Pranaam yatri,
This is an old tale that I was sharing with a close friend a few days ago. While talking, I realised that it is a story worthy of introspection, and by extension, of Hastākshar.
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Metropolis, there lived a man named Richard. Richard was an ambitious businessman who often embarked on frequent business trips to expand his company’s reach. On one such occasion, he found himself in the vibrant city of Havenport.
As Richard checked into his room No. 502 at the lavish Plaza, his tired eyes were immediately drawn to the sight of a stunning woman lying on his bed. Confusion washed over him as he wondered how she came to be there. Tentatively, he approached her, gently asking her what she was doing inside his room.
A soft smile graced her lips. “Good evening, sir,” she greeted, her voice melodic and soothing. “I am part of the package for guests staying in this room.”
Richard’s eyes widened in surprise, his curiosity piqued.
This was the first time he encountered such a scenario. He embraced the mysterious encounter and shared the night with this enigmatic woman.
When the dawn broke, Richard reluctantly prepared to check out from the hotel, bidding farewell to the woman. However, as he approached the reception desk to settle his bill, the receptionist handed him an envelope.
Confused yet curious, Richard opened the envelope to find a crisp stack of banknotes amounting to $500. A mix of astonishment and delight spread across his face. He couldn’t help but wonder why he was being compensated for his night of passion.
Curiosity gnawing at him, Richard decided to confide in his closest friend, Michael, about his incredible encounter and the unexpected payment. “Go there, Micheal,” said Richard, “Tell them we’re superstitious and you want to live in room 502, too.”
Eager to replicate his friend’s experience and enjoy a tryst himself, Michael agreed to visit the same hotel.
With anticipation shimmering in his eyes, Michael entered the opulent hotel and booked the same room. He too, found a beautiful woman sleeping serenely on the bed. As the night unfolded, they shared passionate moments, their connection fueled by desire and the allure of the unknown.
The following morning, Michael left his companion and checked out from the hotel. However, when he approached the receptionist, a sense of bewilderment washed over him as he received an envelope containing $2000.
He was first confused and then eager for an explanation. Michael inquired, “Why was I paid more than my friend Richard?”
Maintaining her professional composure, the receptionist smiled and responded.
“Ah, it seems you are indeed curious. You see, sir, our hotel offers a range of unique experiences. We showcased your friend’s captivating moments through photographs in an exclusive magazine. However, your passionate encounter was streamed live on the internet, captivating a wider audience for us. Hence, it seemed fair to compensate you accordingly.”
Michael’s jaw dropped. a sinking feeling settled deep within his soul. a sense of unease gnawed at him, becoming a haunting realization of the true cost of his actions.
We’re not so different from Richard and Micheal.
They assumed that they were special and entitled to pleasure and happiness.
They felt there was nothing to lose.
They thought there was no price to be paid.
But the universe doesn’t work without balance, does it?
Every happy moment that we enjoy,
Every penny that we earn,
Each hug and kiss from our partner,
Even the breaths we take
Are all paid for in some way or another.
You either pay the price of love, honour, hard work, money, etc. and earn happiness.
Or indulge in happy moments first and pay the price as a future consequence.
But there is no escaping this rule.
We only get what we deserve. And if we try to steal more than what we’re given, nature is bound to collect it back with interest.
So yes, it’s time to evaluate if we’re trying to get things without paying the price.
