Sharma Ji was a calm and gentle man, but his biggest problem was an uninvited guest who would drop by without warning and refuse to leave. The neighbors jokingly called him “the freeloader who hangs around your neck.”
The guest’s name was Bablu Kaka. His special talent was that whenever he visited someone’s house, he managed to arrange not just tea and snacks, but often an entire meal for himself.
One day, Bablu Kaka suddenly showed up at Sharma Ji’s house and said, “Brother, I was passing by and thought I’d stop in for some tea.”
Sharma Ji smiled politely and said, “Please, come in and have a seat.”
Tea was served, and after taking a sip, Bablu Kaka remarked, “The tea is wonderful, but it would be even better with some biscuits.”
Sharma Ji’s wife smiled and brought out a plate of biscuits.
After a little while, Bablu Kaka looked around and said, “The weather is so pleasant today. I think I might as well stay for lunch.”
Sharma Ji thought to himself that this guest was truly becoming impossible to shake off, but he maintained his courtesy.
By afternoon, Bablu Kaka cheerfully suggested, “If you don’t mind, I’ll join you for lunch today.”
Sharma Ji’s wife laughed and served the meal. Bablu Kaka ate comfortably, praising the food between bites. “Home-cooked meals are always the best,” he said with satisfaction.
Even after lunch, he showed no sign of leaving. Instead, he stretched and said, “It’s quite sunny outside. I think I’ll rest here for a bit.”
By evening, Sharma Ji realized that Bablu Kaka had truly settled in for the day. But instead of getting angry, he smiled and said lightly, “Kaka, next time you visit, please bring your own tea and biscuits along.”
Bablu Kaka laughed heartily and replied, “My dear friend, friendship doesn’t keep accounts.”
That day, despite the freeloading, Sharma Ji felt happy because Bablu Kaka had filled the house with laughter.
The neighbors often say that sometimes even a freeloader leaves behind a sweet taste of joy in life.
RAJEEV VERMA 