Confessions of a Chaat lover

In the bustling streets of a small town, there resided a humble chaat wala whose presence seemed to draw people towards him. Whenever we approached him for a mouth-watering plate of chaat, it felt as if his gaze was fixed upon us. He possessed an insatiable appetite for conversation, delving into various topics with great enthusiasm. We would often request him to expedite our orders, reminding him that time was passing swiftly, but his words flowed endlessly, oblivious to the urgency.

One fateful day, as we engaged in yet another conversation with him, the topic veered towards the intricacies of karma and fate. Intrigued by his musings, I decided to delve deeper into his philosophy and pose a question. Seeking enlightenment, I asked the chaat seller, "Does a person succeed through their relentless effort or sheer luck?"

The chaat wala, ever the sage in his own way, began his response. In the distinctive style, he asked me, "Do you possess a safe deposit locker in any bank?"

With a nod, I affirmed his query. The chaat seller proceeded to enlighten me with an analogy that unlocked the doors of my understanding. "Within that locker, there exist two keys—one in your possession and the other with the bank manager. Your key represents hard work, while the manager's key symbolizes luck. Until both keys are inserted into the lock, the door to success remains firmly shut."

He continued, emphasizing the significance of our roles in the grand scheme of life. "You are a man of action, a doer, diligently striving to turn the tides of fate. The bank manager, on the other hand, represents a higher power, the embodiment of God's intervention in our lives. It is imperative that you persistently apply your key, ceaselessly toiling, for one never knows when the divine hand of fortune will turn the lock. Imagine a scenario where God attempts to unlock the door of your prosperity, yet you have neglected to insert your key of hard work. In such an instance, the lock remains stubbornly closed."

As the chaat wala's words echoed in my mind, the cobwebs of confusion dissipated, and clarity washed over me. I realized the profound truth hidden within his simple analogy. Success was not solely the outcome of chance or effort alone, but the delicate harmony of both. It was a harmonious dance between our own actions and the unpredictable interventions of destiny.

Leaving the chaat wala's stall that day, I carried with me a newfound understanding. I resolved to persistently wield the key of hard work, never ceasing in my endeavours. I understood that I must remain prepared, for the day when the key of luck, guided by the hands of a greater power, would align with my efforts, unlocking the door to my dreams.

From that moment forward, I approached life with renewed vigor and a deeper appreciation for the intertwining threads of fate and effort. The chaat wala, forever etched in my memory, had imparted a timeless lesson.