t you love me too?’‘ We’re…..we’re here…..wont you come upstairs Sid?’‘ Prashant, answer me…….’‘ Sid……I……well……love isn’t about what you expect to get, it’s what you’re expected to give- and that is everything……Love is the only thing you get more of by giving it away……’‘ True……but you haven’t answered the question yet…..?’‘ I………..’‘ Do you love me or no Prashant?’‘ I…………….’‘ Prashant, please be truthful to yourself, if not for me….’‘ Oh God!….Siddharth, I Do Love You!….but I didn’t want you to love me for that, I just wanted to show you….what love means, how it can change a life……’‘ You already have….dear.’‘ Would you like to come up?’‘ No, I’m rushing for work, I’ll meet you at class in the afternoon…..’‘ I’ll be there….’‘ See you soon….love’, he bent over to kiss Prashant’s cheeks. Prashant gently caressed Sid’s face with a tender touch of his soft palms……..smiling serenely, he bid farewell……..
As Sid was driving towards his work-place, slithering through Monday morn traffic, inwardly he was rejoicing, about how he’d been blessed with love, how it had changed his life, how love had taught him to live….once again!……It’s a fact, the small things in life, which Sid took for granted and never really bothered about, he gradually learnt what a difference they can make to a human being, how these priceless pleasure giving moments make our each struggle worthwhile, make our each breath treasured. Like, for instance, the wrinkles depicting age-old wisdom in an elderly’s face, a glint of mischievous excitement in the eyes of a kid, a bundle of joy to cradle a baby to sleep in your arms, dew-drops on a rose, the moist aroma of the earth when the first rains quench it’s thirst, the silence of the slumbering city in the darkest hours of dawn, and the first signs of stirring as the world welcomes a rising sun……..to feel the boundless love and protection of falling asleep in your mother’s lap, the unshakeable trust in your father’s sound advice……the companionship of friends, the power of music and movement, and the devotion of a beloved…….the simple ticking of a clock, the sweetness of ripe fruits, the steady steep rise to success, the voice of a dear friend when he calls after ages, the pitter-patter of raindrops on the window-sill, and the sheer enjoyment of flying a kite, or dancing n getting drenched in a downpour……..such things……small surprises nature bestows on us, the little things in life we tend never to give a second thought to……but all the same, which make us feel special and warm within, these lay forgotten in the mundane, monotonous existence of Sid’s workaholic life. But the love of a special soul had changed all that……..Churning on these thoughts, the lyrics of a soulful Celine Dion song, drifting from the radio, caught Sid’s ear……he listened with rapt attention……The words went…….
‘There was a boy,A very strange enchanted boy,They say he wandered very far, very far,Over land and sea.A little shy & sad of eye,But very wise was he.
And then one day,One magic day he passed my way,And while we spoke of many things,Fools and Kings,This he said to me,The greatest thing you’ll ever learn,Is just to love and to be loved in return.’
‘Yes, I’ve learnt this lesson…….and I found such a boy….Prashant……& he loves me too! I shall wait for him to return, and we’ll be happy ever after, he and me!…..’, Sid exultantly anticipated. Yes, convincing his folks still remained a hindrance, but Sid was confident his folks would understand, and this hurdle they could together overcome. After all, his parents knew him now, and liked him too!……’And maybe I can go settle in UK, so that we can be together, Oh yes, things are going to work out for us’ he thought……Sid was jubilant, he’d found true happiness……he’d found love!……
In front of love, Sid’s accomplishments, success, education and office, all of it appeared so small, so trivial, as if whatever he’d earned in his life till now, none of it was as special, and as valuable, as what he’d earned now…..love!…..Funny, he was driving to the office, but his office never felt less important to him than now!……Sid was in the seventh heaven………
CRASH….BANG, Bang!!……..
‘SID, you’re getting late for office, wake up!’, his mom screeched……Sid stumbled out of bed in a daze and unlocked the bedroom door……his mom entered,‘ Sid beta, what’s wrong, aren’t you well?’‘ Kuch nahi Mamma, I’m okay, what day is it today?’‘ It’s……it’s a Friday….Why?’‘ Oh……oh nothing…….I thought it was Monday…..that’s all………….’‘ Sid, are you feeling alright?’‘ Yes….Why Ma?’‘ Oh nothing…..just that last night, when we discussed about you taking up some hobby, I wondered if your dad and me weren’t too hard on you…..we’re sorry beta, it’s just that…….well anyway, we’ve decided you don’t have to do it for us, do only what pleases you, okay dear?’‘ Mamma…….I…….’‘ Hey, get up, or you’ll get late for your office, you’ve never been late before!’‘ Mamma wait, let me say this……I am going to pursue that drawing course you suggested, because I do feel like it, what’s more, I don’t care if I’m a little late for office today, but I’m having breakfast with you and dad before I leave…….I…….I really love you!’‘ Oh…….Sid……..’, but the rest of the words were lost as mother and son embraced…….
Sid was never a bathroom singer, today though the bathroom walls witnessed a new spectacle, Sid humming a melodious tune in the shower!……the tune of a Celine Dion number……..
‘There was a boy,A very strange enchanted boy……
And this he said to me,The greatest thing you’ll ever learn,Is just to love & to be loved in return.’
Sid had learnt his lesson. He’d learnt that self-acceptance and love for the self are the keys to a happy n love-filled life, that we must be grateful for all that we’re blessed with, and be humble enough to respect what we’ve got, and noble enough to share it with others, that we must open up to life, and live life to the fullest, only then will love flow back to us!…….Last but not least, Sid learnt to never lose hope, to keep up the faith, keep believing in your dreams, and in yourself first. And never to stop believing that you are special, and that the world is a more special place coz you’re in it!…….Sid’s motto still centers around life and learning, but it includes ‘love’ now…….Now Sid’s motto is,

‘Love thy self, love thy life,

Love to learn, and learn to love!’