In the bustling city of Pune, just before the vibrant festival of Holi was about to paint the town in a myriad of colors, my future daughter-in-law, Priya, had completed her post-graduate studies. Faced with the challenge of transporting her beloved scooter back home, she decided to sell it on OLX.
Priya listed her scooter for ₹40,000, hoping to find a fair buyer before the festive fervor of Holi took over. Offers trickled in, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹37,000. One offer, for ₹38,000, seemed promising, and she placed it on hold, awaiting the buyer’s decision.
A Call Amidst the Coming Festivities
The next morning, as the air crackled with the anticipation of Holi, a call arrived, filled with a plea that resonated deeper than any she had received before. A man’s voice, tinged with desperation, spoke, “Madam, I saw your scooter’s advertisement. It’s exactly what I need. But I’ve only managed to gather ₹32,000, despite my best efforts to reach ₹40,000.”
He went on to explain his plight, “My daughter is in her final year of engineering. She travels to college by cycle, bus, or sometimes hitches a ride with someone. Every time I see the helplessness in her eyes, my heart aches. With Holi coming, I wanted to bring some color into her life.”
“I thought, at least in her final year, she could go to college on her own scooter. Buying a new one is beyond my means. I’ve saved this money with great difficulty. Please, give me this scooter. Holi is a time for giving, isn’t it?”
“If you give me some time, I can arrange for the rest of the money. I can sell my mobile phone and get some more.”
“I beg you, please don’t give it to anyone else. It would mean the world to her, especially during this festive time.”
Choosing the True Colors of Holi
Priya, moved by the man’s sincerity and the spirit of giving that Holi embodies, politely replied, “Okay,” and ended the call.
The vibrant colors of Holi danced in her mind, but she realized that the true colors of the festival weren’t just on the streets; they were within her. She imagined the father’s joy at the prospect of fulfilling his daughter’s wish, a gift that would bring her independence and dignity.
After a moment of contemplation, she dialed the man’s number. “Please don’t sell your mobile phone,” she said. “Come tomorrow morning with ₹32,000, and the scooter will be yours. Let’s celebrate Holi with kindness.”
Tears of Gratitude, the Real Colors of Holi
The following morning, as the city prepared to erupt in a kaleidoscope of hues, Priya’s phone rang incessantly. Callers inquired about the scooter, eager to finalize the deal. But Priya remained firm, turning down every offer.
The father arrived with his daughter, not his son, as she had initially assumed. He carefully counted the crumpled notes – ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, and ₹500 – a testament to his painstaking savings, a labor of love just like the preparations for Holi.
The daughter’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, reflecting the joy of the upcoming festival as she admired the scooter, gently caressing the seat.
When Priya handed over the keys, helmet, and documents, the father’s eyes welled up with tears, mirroring the emotions of joy and gratitude that Holi evokes.
“Your son didn’t come?” Priya asked gently, her voice filled with warmth.
“She is my son,” the father replied proudly, gesturing towards his daughter, a moment of pride as vibrant as the colors of Holi.
As they prepared to leave, Priya slipped a ₹500 note back into the father’s hand. “Buy some sweets for your family on the way home,” she said, sensing their need, a gesture of sharing and togetherness that defines Holi.
The father stood there, overwhelmed with gratitude, a feeling as profound as the devotion during Holi prayers, then bowed his head in thanks and departed.
A Holi Lesson in Choosing Humanity
I learned of this incident when I was looking for a bride for my son. I asked Priya, “Tell me an incident that shows your compassionate nature.”
She narrated this story, a story that resonated with the true spirit of Holi, a spirit that goes beyond mere revelry.
In that very moment, I knew she was the one.
The Enduring Message of Holi: Beyond the Colors
Holi is more than just a festival of colors; it’s a celebration of good over evil, of unity and togetherness. It’s a time for forgiveness, for letting go of the past, and for embracing the present with joy and compassion.
Priya’s decision wasn’t just about selling a scooter; it was a reflection of the values that Holi truly represents. It was about choosing compassion over profit, dignity over despair, and understanding over indifference.
Her act of kindness was a testament to her character, a reflection of her inner wealth, a wealth that shines brighter than any color. It was a reminder that true celebration lies not just in the external festivities, but in the internal transformation, in the ability to empathize, to understand, and to extend a helping hand.
In a world often driven by self-interest, Priya’s story shines as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even small acts of kindness, like the sharing of colors during Holi, can make a profound difference. It’s a story that resonates with the timeless values of compassion, empathy, and the understanding that we are all connected, bound by our shared humanity.
Her choice wasn’t just about a scooter; it was about choosing humanity, the true essence of Holi. And in that choice, she revealed the true measure of her worth, a worth more valuable than any material possession, a worth that embodies the true spirit of Holi.
Holi Teachings and Life Lessons:
- The true spirit of Holi is about giving and compassion, not just revelry.
- Kindness can bring more joy than any material possession.
- Empathy and understanding are the true colors of humanity.
- Small acts of compassion can make a profound difference in someone’s life.
- True wealth lies in our ability to connect with and care for others.