All his life, Mrinmoy Babu had been running. Sometimes after a departing train, sometimes chasing a promotion, and now, in his twilight years, he finds himself running to the medicine shop. Sitting on his balcony in the quiet afternoons of retirement, he often wonders—after all these years, what was the true purpose of it all? Was it merely to survive, or was it just about increasing a bank balance?
It's during these moments that his phone buzzes with tempting offers, much like those from 'Raj Gyani'—promises of lotteries or easy ways to sell old coins for millions. Mrinmoy Babu only smiles. He knows that these shortcuts lead to no real destination; they are nothing but quicksand.
One afternoon, his grandson Ankur came and sat beside him. "Dadu, when I grow up, I'm going to earn a lot of money and then I'll be very happy. Isn't that the goal of life?"
Mrinmoy Babu placed a gentle hand on his grandson's head and said, "Listen, my boy, money is only a medium; it can never be the ultimate purpose. When I was your age, I thought building a skyscraper of a house was the true meaning of success. But looking back today, I realize the real purpose of my life was found in the moments I spent for others."
Ankur looked at him, puzzled. Mrinmoy Babu continued, "Do you remember last month when I gave some money for Ramu's education next door? The sleep I had that night was something even a million-taka air-conditioned room couldn't provide. The true purpose of life is simple—to be well yourself, and to keep others well."
He added, "Becoming a true human being is the real goal. The fact that you speak the truth and stand by someone in trouble—that is your greatest achievement. Those who seek shortcuts to wealth, like the 'Raj Gyanis' in those messages, never truly taste the sweetness of life. They only know how to count paper notes, but they never learn how to count the love of people."
Ankur realized then that the purpose of life isn't a destination, but a journey. A path where one helps others and laughs with honesty—that is the only path that matters.
Mrinmoy Babu looked out at the sky through the window. The crimson glow of the sunset fell across his face. He was at peace now. He knew the purpose of his life had been fulfilled—because he was able to teach his successor that the size of one's heart is far more important than the size of one's pocket.