1 June 2026
All Rights Reserved by the Author
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” — Buddha
While cleaning an old cupboard, Arun found a letter he had written thirty years earlier.
It was addressed to a friend with whom he had argued over something neither of them could remember today.
Back then, pride had prevented him from posting it. The envelope remained sealed, gathering dust while decades quietly passed.
Arun sat near the window and read the letter.
The anger sounded unfamiliar. The certainty felt strange. Time had softened what once appeared impossible to forgive.
He smiled at his younger self.
The friend had moved away years ago. They had met only once since then, exchanging polite conversation and a handshake.
Arun folded the letter carefully and placed it back in the envelope.
Some victories are not won by proving we were right.
They arrive when we realise the argument was smaller than the friendship.
Outside, children were returning from school, laughing about things they would probably forget tomorrow.
Arun wished he had learned that lesson much earlier.
Rajat Chandra Sarmah
Guwahati, Assam, India
Email: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com YouTube: Converse With A Smile
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