Pocket Money: A Boy and His Nokia.
In the quaint town of northern India, a tale of resilience and sacrifice unfolded two decades ago.
At a time when the Nokia mobile was the big thing in our daily lives, a young boy named Makaya harbored an unyielding dream. He didn’t belong to a rich family, so even the thought of having a mobile phone was nowhere near his mind.
Outdoor games were more exciting in those days than binge-watching TV series or unlimited scrolling on our phones these days. The world of advertisements and the demonstration of others having mobile phone made him think day and night about it.
He used to get a limited amount of pocket money every day, and that wasn’t enough to fulfill his dream of having a Nokia in his hands. Asking his parents was never even a discussion at the table. He began to forgo his daily lunch, setting aside the spare allowance he received from his parents.
Each time hunger gnawed at his stomach, Makaya reminded himself of his ultimate goal. He resisted the temptation to indulge in the treats his classmates savored, his eyes fixed on the prize that awaited him.
As days turned into months and months turned into a year, Makaya’s savings grew, fueled by his unwavering determination. The perception of him carrying a phone and standing between his friends who already had one would often lead him to happy daydreaming.
Finally, after years of unwavering determination, Makaya reached his goal. He purchased the coveted Nokia phone and relished the feeling of accomplishment. However, his moment of triumph was short-lived as he collapsed on the road, clutching his new device in his hand.
Upon regaining consciousness in the hospital, Makaya felt a sense of unease and disorientation. He had no energy to celebrate his accomplishment or inquire about his phone.
He couldn’t help but remember the lessons he had learned along the way. Amidst the relentless pursuit of his dream, he realized that he had spent countless hours yearning for the object of his desire, neglecting the simple pleasures that life had to offer. All the lunches and little treats that he sacrificed along the way had become questions to him.
With a newfound perspective, Makaya adjusted his strategy. While he remained committed to saving for his materialistic desires, he no longer allowed it to consume his every thought. He made a conscious effort to appreciate the moments he shared with friends, to savor the beauty of nature, and to indulge in the occasional treat.
Makaya had triumphed over adversity and achieved many dreams after, but he understood that true fulfillment lay not merely in material possessions. It was found in the journey itself, in the sacrifices made, and in the lessons that had shaped him into a resilient and appreciative young man.
From that day on, Makaya carried with him a newfound appreciation for the beauty of simplicity and the importance of cherishing every moment. His Nokia phone served as a reminder of the journey he had undertaken and the valuable lessons he had learned about resilience and gratitude.
Thank you for your time!
— Jaral
