Junaid was not a person who used to enjoy off time as much as the people of his age did. During the third year of his college, he was not feeling the way he used to. Pressure of career and responsibility were soaking him from within. This was something that was eating him from within even though he was a bright kid and everyone knew that he had a promising future.
His mentor Fareed knew that his student needs an escape from everything, a break to settle everything. He did not know how to make Junaid take this break. Fareed was well aware that his student was taking too much of pressure and it would bring negative consequences for him in coming days.
On a fine Friday morning, when Fareed was in his office reading newspaper, he came across a thought that Junaid should relive his holiday memories. To bring the best out of his student, he decided to help him by cherishing the memories of holidays. It was back in 2019 in the December holidays when both of them got along as teacher and student and their bond grew stronger.
Their discussions during the holidays covered topics ranging from Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche to the future of Cricket as a sport. It happened over a few cups of coffee. Reliving these memories of the winter of 2019, Fareed told his dearest student that it is okay to feel the way he is feeling, it is okay to feel confused about things at this stage. However, he is well ahead in his plans. The only important thing that he should grab from his holiday memory was that he has not been as happy and content after that.
During this conversation, Junaid sat in his chair absolutely consumed in thoughts. Fareed knew it was the right time. The shiny ray coming from the window felt like the ray of hope to him. Both their holiday memories made them realize that it is the present time that needs to be prioritized. Past is gone and no one knows what the future has to offer and this is why they should focus on what is happening today at this moment. They knew this by the fact that people are mostly the most relaxed and at peace during holidays.
All his life, Junaid waited for holidays to live a few carefree days away from the pressures and deadlines of the professional life. He realized that nothing excited him as he grew up which felt wrong at some time. After cherishing the memories of his holidays with his mentor, he came to the realization that he would bring the enthusiasm of his holidays in his mundane life.
Fareed clearly saw the muscles of Junaid's face being relaxed. His plan had worked. Both of them smiled and when Junaid was leaving, Fareed said," It is the moments of joy that live with us, You are at peace with yourself and never let that peace fade away in the struggle of life." "Even this conversation" he affirmed," will be a part of our holiday memories. I would always be around you my friend."
ps: The pictures are mine.