Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

But it wasn’t the real sky Rajesh was staring at. The stars did twinkle. And their surrounding was as dark as the night sky. But the clouds didn’t move a bit. It was the ceiling of his new house, crafted skilfully by the masons. And look at it  — the room seems to be out straight from Rajesh’s dreams. Sreya often complained about his workaholic nature. But had he not worked day and night, would it be possible to build this house!

“Aren’t you happy with the house, Sreya?” Rajesh often asks.

Sreya hardly answers. It seems the girl Rajesh had married long back isn’t the same.

“You’ve changed, Sreya. You’ve changed a lot.” Rajesh had told her at the dinner table. Sreya stared back at him. Rajesh knew there was nothing but disgust in her eyes. Then she replied, every word sharpened with a chisel: “When is the last time you had gone out, Rajesh? Gone out just for yourself? For us?”

“What do you mean? Everyday I go out to work. Isn’t it for us?”

“Not for work, Rajesh. May be, for nothing. Just for being close to nature?”

“I don’t have time for that. Don’t be foolish, Sreya.” Rajesh blurted out.

Am I being foolish, Rajesh? You were a good singer in college. And used to participate in college plays as well. Loved theatres.”

“Yes! But those were college days. If I had remained in theatres, who would have earned for all these? This house? Could you have gone hungry? Do you have any idea how it feels to go hungry even for a day?”

Sreya remained silent for a moment. Then, as if she felt sorry for Rajesh, said: “Yes Rajesh, I know. I know how it feels to stay hungry. Not for days, but for years. Food, yes, I don’t have to think about them. But hunger isn’t only about food.

When is the last time you’ve looked at the sky? Seen the stars twinkle? Or stared aimlessly at the milky way? Don’t spend the whole life working, Rajesh. Enjoy your life. Let's enjoy our life. Together. Don’t leave everything for the afterlife!”

Rajesh was thinking about what Sreya had told her. And yes, he felt he had been foolish. And this artificial sky, with these false stars won’t quench the thirst. Nor satiate his hunger. The hunger of his mind. He longed that the ceiling, though it was his favorite, just vanish. And he could live a life that might not speak of wealth, but is surely rich and full.