Story of two friends

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 )