In the neighborhood, a new neighbor had come to live near Ramesh ji. Her name was Sumitra Devi, but the people of the neighborhood lovingly called her a “tough nut to crack” because her answers were always a little twisted and mysterious. Ramesh ji was naturally curious, so he thought of becoming friends with her.
One morning, Ramesh ji went to Sumitra ji’s house with a glass of milk in his hand. Smiling, he said, “Sister, I am your new neighbor; I thought I should introduce myself.”
Sumitra ji looked him up and down and said, “Will the introduction be about borrowing milk or making friendship?”
Ramesh ji got nervous and said, “No… I just came to ask how you are.”
Sumitra ji said, “Oh, asking about someone’s well-being is also an art.”
The next day, Ramesh ji thought of taking some sweets to strengthen the friendship. He went with a bowl of kheer.
As soon as the door opened, he said, “I am fulfilling my neighborly duty.”
Seeing the kheer, Sumitra ji said, “The kheer is good, but is it less sweet, or are you yourself not very sweet?”
Hearing this, the smile disappeared from Ramesh ji’s face, but he did not give up.
The third day, Ramesh ji asked, “How do you like the neighborhood?”
Sumitra ji said, “The neighborhood is good, but some people are too curious.”
Ramesh ji understood that the hint was directed at him.
One evening, Ramesh ji decided to speak clearly. He said, “I want to be friends with you.”
Sumitra ji smiled and said, “If you want friendship, first listen to my conditions. You will not ask too many questions, you will not send kheer without asking, and you will not add salt to my tea.”
Ramesh ji was surprised. “Who puts salt in tea?”
Sumitra ji said, “Curious people like you might do it anytime.”
Gradually, Ramesh ji understood that although Sumitra ji was a tough nut to crack, she was not bad at heart. After a few days, they became friends, but Ramesh ji made one rule—if he had to talk to the neighbor, he should leave his curiosity at home.
People in the neighborhood say that a tough neighbor came into Ramesh ji’s life, but she also sweetened the taste of life.
RAJEEV VERMA 