“When we were young, our parents always told us good things happen to good people,” Swami said, while sipping his coffee last evening. “Because you are good, you will get the job, they said,” he mused.
“Or the promotion,” Jigneshbhai remarked watching Swami. “Or they will help you. Or they will buy your services.” And then he looked at me and said, “Or they will buy your book.”
Swami got irritated and looked up from his coffee cup. “Yes, got the point. But no, that’s not true. Now I know. That is a lie. Just because you are good, it won’t happen.”
Jigneshbhai and I watched him in silence. It did seem like Swami was not in the best of moods. But I would not say he was in the worst of moods either. He was in his newly acquired contemplative without an answer moods. And so he continued.
“It takes more than just being good for others to care. Or to listen. Or to take action,” he said.
“But you have been fairly successful by all means. You have got good jobs. And a few promotions, and sold a few services that people have bought,” Jigneshbhai said, looking at Swami. “What does it take then?” he asked.
Swami got out of his contemplative mood quickly. “You are the one who knows the answers. You tell us. You have also run a business for so long with so many customers. And now you have also sold his books,” he said, turning to me for no reason.
Jigneshbhai broke into a wry smile. As always, he did seem to have something in mind. He took a sip from his coffee and we waited.
“It takes you to be interesting,” he said. “Or a problem solver. Or someone who understands.” He took a brief pause and continued.
“Someone who they think is worth giving the job. Or the promotion. Or the time and attention. Or worth taking action on.”
“That is true,” Swami agreed and I nodded.
“The story is not about you, however good you may be,” we heard a familiar voice and turned around to see the wealthy old man from the sprawling bungalow standing next to our table. He must have been listening to our chat.
“Yes, the story is about them,” Jigneshbhai and Swami, for once, said in unison.
And the wealthy old man left us with his last word. “You have to fit into their story about you.”
☕ Your Turn to Sip
If you’ve ever felt confused like Swami — or smiled like Jigneshbhai — you’ll enjoy their many misadventures over coffee and conversation.
Grab the complete Jigneshbhai & Swami eBook set and spend some time laughing, reflecting, and sipping along.
📚 [Get it here → at my estore]
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