Page 123 - You Only Live Once [BooksLD]

On repeated requests by the students, one of the kids called Vishal
performs a rap song. I encourage them to follow their dreams and to keep at
their inner calling despite the challenges they would face. I feel glad to have

chosen to spend my day with them. I share with them that the most
successful man is one who adds value to the ones around him and believes
in nurturing the society as a whole.
‘Before I leave, I have a question for you all. What is the one thing that
sets you apart from others?’

While everyone gives it a try, I love this one the most: ‘A smile on your
face sets you apart from others. There are some feelings which will be there
even after we are all long gone. Our bodies might become a topic of

research, but our stories will be passed on from one generation to the other.
The more love we share, the more we would help shape a loving world!’
And yes, amidst all the chaos, the bliss is in sharing a smile, a word, or a
gesture of love. Go ahead. Make a person smile today. Anyone, anywhere!
At your office, cafeteria, metro train, taxi - the choice is yours! When you

come back home, your problems might still be the same, but you will have
found the courage to sail through! Millennials, we are much more than
blindfolded consumers; we are loving and caring human beings, and there’s
more to our lives than owning the latest gadgets! I am glad that even though
these kids are not the chosen ones, they are choosing to live their dreams.

‘ Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re born ordinary. Not even your
teachers. Nothing is determined at birth. Extraordinary results come from
extraordinary efforts,’ I tell them as I sign off from the session.

Aarav joins in. He is wearing a cobalt blue shirt. The inner lining of his
collar is visible till it converges at the first button. I look at him with the
concentration of a saint. I imagine myself wearing the same shirt and
getting morning coffee for him.

I ask him, ‘Where were you? Today is an important day!’
‘Uncle Ricky and I kept chatting till late in the night. I missed the alarm
and the subsequent snooze. I am sorry!’

‘It’s okay. Let us go to the office. Lakshmi might be here by now.’
As we head back to the office, Lakshmi and Parvathi are already there,

waiting for us.