When wishes come true

-Lakshmi Narayan

Once upon a time there was a girl so greedy, she wanted everything. She asked the Source for more and more and the Source, like an indulgent parent, gave her all she desired and said with a smile, “And when will you be satisfied?” Dimpling, the lass coquettishly replied, “I’ll let you know when the time comes.”

Before you jump to any conclusion, let me tell you this lass didn’t demand usual stuff like wealth and power, good looks and everlasting youth. She thirsted to be famous the world over, so that people would listen to her. So the Source made her a renowned author. Through her writing she spread the idea of compassion towards the mute, the helpless and the weak in the fur and feather world.

Her words were so inspiring that many reconsidered their prejudices and decided to be kinder and more sensitive towards the four-legged, especially the homeless and the hungry. She then sought stamina from the Source so long-lasting that she could work for days without tiring, so that she could rehouse the very old and the very young in shelters safe from the elements.

Her demands were never ending. In quick succession, she asked for a silver tongue so that she could convince druggies to give up their addiction and for criminals to follow the straight and narrow. She pleaded for a dip in the ocean of knowledge so that she could educate those who needed help. She wanted healing powers so that she could cure mental and physical pain. She craved for the personality of the Pied Piper so that others would tread her chosen path.

One morning she sat on her porch, soaking in the gentle warmth of the sun when, out of nowhere, a three-legged pup hobbled towards her and licked her face. A few minutes later, a smiling child toddled up and threw her arms around her, kissing her soundly. And just ahead of the gate, she could see a bedraggled old woman lift up her hands in benediction.

Recognizing the signs for what they were, she whispered joyfully, “I’m content at last.” Looking up at the sky, she said, “I have just one more boon to ask. I haven’t been happier than I am today. Will you now take me up to you? I’m ready. My work here is done.”

The Source smiled ruefully and said, “Child, work such as yours is never done. You have to keep at it and keep at it and keep at it. You think you’ve achieved what you have because of me. I might have helped you a wee bit here and there. But it was all your effort, grit and determination.”

“When the time is right I promise I’ll lift and take you to my bosom, never to be parted. Till then, keep going, and best of luck.” With that, the girl had to be satisfied. For when you do good, the need to do more good keeps expanding. There’s never a stage when you can say you’ve done enough.

When you are greedy not for yourself but for others, the skies will open and smile at you.

(Excerpted from Fables from Beyond, Authors Upront, 2020)

Journalist, author and animal activist Lakshmi Narayan is a former assistant editor of Femina and former editor of Eve’s Weekly & Flair

Also read: Short story: The Reluctant Messiah