The Price

Photo Courtesy: the Hollywood Review; An Insignificant Man

Today I dedicate this not only to every change maker I know and met, but also to you, dear reader. For with every ounce of life dancing in your muscles comes a dream...

 A dream that I exchange my silent brain at night with. A hope, a belief that gorges through the Rubin in my veins. A dream that makes me believe in people; believe in you.

I believe that when you treat people like the people they can become, then they are surely to become better than they were ever to be if you treat them as they are. 

So put on your imagination hats and picture me sitting next to you in a room, at the length side of the table and you at the width. Next to our table are two other tables joined with it with chairs set neatly around as their elongated back rests tower considerably over the tables

Their spongy nature laced with chocolate brown leather covers compliment the color of the oak tree tables and the overall dark brown theme of the pastry shop that renders an airborne theme of safety over the semi-busy space. 

We received our orders of hot coffee in restaurant-size coffee mugs in internal savour as we continue with our catching up small talk, waiting for the others to arrive.

I paused for a moment and put down the mug, restraining myself in the middle of a tongue bliss sip...

                     ************

He took a silent breath and drowned the thought of anxieties floating in his tummy with decisiveness. And then he begun,

" I've always wanted to have a deep conversation with you; where we can geek off about art, about deep books and coffee, or about how the stars are soaked in deep blue depth. I've always wanted to share my likes and discover yours. And I know it in my gut and bones that when we'd share, it'd have been amazing because at one moment in all of that, we would have been ourselves, our true selves, and we'd be enjoying every bit of that moment.

But then I came to realize that the world needs us. 
People like you and me. 
The people need us. 

They need you. 

They need your love, your care, your concern. They need your heart and your ideas and mind. No matter how small. Whether it's the passing smile you give to the one you have no time left for or the attention you give to the other who approaches you for some. 

Because you know.

You know of the ones who hang on a thread of hope in living. Of the ones who pray for ease in their heft of worries, of the ones who need just a little affection, motivation, a little shove to soar into the infinity heights of the sky. 

And you've understood that you'll have to give up what you'd enjoy for yourself; be it sipping a coffee as you delve into a romantic timeless novel and cosy up in your favourite chair beside the window next to the fire place during winter season, without worrying about what tomorrow will bring or, be it the simple pleasures of travelling to beautiful places and savouring the peace of growing your talents...

It's because you've realized that this life is a journey. And whatever you've given up, whatever you'll go through, will happen Here. The pain that surges, the hurt that beats, the wear that dissipates, all from serving those in need, that price will end when the journey is completed. Because in this life, it is only when we give, do we receive tenfold. And the joy and smiles that come with it is what keeps you going.

And that no matter how many supportive friends you have, no matter how much love your family fairs to you, this journey will only be walked by you. 

You alone. 

That is the price

And in the end of it all, birahmatillah, it will all be worth the struggle. Worth the while.

And you'll finally be at peace.

With yourself. 
For yourself.

So I wish you farewell
And pray that we all meet after this journey someday...
That day...
So we can geek off on all the things ourselves can dream of
Without the need calling for us today

Birahmatillah..."

He put on a side smirk and tilted his head as he shrugged it off as if acknowledging the level of understanding he had thrown to the table and at the same time as if it was but a mere snide comment. 

He cleared his throat lightly and carried on,
"Ok, so I had this idea for our next project..."