[Short Story ] The Ultimate Search

Siddarth is restless. An idea took root in his mind and wouldn’t let him settle. He wants to see the most beautiful thing in this world. Determined to find the answer, he decided to put the question to his philosopher and guide, his mother.

“Mother, please tell me what is the most beautiful thing in this world?”, asked Siddarth.

“You need to go the top of highest mountain in the north. You need to cross mountains, rivers, valleys to find it. It’s not an easy journey, so be very careful. Only blame yourself if you cannot see it after you reach”

Siddarth started long, arduous journey to find it. He travelled for weeks going past mountains, river valleys, cities. He was focused, eyes glued to the road ahead not even distracted by thunderstorms. He reached top of the highest mountain in the north. He was bitterly disappointed. It was barren, deserted devoid of anything remotely beautiful or alive. He felt cheated. He sobbed and sobbed for hours.

‘Blame yourself’. It struck him all of sudden. Beauty was not at the mountain peak. It was all along the route. He started the return journey with this joy of discovery. “I will lookout for what’s around”, he said to himself.

He was astonished to see the majesty of the mountain ranges kissing the clouds. Valleys were deep, evoking scare and wonder. He saw lush green of the valleys. He was mesmerized by purple, yellow flowers covering the hill slopes. River gushed through valley singing songs of nature. Birds were flying between the mountain ranges celebrating the beauty around them. Boulders lay unperturbed by the zillion events around them. He came across cities, brimming with life and energy.
Clouds roared and roared, finally pouring rain in joy making everything around more and more beautiful.

He returned to his home, overwhelmed with joy. His mother has managed to teach a simple but important lesson.

“Be serious with what you do in life but not so serious that you miss the whole point of it”