Bed time Story - Happiness

 In a snug little village sheltered amidst the vibrant landscapes of India, there resided a boy named Raj. Raj was a bundle of energy and curiosity, with an insatiable thirst for adventure and discovery. He lived in a cozy home with his loving parents and doting grandparents, who showered him with affection and warmth every single day.

 

As the calendar turned to a special date, the atmosphere in Raj's house became electric—it was his long-awaited birthday! Raj couldn't contain his excitement as the day unfolded before him like a beautiful story waiting to be told. His parents had been planning a spectacular celebration, and the anticipation tingled in the air like magic.

 

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Raj's home transformed into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Brightly colored decorations adorned every corner, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats filled the air. Raj's heart danced with joy as he greeted his friends, each face beaming with excitement.

 

But amidst the laughter and chatter, Raj couldn't help but wonder about the presents awaiting him. Would he unwrap the shiny new bicycle his mom had hinted at? Or perhaps the latest video game he had been dreaming of? The possibilities seemed endless, and Raj's imagination soared as he awaited the moment of revelation.

When the time finally came to unwrap his gifts, Raj's heart brimmed with anticipation. With eager hands, he tore into the beautifully wrapped packages, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. But as he unveiled the contents of the gift from his parents, his excitement turned to disappointment. The gift Raj received was not in line with his expectations. Instead of the anticipated bicycle or video game, it was a beautiful dress. While ordinarily such a gift might have brought him joy, on this particular occasion, his expectations differed, leading to a sense of disappointment and sadness.

 

Despite his efforts to mask his feelings, Raj couldn't hide the disappointment that washed over him like a wave. His shoulders slumped, and a heavy sigh escaped his lips, betraying the sadness he felt inside. He didn't want to upset his parents, but the unexpected gift had left him feeling lost and confused.

 

Observing Raj's reaction, his grandfather chose to wait before intervening. The following day, Raj's grandfather called him aside, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "My dear Raj," he began, "I have a story to share with you about happiness."

 

Raj's eyes sparkled with anticipation, eager to hear another tale from his beloved grandfather.

 

"Once upon a time, in our very own village, there lived a wise man named Guruji," began Raj's grandfather. "Guruji was renowned for his wisdom and his teachings on the essence of happiness. People journeyed from far and wide to seek his counsel and absorb his insights."

 

Raj's grandfather continued, painting a vivid picture of Guruji's life. "Guruji tended to a magnificent garden, filled with lush greenery and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. The villagers marvelled at how content and joyful Guruji appeared as he tended to his garden. Many assumed his happiness stemmed from the beauty and bounty of his surroundings."

 

"One day," Raj's grandfather narrated, "a curious young boy approached Guruji, intrigued by his radiant demeanour. 'Guruji,' the boy inquired, 'what is the secret to your happiness? Is it the splendour of your garden and the possessions within?'"

 

With a gentle smile, Guruji replied, "My dear child, happiness is not a prize to be obtained, but a state of mind and a reflection of our thoughts. I am happy because I choose to be."

 

Perplexed, the boy pressed further. "But how can one choose to be happy, especially when they lack the things they desire?" he asked.

 

Guruji's wisdom shone through his response. "Happiness," he explained, "resides within us. It is independent of external possessions or material wealth. True happiness is cultivated through positive thoughts and contentment with what we have."

 

Enthralled by Guruji's teachings, the boy returned to the village, eager to share his newfound understanding with his peers. Soon, the entire village flocked to Guruji, thirsting for wisdom on the art of happiness.

 

"Guruji taught us that happiness cannot be purchased or acquired," Raj's grandfather concluded. "It is a conscious choice we make each day—a choice to embrace gratitude, positivity, and contentment."

As Raj listened to his grandfather's story, something magical happened inside him. He began to understand that happiness isn't just about getting what you want—it's about being thankful for what you have and finding joy in simple things. It was like a light bulb switched on in his heart.

 

In that moment, Raj realized that the best gifts aren't always the ones wrapped in shiny paper with fancy bows. Sometimes, the greatest gifts come from the wisdom and love shared between family members. And on his birthday, the most precious gift he received wasn't a toy or a gadget—it was the priceless words of wisdom from his grandfather.

 

Feeling a warm glow inside, Raj's heart filled with gratitude and love. Any disappointment he had felt about his birthday present melted away as he embraced the true meaning of happiness.

 

With newfound clarity, Raj felt a deep desire to make things right. He wanted to apologize to his parents for any hurt feelings he may have caused and to show them how much he appreciated their love and care.

"And that, my dear Raj," said Grandfather, "is the secret to true happiness. Remember, it is not what we have, but how we think that makes us happy."

 

These wise words from his grandfather touched Raj's heart deeply. He pondered them quietly for a moment, feeling a warm glow spreading inside him. Then, without saying a word, Raj dashed off towards his home, his mind buzzing with excitement.

 

"Where are you going?" called out Grandfather, curious about Raj's sudden departure.

 

Raj turned back with a big grin on his face. "I'm off to find real happiness and joy," he replied cheerfully. "And that starts with thanking my parents for the beautiful dress they gave me on my birthday!"

 

Grandpa wore a serene and contented smile, indicative of his significant accomplishments. Among them was the imparting of new knowledge to his grandson ‘The real meaning of happiness’.