It was only the second week of January when Swami walked into the café looking like a man who had already been defeated by the year.
He plonked himself on the chair opposite Jigneshbhai, sighed heavily, and declared, “It’s over.”
Jigneshbhai looked up from his coffee, mildly amused. “What’s over, Swami? The year’s barely begun.”
“My resolution,” Swami said dramatically. “The one to wake up early, meditate, and go for a morning walk. It’s gone. Dead. Vanished. Like my motivation.”
Jigneshbhai smiled, the way only he could — calm, knowing, almost indulgent. “Ah, that one. I thought it lasted a bit longer this year.”
“Three days, Jigneshbhai!” Swami said, holding up three fingers as though announcing a world record. “Day one was fine. Day two I snoozed the alarm once. By day three, my back started aching, it was too cold, and the watchman gave me a strange look when I stepped out at 6 AM in my tracksuit. I took it as a sign.”
“A divine one?” Jigneshbhai asked.
“Exactly!” said Swami, missing the sarcasm. “The universe was telling me not to push myself so hard.”
Jigneshbhai stirred his coffee slowly. “So the universe sent back pain, cold weather, and a disapproving watchman to guide you?”
Swami ignored that. “You know what the problem is, Jigneshbhai? These resolutions are too fragile. One late night and the whole thing collapses.”
“Hmm,” Jigneshbhai nodded thoughtfully. “Resolutions are like balloons, Swami. You can’t hold them too tight — they burst. You can’t let them go either — they fly away. You just have to play with them lightly.”
Swami blinked. “Play with them lightly?”
“Yes,” said Jigneshbhai. “Treat them like experiments, not punishments. If one fails, try another. The year won’t mind.”
Swami thought about that. “So… you’re saying I can restart my resolution?”
“Of course,” said Jigneshbhai. “The calendar changes only once, but life gives you many Mondays.”
Swami smiled, comforted by the logic. “That’s true. Maybe I’ll start again next Monday.”
Jigneshbhai grinned. “That’s the spirit. Just don’t let Monday hear about it in advance. Else it will send you divine signs again.”
They both laughed. Swami, feeling lighter already, called the waiter and said, “One more coffee. Without sugar this time.”
He looked at Jigneshbhai and added, “At least one resolution I can keep.”
Jigneshbhai raised his cup in silent agreement.
Outside, the winter sun broke through a patch of cloud — just enough to warm the corner of their table.
***