Having known that ‘expectations are planned disappointments’, Appu sadly went ahead in expecting an outcome for the act of kindness he has been doing for her.
But she had no idea how badly she triggered him with rude words when all Appu wanted was to be listened to.
Appu’s chats were read by her. Texts don’t come with succinct clarity. They’re subjected to personal misinterpretation. That’s why Appu was a bit anxious despite being mindful most of the time.
But it’s ok to feel not ok at times. We, the humans, are not programmed to stay normal and frustrated for too long. As Buddha suggested that “everything is impermanent and subjected to decay”, Appu’s only hope in these wise words kept him sane amidst the cacophony of organized chaos.
The next morning, waking up around 5 am, Appu resolved that his solace can also be found in his power to react than respond. Since the last night was too dark for him, despite the moonlight being brighter, Appu opted to take a chance amid the choice to bring the change. And this change was nothing but concluding to plant the seeds of kindness without expecting any outcome. It was a moment of rebirth for him.
Appu’s philosophy has always been in the belief that we become what we sow. When we sow the seeds of anger, we become angry. When we sow the seeds of joy, we become joyous. Mithu’s words might have shattered him but he did not let her storm affect his sail for too long. Luckily.
Yes, a silent sea has never produced a great sailor. Although Appu anticipated a little kindness from Mithu, he decided that how people treat him is their decision, and how he responds to himself is his choice. Had Mithu not been rude to him, Appu would not have realized what he was losing and that is the lesson of ‘being kind to yourself’ against the unkinder world.
On the same day, by dusk, a few birds chirped around the window of his room. He smiled and benevolently served them the seeds and water, only to inevitably realize that these birds will eat and drink away without replying “thank you” and that’s how kindness was reprogrammed in Appu’s heart.
