Cup Of Tea

I was at the newly discovered tailor shop today and it was evening.A chaiwala came up with tiny little paper cups and a thermas and filled few cups on the tailor's other table.The tailor whom I have met just once, warmly offered me a cup of tea and insisted not to hesitate.

Now this tiny little cup has an old memory attached to it.When I was working as a intern(articleship as we say in CA) ,tea used to be a treat for us.Our office offered us only half cup of tea brought from nearby tea stall in noon.That half cup kept us fresh till night. So that cup of tea still hold immense value.I understand how much little quantity of tea matters for those toiling through the day. Today what touched me was the generosity with which he offered.

Many years back a houselhelp invited me to birthday party of her grandson.I was new to Mumbai and just to make her happy I said I would try.I didnt go and next day gave her gift for her grandson. She looked visibly disturbed and told that the earlier night she waited for me till long and could not accept the gift.I felt really bad and thought what was holding me back.The thought that the scheme were she lived may not appeal or appear safe.I still decided to surprise her and paid a visit later that day in noon.She was so overwhelmed to see me and send her son to bring cold drink immediately with straw specifically and offered a chair to sit in her one room kitchen apartment. 8 people in 2 rooms.Still everyone seemed to be at ease.Those standing there were watching me with so much happy faces that I paid a visit for wishing birthday.She sent her son to accompany me till the main road on the way back.

That day and even today I thought that its not how much you have but how willingly you are ready to welcome and give that matters.

Many people visiting from outside feel houses in Mumbai are small.But I have realised that many times they are more accommodating than others.Earlier this year our building power supply was disrupted because of fire incident.When my househelp came to know that it will take some days to restore power she immediately offered me to come to her place and not to stay in darkness and heat.This is what touches soul.

When you have everything and offer it is appreciated but when you offer even if its scare or insufficient it is valued and the most humble gesture.

It doesn't take money always but it takes attitude and wish to reach out.The joy of giving is doubled when you open your hearts out.Energies change and so do the vibes.For instance at some events the arrangements are perfect to the core but hosts are missing or receive you just as a formality. One would surely feel not at ease or that warmth vis a vis where the hosts welcome with loads of love and warmth. Then even if the arrangements are not upto mark wont matter as it is the intent that matters and the gestures that remain in heart for long.

Whenever we visit any house and they welcome us (in marathi households they say ya ya)it immediately uplifts the moods and atmosphere. Similarly while taking a leave if one comes to drop till gate or door the warmth remains.These are small gestures but hold value and need to be inculcated since childhood .

At workplace also there are some who just do their assigned work while there are few souls who are ever helping and go out of their way to help or assist in work which is not their responsibility. They are approachable and sure to help you out in best possible way.Such people earn love and respect.They take away home not just salaries but lot more valuable.

Materialistic things can offer comfort but our souls seek affection and warmth. At the end of day our memories are made up of experiences and vibes. Giving ,offering attitude helps in creating healthy vibes and happy experiences in long run for sure.