At the beginning of every month, Ramesh was full of enthusiasm. He would promise himself that this time he would spend wisely, save properly, and enjoy the comfort of financial stability by the end of the month. But as the days passed, his well-crafted plans slowly drifted away like smoke in the wind.
In the very first week, Ramesh made plans to dine out with friends. “What difference does one dinner make?” he said casually. By the second week, an attractive online sale caught his attention. “Such a huge discount! I can’t miss this opportunity,” he thought.
Within minutes, he had ordered two or three items — none of which he truly needed.
By the third week, his expenses were rising steadily while the weight of his wallet was rapidly decreasing. He made a firm promise to himself that he would avoid unnecessary spending from now on. But that very day, a friend invited him to a birthday party.
“Friendship must be maintained,” Ramesh reasoned. He attended the party — and returned with a lighter pocket.
When the final week of the month arrived, Ramesh looked into his wallet and felt as though it was silently pleading for mercy. His hands were truly tight now. He told the milkman, “I’ll pay you tomorrow.” To the grocery store owner, he said, “Please note it down on credit for now.”
Back home, Ramesh confessed to his wife, “We’re facing a little financial crisis this month.”
She smiled knowingly and replied, “It’s not a crisis — it’s the result of your planning.”
Ramesh held his head in regret.
The next day, he declared confidently to his friends, “From next month, I will manage my money wisely from the very beginning.”
His friends burst into laughter. “You say that every month,” they reminded him.
As the month ended, Ramesh resolved to create a proper budget, avoid unnecessary shopping, and prioritize saving. Yet deep down, he knew that when the next month began, the same story might repeat itself all over again.
RAJEEV VERMA 