SWEET SHOP

SWEET SHOP

Babbu resided in an unauthorized colony in the village of Rampur, now nine years old. His father Munna was employed as an assistant to a carpenter, while his mother Shanta managed the household chores. 

Shanta’s education was limited to just two years during her childhood, completed first and second grade only. Unfortunately, due to family obligations, she had to discontinue her studies. In small villages, there was no culture for girls’ education. Shanta made a firm decision to ensure that her son, Babbu, would receive a higher education at any cost. She consistently made efforts to save whatever little was left after fulfilling the daily necessities.

Babbu, like many other kids, was innocent of life’s complexities and content with whatever toys and books he had. He enjoyed spending most of his time with his mother and floated within the boundaries of his home.

Babbu accompanied his mother to the market and other household chores. Since Shanta had no other option, she had to take him along. Whenever they stepped outside, Babbu’s eyes always stuck to the sweet shop, where he would fixate for a few moments. He easily recognized the rotund shopkeeper who always sat there, selling sweets, wearing a white worn vest similar to the one Babbu owned.

The sweets were clearly visible from the outside because of the glass exterior. He often tried to attract his mother’s attention towards the shop, but she deliberately chose to ignore him.

The shop was conveniently located close to his residence, approximately 60 meters away, and visible from his house as well. Whenever he played outside, he would unintentionally notice the sweet shop. One day, while his mother was occupied with household chores, he ran off to the sweet shop.

He reached outside of the shop and fixated on both the tempting sweets and the shopkeeper. Initially, the shopkeeper paid no attention to him, but after twenty minutes in the same situation, he grew annoyed. Finally, he called to him.

Babbu’s worn vest and his innocent face told the whole story. In a kind gesture, he offered a sweet to him. Babbu, shocked and without uttering a single word, ran off back to home.

Babbu hurriedly entered, brimming with excitement to show the sweets to his mother. Shanta erupted in shouts upon hearing the tale from Babbu. Munna sat on the charpai, attentively observing the entire conversation. He calmly called to Babbu and gestured to Shanta to relax.

Munna knew that Babbu was too young to comprehend all of this. He kindly elucidated Babbu on the significance of begging and the concept of charity. After gaining the understanding, he hurried back to the shopkeeper and returned the sweet.

The shopkeeper was surprised by Babbu’s action and asked, “What’s wrong, my child? I gave that to you, please take it.”

Babbu mentioned that my father had taught me about the concept of begging and charity. So, “not required this.” Getting such a response was too amazing from the small boy, so the shopkeeper asked out of curiosity, “Son, would you be willing to share these interesting thoughts with me? It would be my pleasure to hear them from you.

Babbu explained to the shopkeeper:

“Begging and relying on charity have often led to feelings of weakness and laziness. Obtaining items without exerting effort distances us from achieving life’s goals and responsibilities. 

In this vast earth, we are here to fulfill our karmic responsibilities, and it is essential to act accordingly. Earning through one’s own endeavors provides us strength and a way to survive confidently. Uncle, I will definitely return with my parents to buy this.”

Munna and Shanti listened to the entire conversation and were moved to tears by their pride…

Thanks for reading……