Couple of days ago I was just walking alone in the streets of my big city to reach home. It was a pleasant evening, but I was frustrated with my work pressure and I was tired a lot. The whole work and home environment around me had no peace for me. I was searching for a peaceful abode to run away in any given opportunity. But that seemed impossible.
After a long walk of 3 miles, I stopped along the way in sugar cane juice parlor to quench my thirst. It was nice and quiet, even though there many people, there was ample space for many to sit. For some reason I loved the place. So, I was waiting in line when a man came up with his mug of juice to some ice cubes. When I looked at his face I just gave a smile. He was old and worn out. He bore a small beard on his triangular chin which was peppered with white and black hairs; it was the same with his hairs. The wrinkles on his face portrayed his many years of hide and seek with laughter and tears.
But, when he saw my smile he looked at me as if I was the last of some endangered species. I got a bit frightened and started wondering why I smiled at him. Moreover that, I was puzzled but I didn't ponder myself for any more questions as he slowly turned around and went back to his seat.
As soon as I got my mug of sugar cane juice, I walked across and sat down in a cozy corner which unfortunately or fortunately was a 15 feet opposite to him. I tried not to look at him or stare at him, but there was something about him to wonder. I also noticed his shoes were old and worn out, just like his lonely face. I started wondering why did I smile at him, what was the need to? Again he caught my eye, and yet again I smiled out of control. To my astonishment, this time he smiled back. It was not one of those half-smiles; it was a real honest smile which made me forget all my days stress. I stopped thinking of the incident and I finished my mug.
Just as I was getting up, I was surprised to see him coming up to me. "You seem to be a rare sight around here," he said, "I just wanted you to know that your smile made me want to live another day, and it made me rethink if there actually are nice people in the world like you."
And then he left.
Now I started wondering about what had happened in these couple of minutes. It made my problems was not at an issue to be worried about. I did not even think that a simple smile would do so much for one person. I guess it's all the little things that in life that make it whole. I didn't realize that one smile could turn someone's day around... Moreover, is not a smile one of the unknown natural element of this universe and yet the smallest thing that a person could ever do? Then why is it so rare to find a person who smiles anymore, just because they can? Are people entwined with their own lives that they have forgotten what its like to be considerate and kind?
And just a smile lead to all this...
"A small story known to everyone", just retold through my friend's way.....
