Sachin Sharma

Tag: Innocence

  • The Quest for Happiness: A Heartfelt Letter

    The Quest for Happiness: A Heartfelt Letter

    Dear Happiness,

    Remember the times when we were young, wild and free? Those carefree days when we laughed until our stomachs ached, and the world was our playground. I want to take you down memory lane and revisit some of the happiest moments we shared together.

    Do you remember the night when we were both upset about being forced to sleep early for school? When we looked at the night bulb and said “Wow, everyone is asleep but I am still awake.” That moment made us feel like we were unstoppable. Even though we hadn’t done our homework, and we thought we would get in trouble the next day, the teacher didn’t show up. That day will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll never forget the joy we felt when we realized we had dodged a bullet.

    The excitement I felt playing with the strange objects I used to keep in a polybag still makes me smile. I could play with those cells, wires, batteries, and magnets for hours without getting tired. It was all thanks to you, and I still have some of those toys to this day.

    When we had to change cities and schools, we faced a lot of challenges, but you were always there with me. We made new friends, had fun and created memories that still make us laugh. And who can forget that night with our cousins, when we all danced together without a care in the world? That was a moment of pure joy, and I feel grateful to have shared it with you.

    College was a rollercoaster of emotions, but we got through it together. We found happiness in movies, computers, games, comics, and novels. And even when life got tough, you never left my side. I’ll always be grateful for the support of my family, friends, and of course, you.

    Do you remember our daily walks in Mumbai, the city that never sleeps? Those journeys on local trains and buses helped shape me into who I am today. I learned to cherish you even more during that time. I didn’t mind sacrificing sleep, or walking miles without getting tired because I was happy. And do you remember the time I met that creepy guy on the bus from Infinity Mall to Andheri Station? Although it was a strange encounter, it still brings a smile to my face.

    I also discovered that sharing you with others is a way to keep you around longer. I started talking to strangers on trains and buses and even gave pep talks to people who were going through tough times. It was a proud moment when I was able to bring positivity into someone’s life, even if it was just for a moment.

    Money may bring comfort and security, but it doesn’t bring happiness. I used to think that once I started earning a good salary, my life would be complete. But I was wrong. The happiness I felt eating a cheap Vada Pav and Limbu-paani can never be replaced by dining at fancy restaurants and eating expensive food.

    In conclusion, I want to say thank you for being there for me throughout the ups and downs of life. You have brought joy and happiness into my life, and I am forever grateful for your existence. I hope this letter takes you down memory lane and reminds you of all the amazing moments we have shared together.

    Yours always,

    Sachin

  • My Childhood Excuse That Became a Running Joke

    My Childhood Excuse That Became a Running Joke

    Growing up in 2006, my friend Vinesh (or Vinna, as we liked to call him) and I were two young and carefree teenagers who just wanted to enjoy life. Our 12th board exams were fast approaching, and we had to attend Math tuition every day to improve our weakest subject. Our ride was a daily 4 km bicycle journey from our homes to the tuition center.

    Our parents were strict, always reminding us that we had to study hard for the board exams. But for us, being stuck inside with books felt like a prison sentence. So, whenever we could, we would leave home early and return late, just to spend more time outside of the house. We lived in neighboring areas, so our daily commute was always a joint one.

    On the way back home, we would pass by a railway crossing that was often closed to vehicles due to the high frequency of trains on that route. However, being impatient young Indians, we would cross it on our bicycles without any trouble. We would even stop our bikes at the crossing and watch the trains go by, debating on their estimated speeds. Sometimes, we would wait for one or two more trains to pass, just so we could extend our discussions a little longer.

    One day, we got carried away and were so late getting back home that it was already dark. When my parents asked why I was late, I quickly came up with the first excuse that popped into my head: “The railway crossing post was closed for too long. Even between the trains, they didn’t open it. That’s why I am so late.”

    To my surprise, my parents seemed to believe me. The next day, I told Vinna about my clever excuse and how I had managed to avoid trouble. But before I could finish my story, he pointed out the obvious flaw: “We were on bicycles, you idiot. We could have crossed the post even if it had been closed for real. Why would we just wait and watch the trains?”

    I was stunned by my own stupidity and couldn’t believe that my parents hadn’t noticed the flaw in my excuse. Vinna and I laughed and laughed about my foolishness until our stomachs ached. To this day, whenever we talk about that incident, we can’t help but laugh.

    Those really were the days! A time when we were carefree, fearless, and just enjoying the ride. I will always cherish the memories of that time, and the running joke that was born from my childhood excuse.

  • Finding Innocence in a Cynical World: Why It Matters

    Finding Innocence in a Cynical World: Why It Matters

    I was on my way to a work meeting and had some time to kill, so I decided to stand on the side of the road and people watch. As I was standing there, I couldn’t help but think about all the meetings I’ve had that haven’t gone as well as I’d hoped. I was feeling pretty cynical and not too confident about the meeting I was about to have.

    But then something funny happened. A little girl, probably around 7 or 8 years old, appeared next to me. She looked worried and confused. I ignored her at first, but then she touched my hand and asked if I saw anything. I looked where she was pointing and saw that a bird had pooped on her shoulder. I couldn’t help but laugh, and the little girl looked embarrassed.

    She asked me to clean it off with water from her bottle, which I did. But it didn’t really do the trick. She looked worried again and asked how she was going to clean it. I suggested using a piece of paper, but she said her teacher would get mad if she tore something out of her notebook. So, I looked around and found an empty medicine box and tore off a piece of hard paper from it. I cleaned her shoulder and she thanked me before running off to meet her mom.

    That little interaction made me feel so much better. It was a reminder that even in a cynical world, a little bit of innocence can go a long way. And as a result, I walked into that meeting feeling more in control and positive. And it went really well. So, thanks little girl for reminding me to keep things in perspective.

    It’s easy to get caught up in the cynicism of the world, especially when it comes to work and meeting new people. But sometimes, all it takes is a small moment of innocence to remind us that there’s still good in the world and that we should never lose hope.

    In this case, it was a small schoolgirl who reminded me of this. Her innocence made me realize that I was taking everything too seriously. It was a small moment, but it had a big impact on my day.

    It’s important to remember that these moments of innocence can be found anywhere and at any time. Sometimes, all it takes is a small change in perspective to see them. And when we do, it can completely change our mood and outlook on life.

    So the next time you’re feeling cynical and down, try to find a moment of innocence in your day. It might just be the thing that brings a smile to your face and helps you see the world in a different light. And who knows, it might even make your meeting or your day go a little better.