It was just another one of those lazy
afternoons at the mall, when Diya fell in love yet again. This time the object
of desire was the new Jimmy Choo shoes straight off the Winter 2011 runway.
Little did she realize that this showstopper would stop her in her tracks. As she admired the intricate handmade work,
her mind was racing thinking of different outfits that would go perfectly with
these perfect shoes.
“Would you like to try them on?” the Sales
woman interrupted her thoughts, but Diya was not complaining. “Yes, absolutely”
she replied in excitedly. The shoes fit like a glove, definitely a sign from
above. After all, looking good was, as close to feeling good about yourself.
Diya left the store with a lighter purse and another
task in mind. The shoes definitely needed a matching bag; off to Louis Vuitton she
went to find the perfect match for her shoes. The next hour was spent carefully
picking out a handbag, a scarf and a clutch. On the way home she updated her
Facebook status, “On my home with Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton. J“
On reaching home, the bags were set aside and Diya
launched into a phone frenzy calling up her friends to describe her latest purchases.
Rhea, Diya’s older sister, understood
from the excitement that Diya had a successful day out shopping. Rhea was
turning 24 in a week’s time, and she secretly wished that Diya had not spent
her entire paycheck on a birthday gift. Rhea knew exactly what she wanted to do
on her birthday and had made arrangements at the Local orphanage for a mid day
meal and gifts for the kids.
Rhea’s birthday finally arrived and a
disappointed Diya reluctantly agreed to accompany her sister to the orphanage. It
didn’t take much time for Rhea to mingle with the children and participate in
their games, Diya on the other hand was a mute spectator glancing at her watch
and wishing she could go back home. The children were delighted to cut a
birthday cake with Rhea; it took some time for the younger ones to understand
the significance of a birthday. After the lunch was served and the children
received their gifts, the girls bid good-bye and returned home.
The day started out as a disappointment for
Diya, and hours of inactivity at the orphanage only made her more furious. Diya
failed to understand the need or significance of helping the orphans. Rhea was
in for a shock when she stepped into the car, as Diya hurled unkind words at her
and her gesture to the orphanage. The car screeched to a halt in the driveway
and Rhea bolted to her room with tears in her eyes. Diya was upset at the turn
of events and arranged to meet with her friends at the nearby coffee shop.
After a few hours of cajoling and convincing,
Diya decided to take her friend’s advice and apologize to her sister. Much to
her surprise, Rhea was not angry but was waiting to talk to her. It was time
that Diya learnt the truth. Rhea began to speak, “The orphanage we visited
today is very close to my heart, because it is where I first met mom and dad. Yes,
Diya! I was an orphan; my parents abandoned me when I was a baby. I still
remember thinking that no one would ever love me and that I would remain at the
orphanage forever. Every time we had visitors my friends and I were on our best
behavior, hoping that we would impress them enough to adopt us. I was very
lucky to be adopted by mom and dad when being loved and having a home seemed
like a remote possibility.” Diya was dumbstruck at this revelation and could
not believe what she just heard. Rhea continued, “The money we spend on
expensive clothes and accessories will not make a difference in anyone’s life
but our own. A good meal for the kids in the orphanage would cost us less than
6000 bucks and it would make a world of difference to them. I am glad that I
was able to make all those children happy today on my birthday.”
It then hit Diya, Rhea was just not doing charity
work, instead was helping others who suffered the same fate as her. She realized
that she could help make other’s lives better by being a little compassionate
towards their situation and needs. Materialistic possessions cannot replace the
treasure of experience. Looking good, may help you feel good, but making a
difference in other’s lives will make a bigger impact which will not be limited
to an individual.
By. Hridaynag Kooretti
LE-3
60307
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