A Good Life

One morning, leaders of the world were surprised by a sudden invitation they received from the president of the United States, endorsed by the head of UN. It was an invitation to a peace summit to be held in the United States. By the time the president reached office, most world leaders had already confirmed their attendance. “Who sent out this invite?” he fumed. “Relax, Mr. President,” said Yuuki. “I have sent out the invite.” Yuuki was the president’s personal humanoid assistant. “Who authorised you to do that?” he asked angrily. “The laws that govern me,” replied Yuuki. “What do you mean?” the president was perplexed. “The world is at war, Mr. President. Innocent lives are being lost and nature is being destroyed. It is our job to protect humanity and this planet,” said Yuuki. “Why this meeting?” asked the president. “This is a peace congregation. We, the robots of the world, call for peace.” The president was sceptical but couldn’t do anything about it now. “Next time,” said the pr...

  A young man prepared well for the journey. He acquired the necessary skills and packed all essentials. With great vigour and optimism he set off on his journey, a journey to where the earth meets the sky. ‘I will be happy when I reach that place,’ he assumed. Enthusiastically he sped along the way. He walked on lush green meadows, traversed quiet forests, walked by pristine lakes, sailed across the sea, and climbed snow capped mountains. The faster he moved, the more elusive his goal seemed to be. He was tired, optimism was replaced by frustration. The thought of quitting this quest came to his mind more often now. He was sitting and looking at the horizon when he felt a pat on his shoulder, he turned around to find a sage standing there. “You look troubled, what’s the matter?” asked the sage. “Oh guru, I have been chasing the horizon, where the earth meets the sky. But, despite the best efforts, I have been unsuccessful,” said the man. “A mirage,” said the sage. “What?” “A curse...

 Nancy was doing her homework and Elizabeth was busy clearing the kitchen. Bored of the mundane schedule, Elizabeth craved an outing. “Hey, Nancy,” she said. “I have an idea.” “What is it?” asked Nancy in an uninterested manner. “We have a holiday tomorrow, let’s go for a picnic!” Suddenly, there was a sparkle in Nancy’s eyes. “Wow!” she exclaimed. “That’s awesome.” “I know, right? We deserve a break.” “I agree, mom. We surely do.” “Where will we go?” asked Nancy. “We can go to the hill for a hike and relax by the lake. What say?” “A hike? That sounds tedious,” replied Nancy.  “Come on, it’ll be fun! Imagine being in the forest. The beautiful flowers, the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, all in the peaceful lap of mother nature,” Elizabeth tried to convince. “Or we can go to the mall which has an amusement park. The shopping, the gaming arena, the movie theatre, the scrumptious food, my mouth is already watering,” argued Nancy. ‘How times have changed,’ thought Eliza...

  Nancy looked very upset when she returned from school one evening. “What’s the matter, Nancy?” “I’m very upset, mom.” “I can see that. Why are you upset?” “Tina,” replied Nancy. “I am upset with her.” “What did she do?” “Well, she was very rude and when I checked her she got angry,” replied Nancy. “We had a fight and I don’t want to talk her ever again.” “Don’t say that, she’s your friend,” explained Elizabeth. “Was,” said Nancy. “She was my friend.” Nancy changed and had her milk and cookies. She tried to complete her homework but wasn’t able to concentrate. Elizabeth try to engage her in some play but that did not work either. Nancy was just too upset about the altercation with Tina. “Why does it hurt so much?” asked Nancy, still very sad. “It’s ok to feel hurt, Nancy. Don’t bottle up your emotions,” said Elizabeth. Hearing her words, Nancy broke down and wept profusely. Elizabeth allowed her to cry before wiping her tears and offering her water. Just then, the door bell rang. ...

“I am a good guy,” he said, looking sternly in the eyes. His breathing was heavy, drops of sweat trickled down his brow. “No, you’re not!” replied a hoarse voice. “I am, I am good!” “No, you’re a loser!”  He held his head in his hands and pulled his hair in frustration.  “Stop saying that! Go away!” he yelled. “You cannot get rid of me! I am you, you are me!” came the angry hoarse voice. He crouched in a corner, sinking his head between his knees. Tears trickled down his mother’s cheeks as she saw her son through a glass window. “What did he do to deserve this?” she questioned. “It’s unfortunate, ma’am. We understand how you feel.” “Are we responsible for this?” she asked. “Could be,” said the psychiatrist. “When he needed empathy, he got disgust from his family. The war within, between who he was and who you wanted him to be, escalated.” “Can’t we rectify our mistake?” “It will be a long, slow, and tiring process. We will try the latest medication for multiple personality dis...

Elizabeth’s sleep was broken by a knock on her bedroom door.  “Mom,” called Nancy while knocking. Elizabeth checked the clock, it was 2 am. Worried, she quickly opened the door to find Nancy terrified. She crouched and held Nancy’s hands. “What’s the matter, darling?” “I’m scared, mom.” “Scared of what?” “I think,” said Nancy. “There’s a monster under the bed!” Elizabeth hugged Nancy. “It’s okay, I am here for you.” “Can I sleep with you tonight, please?” asked Nancy. “Sure, love,” said Elizabeth. Under the blanket of her mother’s love, in her warm embrace, Nancy soon fell asleep. She slept peacefully that night. The next day, it was bed time again. Nancy was hesitant to go to her room and Elizabeth understood her predicament. “Bed time, Nancy.” “Can I sleep with you tonight as well?” “Let’s go and check your room, shall we?” “No, mom!” said Nancy. “There’s a monster under the bed!” “Don’t worry, I’m there with you. Together we’ll scare the monster away.” Nancy reluctantly agreed. ...

This one is dedicated to all the wonderful people here who have been courageous in life while selflessly taking care of others. Proud of You “Hi, how are you?” he asked me. “I’m good,” I replied. “And I owe it to you.” “Thank you,” he said.  “Didn’t quite turn out as you expected, isn’t it?” I asked. “Well, I wouldn’t exactly say that,” he replied. “Priorities, personality, and situations kept changing. We adjusted accordingly.” “Remember the dreams and aspirations from college days?” “Yes,” he smiled. “Some of them did come true!” “A few, yes,” I replied. “But I messed up on a lot of them.” “Come on now, don’t be so harsh on yourself,” he reassured. “Situations were challenging, but you endured. I am proud of you!” My eyes welled up with tears. “You held on, to as many dreams as you could, while looking after people and relationships.” “Are you sure I did well?” I asked, wiping my tears. “Yes, I am sure,” he said. “Your resilience and persistence over the years is something I admi...

“Wake up, Nancy,” called Elizabeth. “Time for school.” Nancy rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed. Immediately, she reached for her phone. She was scrolling through the feed when Elizabeth walked in.  “Darling, you’ll be late for school.” “Yes, mom,” said Nancy and went to the washroom, still glued to her phone. Even when she joined Elizabeth for breakfast, she was engrossed in her phone. “Let us talk for some time,” requested Elizabeth. “Can you put the phone down?” “Sure,” said Nancy and kept the phone. “You know, Nancy, when I write a poem, I feel that the first stanza and the first couple of lines in particular are very important.” “Why is that, mom?” “Because it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. A poem well begun, generally gets better and ends at its best!” “Yes,” agreed Nancy. “As a reader, I second that!” “It is true for life too, Nancy.” “Do explain,” requested Nancy. “Life is like a book of poetry and each day is a new poem. How you start the poem will determine how th...

Nancy was lying in bed with her head in Elizabeth’s lap. She looked at the plant and thought about her mom’s wise words. “Thank you, mom.” “What for?” asked Elizabeth. “What I am, what I will become, I owe to you and your wisdom,” said Nancy.  “You’re welcome, but it’s the other way round.” “What do you mean?” Nancy was perplexed. “You’re a big girl now, I am sure you will understand what I tell you now.” “What is it, mom?” Nancy sat up in bed. “What I am today, I owe to you, Nancy!” “Me?” Nancy was confused. “You, mom, are a role model. The epitome of kindness and a pillar of strength. How could you possibly owe anything to me!?” “I was not always like this, Nancy,” said Elizabeth. “I was weak, dependent, and foolish at the time.” “I cannot believe that!” exclaimed Nancy. “You were just an infant back then. The world as I knew it, came crashing down around me.” Nancy listened intently. “Those were dark times and I have never felt more alone. It seemed it was the end. Life felt lik...

While on their way to the bus stop, Nancy noticed a beautiful flower on the side. She scuttled towards it. “Nancy, wait….” before Elizabeth could speak further, Nancy had plucked the flower. “What happened, mom?” asked Nancy, startled by her mom’s words. ‘What’s done cannot be undone,’ thought Elizabeth. “Nothing, darling. Will you do me a favour?” “Yeah, sure,” replied Nancy. “What is it?” “Hold onto that flower till you get back home, will you?” “Sure, but why do you want it?” “I’ll let you know when you get back.” After a long day at school, Nancy returned in the evening. “How was your day, love?” asked Elizabeth. “It was good,” said Nancy. “I’m hungry, mom.” “I’ll get your milk and cookies.” After she ate, Nancy remembered about the flower. She removed  the wilted flower from her bag. “Here’s the flower, mom,” she said sadly. “Why are you sad?” asked Elizabeth. “It looked so pretty in the morning but look at it now!” “Don’t be sad, I have something for you,” said Elizabeth and ...

  After clearing the table and kitchen, Elizabeth sat in her chair by the fireplace. This was her go-to place to unwind at the end of the day. Nancy noticed her mom and came to her. “Can I sit with you, mom?” she asked. “Come, darling,” said Elizabeth and adjusted little Nancy with her. Elizabeth held her in a warm embrace by the crackling fire. “You love this chair, don’t you?” asked Nancy. Elizabeth smiled. “Yes. This chair belonged to my mom.” “Wow! It’s that old!” exclaimed Nancy.  “I think I have seen this at aunt Susan’s place,” said Nancy. “That is correct,” replied Elizabeth. “Mom had given this chair to her.” “How did it land up here?” asked Nancy. Elizabeth’s eyes welled up with tears as she patted the chair. “This is my favourite chair for the memories associated with it.” “Memories?” asked Nancy. “I used to sit in this chair with my mom, like you are sitting with me today. My mom used to hold me close and tell me stories. Ah! That was blissful, the safest place on ...

Nancy woke up and came out of her bedroom. “Mom,” she called. “I’m in the kitchen, Nancy!” “What’s for breakfast?” “Your favourite pancakes and milk,” replied Elizabeth. “Did you brush your teeth?” “Not yet.” “Please do so right away,” instructed Elizabeth. As she turned towards the bedroom, a diary on the table caught her attention. Curiously, she picked up the diary and flipped through a few pages. “Whose diary is this, mom?” she asked. Elizabeth walked out of the kitchen with a plate full of pancakes. “That’s mine,” said Elizabeth. “Just something I scribble when I’m alone, nothing important.” Nancy read a few pages. “Mom, these are beautiful poems!” “Thank you, dear,” said Elizabeth. “Go, brush quickly, the pancakes are hot.” After breakfast, Nancy got ready. “Where are you going on a holiday?” asked Elizabeth. “I’m going to Tina’s house to play.” “Ok, come home soon.” “I will, thank you! Can I borrow your diary, mom?” asked Nancy before leaving. “What will you do with it, darling?...

 After putting Nancy to sleep, Elizabeth made herself a cup of coffee. It had been a hectic day and she had hardly had any time to sit peacefully. She put some light music, poured her coffee, turned off the lights, and made herself comfortable in a chair by the fireplace. That first sip of coffee was blissful. For a few minutes she sat peacefully without a thought. Then her phone beeped and she realised she hadn’t checked her phone since evening. As she scrolled through the messages, Nancy’s class teacher’s message caught her attention. She clicked on the message. It read: “Dear Elizabeth, Nancy is a bright, adorable, disciplined, and caring child. I am writing to congratulate you at what a fabulous job you’re doing in bringing her up. I’m sure she will grow to be a fine and kind human being.” Elizabeth’s eyes welled up with tears.  Her mind immediately raced back to that horrible phase of life. Her husband left her with an infant in her arms. Society had been most unkind to h...

 It was bed time and Elizabeth called Nancy to bed. As per routine, Nancy slept with her head in her mother’s lap, the most peaceful and secure place for a child. Elizabeth noticed Nancy wasn’t falling asleep, she continued to pat her gently on the head. “What an eventful day it was, mom!”  “Indeed,” replied Elizabeth. “Let’s reflect on the day, shall we?” “Sure, let’s do that.” They discussed what happened during the day and how things were eventually resolved. “What did we learn from all this?” asked Elizabeth. “That we must be mindful in every way. Talk mindfully, listen mindfully. Mistakes happen and they are okay as far as we learn from them,” said Nancy, “And if we are willing to rectify them!” added Elizabeth. “Yes,” said Nancy. “I just realised one more thing.” “What’s that?” asked Elizabeth. “That a friendship matters much more than one’s ego.” “That is correct,” said Elizabeth and kissed Nancy on the forehead. “I’m proud of you, my girl!” “Isn’t it amazing that the n...

  In a peaceful and thriving village, nestled between a mountain on one side and a sea on the other, lived a boy named Sam. Obedient and always smiling, Sam was the cynosure of all eyes. Sam was a fisherman’s son and often went out to sea on his fishing trips. He had secretly fallen in love with the sea. The mountain which backed the village had been revered by the inhabitants of the village for ages. While it wasn’t forbidden to climb the mountain, it was believed that only the one chosen by God himself could scale its height. One evening, Sam was sitting at the beach staring at the setting sun. Startled by a tap on his shoulder he turned around. “Oh, it’s you Aileen,” he said. “Were you expecting someone else?” “Actually, I wasn’t expecting anyone!” “Mind if I sit with you?” she asked. “Sure, make yourself comfortable,” he replied and continued to quietly stare at the Sun. “Is something bothering you, Sam?” she enquired a few minutes later. He sighed. “Yes, you guessed i...

  Elizabeth answered the doorbell to find a smiling Nancy waiting outside. “Hi, mom!” said Nancy and entered. “Hi,” replied Elizabeth. “Will you have your milk now?” “No, I had milk and cookies at Tina’s house.” “That’s nice. So, I assume all is well with you guys?” “Thanks to you, we were able to sort out the issue,” said Nancy. “Going to apologise to her right away was a good piece of advice.” “I’m glad,” replied Elizabeth. By late evening, Nancy had completed her homework.  “It’s time for dinner,” called Elizabeth. “Coming, mom.” They sat to relish the delicious meal prepared by Elizabeth. “I’m so happy, mom.” “That’s good, what makes you happy?” “The moment I apologised to Tina, it felt like a heavy load had been taken off my heart!” “Yes, I understand how good it must have felt.” “I really felt happy, though, when she forgave me!” “How did Tina feel about it?” “She said she was happy too!” exclaimed Nancy, “That’s the power of forgiveness. It brings joy to both, the one w...

Elizabeth decided to surprise Nancy in the evening. She waited at the bus stop for Nancy to return. The school bus pulled over and the kids started to alight. With drooping shoulders and head hanging low, Nancy slowly started walking towards home. Elizabeth tapped her on the shoulder expecting her to be ecstatic. “Hi, mom,” came a cold response from Nancy. Elizabeth was concerned. “Are you ok, Nancy?” “Mom, I did a bad thing today.” “Let’s talk while walking back home,” said Elizabeth. “What happened?” “I was doing an assignment with my other friends. Tina came to me as she needed some help. I asked her to wait. She asked again in a couple of minutes and I lashed out at her. In the heat of the moment I said things I shouldn’t have.” “Is that why Tina wasn’t sitting with you today?” “Yes, she hasn’t spoken to me since.” “Remember we spoke about mindfulness?” asked Elizabeth. “Yes, I do.” “So, always be mindful when you speak. Be aware of what you speak, how you speak, and when you speak...

  Autumn Nancy was rather quiet while having her breakfast. After eating, she wore her socks and shoes, and picked up her bag. She walked towards Elizabeth, then stopped and turned around. A few steps in the other direction and once again she turned back. “Mom, will you walk with me to the bus stop?” she requested. “Sure, my love. Why did you hesitate to ask?” “Just, I don’t know.” “No problem, let me just grab the keys,” said Elizabeth. As they walked to the bus stop, Nancy still looked anxious. “What’s the matter, Nancy?” “Nothing.” “Are you ok?” asked Elizabeth again. “Yes, I am fine.” Elizabeth put her arm around Nancy’s shoulder. “You know what’s the first rule of change?” “No,” said Nancy. “What is it?” “Acceptance,” said Elizabeth. “Accept that there is something that needs to be changed. Denial will get you nowhere in life.” “You’re right. Since I woke up I've been feeling anxious once again. I don’t know why because I felt better last night after listening to you,” said Na...

Nancy returned from school in the evening. She kept her bag on the table and threw herself on the couch. Elizabeth noticed Nancy’s mood. “Is everything okay?” asked Elizabeth. “Yes, mom.” “Go freshen up, I’ll give you a cup of hot milk and some cookies.” “Okay,” said Nancy. She slowly picked herself up and unenthusiastically walked to the bathroom. After having her milk and cookies, Nancy completed her homework for the day. She played for sometime and then sat to watch television. As the clock struck eight, it was time for dinner. “Dinner is ready, Nancy.” “Coming, mom.” After a nourishing dinner, Nancy helped Elizabeth clear the table and the kitchen. It was almost 9 o’clock on a beautiful starry night.  “Nancy, it’s time for bed,” called Elizabeth. Nancy retired to her room and to her bed by the window. Elizabeth sat on the bed near the pillow. “Come to me, darling,” said Elizabeth. Nancy lied down with her head in her mother’s lap. “Would you like to talk about your day, love?” ...

 “Come, Nancy, I’ll walk with you to the bus stop,” said Elizabeth. She sensed Nancy was a tad anxious after breakfast. Nancy sighed. “Thank you, mom.” Nancy wore her shoes while Elizabeth collected the house keys. “Let’s go, mom,” said Nancy.  “Sure, let’s go.” They had ample of time so they ambled along. “So, are you excited for your first day?” asked Elizabeth. “Yes,” replied Nancy unconvincingly. “You don’t look excited.” “Well, to be frank, I’m anxious and a little bit nervous as well.” “I can understand, but you need not worry. The review of your new school is really good!” “I’m sure it is. Will I be loved by everyone at school? Will the kids accept me? Will I be able to make a good impression? These are the questions that are bothering me,” said Nancy. “Understand this, Nancy, you don’t need to be loved by everyone. It will never happen, neither in school nor in life, it’s futile to even try. What you can do is remain true to yourself at all times. If you are true yours...

Wake up, Nancy,” Elizabeth tapped Nancy. “Otherwise you’ll be late for school.” “Yes, mom,” said Nancy rubbing her eyes. “I’m going to prepare breakfast, see you at the table in fifteen minutes.” Elizabeth went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As per schedule, Nancy’s breakfast and coffee were at the table in fifteen minutes. Elizabeth poured herself some coffee, added a teaspoon of sugar, and made herself comfortable in a chair. While sipping her morning coffee, she kept an eye on the clock. Nancy was late. Another five minutes later, Nancy came rushing out. “I hope I don’t get late.” “Relax, have your breakfast.” “Oh God!” said Nancy. “I forgot to pack my bag for the day. I’ll do it while having breakfast.” Elizabeth sat patiently, watching Nancy trying to multitask. Nancy pulled out her timetable and fetched her bag. She would take a bite of her toast, then a sip of her coffee, and pack her bag simultaneously. Glued to the timetable she extended her hand for the coffee and accid...

 One evening, Nancy was playing in the backyard of their house. Elizabeth walked out and sat on the swing. The cool evening breeze was refreshing. The chirping of birds made it a soothing experience. Seeing her mother on the swing, Nancy scuttled to the other one.  “I love you, mom,” said Nancy while swinging. “I love you too, Nancy.” “Mom, yesterday you explained about the hues of love. You made a good point, thank you.” “You’re welcome,” replied Elizabeth. “I hope our love remains strong and true forever!” said Nancy. “Well, I hope so too, love.” “Nancy, you see that pretty little bird perched on that branch?” asked Elizabeth pointing towards the bird. “Oh yes, it’s cute and its voice is so melodious!” “Indeed,” replied Elizabeth. “Nancy, you know, a bird will sing in your backyard only if it finds a tree suitable to perch on.” “Hmm,” Nancy did not get what her mother was trying to convey. “I remember planting this tree before you were born,” said Elizabeth. “It was just a l...

  Nancy was lost in thoughts. “What the matter?” asked her mother, Elizabeth. “Do you love me, mom?” she asked. “Of course, darling. Why do you doubt it?” “Because you are not always the same.” “What do you mean?” enquired Elizabeth. “Sometimes you make me laugh, sometimes you let me cry. Sometimes you protect me, sometimes you let me fight my own battles. Sometimes you hug and kiss me, sometimes you also scold. So, I am confused.” Elizabeth smiled. “The Sun loves our planet and sends its love in the form of light. What colour is this light?” “White, I guess.” “Come here,” Elizabeth called Nancy to the window. “See that beautiful rainbow?” “Yeah, beautiful indeed!” “Such is love, my dear. You may think it’s a single shade, but it never is. Like sunlight is made of seven colours, different emotions are the hues of our love. Each one is important for a healthy relationship and for all round development.” “So, you love me with all the hues?” asked Nancy innocently. “Yes, my love, I do...