There are always some incredible moments that life presents each one of us with. Today evening; I was presented with one of mine. After a long day of hustle, amidst the scorching sun, and the dusty roads of Batla House; I arrived at the fruit seller’s cart to buy the routine fruits. Exceedingly exhausted, and slightly puzzled at the choices that defined my day in particular, and my life in general; clearly left me in no mood to utter a single word, except for a handful of forced nods.
Bound by this dreary mindset, I heard a buoyant voice not too far from me—a young lad fresh out of his teens, dressed like a college student, stood next to the fruit seller, engaging enthusiastically with potential buyers. To my astonishment, I watched as he handed an extremely thin strip to his visitors, humorously referring to it as his 'temporary' visiting card.
His cheerful banter had, by now, infused some energy in me, allowing me to raise my head and take a closer look at his collection of 'itr' (perfumes) displayed on a table measuring just over 1 foot by 1 foot in size. The fresh fragrance emanating from the 'itr' bottles, artfully arranged, was completely irresistible.
All the while, I pondered why such a well-dressed and articulate young man, who seemed like he belonged in a university setting with peers of his age, was standing in front of the mosque, sharing street space with a fruit vendor. As I collected my thoughts along with the fruits to depart, the young man called out to me in the same high-spirited tone.
As he handed me his impressive, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly card, I couldn't resist asking him about the location of his perfume store. His response, and the subsequent moment, both left me in awe. This enthusiastic perfume-seller passionately referred to his small table as his store, 'Pure Heart,' operating from 4 to 8.30 pm every day.
This was the moment that prompted me to introspect, unlearn concepts ingrained in me through schooling, discard clichés and jargon surrounding education and the heavy expectations placed upon us. It was the 'itr' moment that made an indelible impression on me, suggesting that life is, in essence, simple and should be lived as such, in its pure simplicity.
However, only and only, a heart that is ‘pure,’ and a mind that is ‘free,’ shall be able to do it.
Nice!! Well articulated 👏