Ramu and Raman* are two close friends who studied together in
primary school in a village . Ramu , son of a farmer continued his studies to
become agricultural graduate and settled
in village only . Raman , son of a businessman became an engineer , did
MBA and settled in Mumbai .
Ramu has a small farm earning just enough for his families’
livelihood .
Raman on the other hand is top executive in multinational firm ,
earns handsomely, has too many responsibilities. Due to work pressure he is
constantly under tension .
After a decade , Raman developed diabetes and soon hypertension
followed . He had to take eight different tablets to keep his blood pressure
and diabetes under control .He soon got frustrated with the chain of events .
He remembered his childhood friend Ramu and rushed to his village .
Ramu was very glad to see Raman, he gave a bear hug and both
gossiped under the banyan tree . At
night both sat for dinner together .
Raman asked Ramu , “How much do you earn ?”
Ramu replied humbly , “ Just enough to keep my family going ,
few thousands , but its enough for us .”
Raman laughed at him , “ Only thousands ! I pay that much of tax
every quarter . Well what do you drive ? ”
Ramu replied ,” I have a bullock cart and also a bicycle , but I
prefer to walk ”
Raman gave him a sarcastic look , “ I always travel by Mercedes.
You know it costs 40 lacs . And you know Ramu , I have a flat in 13th floor
from where I can see Arabian sea all around . That flat costs two crores . ”
Raman looked around with pride .
“ Bhai sahib , should I give you some more rice ? ” asked Ramu’s
wife .
“ Oh no , my blood sugar will shoot up ”.
“ Then will you like to have jhunka bhakar , bhai sahib , and
also have some baingan bharta with pickle.” , she asked again .
“ Oh no bhabhi , my blood
pressure will go up , already I am on 8 different drugs to control it . And
pickle ! My doctor will go mad if he comes to know about nimbu achar . I am on
antacids round the clock. ” said Raman .
After dinner , Ramu offered
him rus malai but Raman refused due to diabetes.
While departing , Raman invited Ramu and family to Mumbai . “
Why don’t you come and settle in Mumbai , Ramu ? I shall help you in starting a
business there . There is lot of money in Mumbai. ”
“ Yah , there is , but you get diabetes , hypertension and
acidity free with that money . What is the use of such money which prevents one
from enjoying jhunka bhakar , nimbu achar , baigan bharta and rus malai ?” said
bhabhi innocently .
Raman thought that how foolish these villagers are , while Ramu
felt lucky that he did not settle in Mumbai !
( Names changed )
