Joy

Since I was not using it for a long time, my old Moped (Pleasure scooty) was becoming obsolete. 

I thought why not resell it online. So I put out an advertisement, quoting its price at Rs 30,000/- only. 

There were many offers ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 28,000. I thought if people are willing to pay Rs 28,000, someone might be ready to pay Rs 30,000 as well. 

One person offered Rs 29,000 but I did not confirm and kept him waiting too. 

One morning a person called and said, 

"Hello Sir, I saw the advertisement for your moped and liked it too. I tried a lot to earn Rs 30,000 but have only been able to collect Rs 24,000 until now.

My son is in his final year of engineering. He has worked very hard. Sometimes he walks to his college, or uses a bicycle, and sometimes travels by bus or takes a lift from someone. I thought at least in his final year he should have his own vehicle. I request you Sir, please reserve your scooty for me.

A new one will cost more than twice as much. I would not be able to afford it at any cost. Please give me some time, I will arrange for the money. Selling my mobile phone will also get me some money. But I pray to you, please do not sell it to anyone else."

I just said a formal "Okay" and hung up.

Then a few thoughts came to mind, and I called him back. 

I said, "Don’t sell your mobile phone; just bring the Rs 24,000 tomorrow morning, and take the vehicle. I will sell it to you in Rs 24,000 itself."

So I was going to sell my scooty to an unknown person for Rs 24,000, even though I had an offer for Rs 29,000.  

I thought of how much pleasure or joy this must have brought to that family.

Tomorrow, they would have a ‘Pleasure’ scooter at home, and it wasn’t really causing much loss to me.

God has been gracious and given me a lot; the biggest wealth probably is the ability to help someone in need. May God keep this family happy.

The next morning he called at least 6-7 times. 

Sir, what time should I come?

I hope it will not disturb your schedule

Are you sure I should come now?

Shall I bring my son along, or should I come alone?

But Sir, please don’t give the vehicle to anyone else

He brought with him a collection of Rupee notes in various denominations – 2000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.

His son had also joined him. It seemed he had collected the money from a lot of different sources – maybe withdrawn savings or borrowed from many.  

The son was looking at the moped with great eagerness and gratitude. I handed him both the keys, and the documents. The son was gently running his hand over the vehicle, and wiping it with his handkerchief. 

He asked me to count the money, and I said, "It's okay, you must have counted and brought it."

As they started to leave, I took out Rs 500 and returned it to him saying, "Do take some sweets for your family."

I was wondering whether they would have any money for fuel. 

And in any case, then they could get both fuel and sweets with this money. With tears of gratitude in his eyes, he bid farewell to us and took away his ‘Pleasure’ (moped). 

Bowing down politely, he kept thanking me again and again till he left.

*Reflection*

It was on that day, while selling my Pleasure that I really understood the meaning of pleasure or joy.

We simply say ‘it's my pleasure’

At some occasions in life, one should not see profit or loss.

We should also consider if we are bringing joy to someone through our actions and dealings.