The man with an orange, a guide in disguise,
Teaching me to live with open eyes.
The sun had just begun to cast its warm glow on the city as I started my day with a hearty breakfast of bread suji toast. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary day would take me on a journey of self-reflection and awareness. My morning took an unexpected turn as I found myself at the doctor's clinic, seeking answers to a discomfort I had been experiencing—unbeknownst to me, it was high acidity.
The doctor's diagnosis left me puzzled. I was familiar with acidity, but the concept of "high acidity" was new to me. After a thorough examination, the doctor prescribed a remedy and charged me 900 rs for the visit and checkup.
As I drove back home, the weight of the diagnosis lingered in my thoughts. I decided to take a short nap to ease the stress. The alarm clock brought me back to reality at 6 pm, and the idea of preparing fish for dinner sparked excitement. Despite having had chicken just a few days prior, the prospect of a different protein source was enticing. I hopped into my car, drove to the local market, and bought a fish for 300 rs.
On a whim, I decided to treat myself to a cup of coffee at a nearby Nescafe shop, spending an additional 80 rs. Feeling content, I then headed to the vegetable shop to stock up on fresh produce for dinner. However, what unfolded next would change the course of my day.
As I was selecting vegetables, I noticed a middle-aged man standing behind me. His appearance suggested he was a construction worker, holding a single orange in his hand. After purchasing a bag full of vegetables for 650 rs, I paused to observe the man's interaction with the shopkeeper.
He weighed the orange, which turned out to be worth a mere 12 rs. Without hesitation, the man bought the orange and walked away, peeling and eating it as he made his way back to his temporary dwelling.
The stark contrast between my day of indulgence and this man's humble purchase struck me profoundly. Here I was, navigating life with the comfort of air conditioning, driving to the store in my car with music playing in the background, while this hardworking individual scraped together just enough to afford a single piece of fruit.
As I drove away, I couldn't shake the image of the man enjoying his modest meal. It served as a poignant reminder of the glaring disparities that exist in our society. While I sit at my computer, surrounded by snacks and conveniences, there are those toiling tirelessly for meager earnings, just enough to sustain themselves.
This day became more than just a routine sequence of events—it became a lesson in humility and gratitude. It prompted me to reflect on the privilege I often take for granted and the importance of acknowledging the disparities that exist in our world. In the end, it's not just about what we have but about how we perceive and appreciate the lives of those around us.
In learning to emulate the humility and contentment embodied by the man with the single orange, I discovered a richer, more meaningful existence. It wasn't about denying oneself pleasures but rather about savoring the essentials and finding joy in the uncomplicated.
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