It was 25th January 2011.

Nisha was waiting for her husband Akshaya. It was their marriage anniversary. Things had changed since their marriage. From the cute couple, they turned into a fighting one. They quarreled every day over every small thing. Nisha gave up thinking that Akshaya must have forgotten their anniversary and surely won’t be back home on time. Akshaya too didn’t like how things were going. She was so loving, so caring before marriage about, how everything had changed radically. Yet they still loved each other.

It was 4:00 p.m.

The bell rang.

Nisha was surprised that Akshaya remembered. She ran to open the door. Indeed, Akshaya was standing outside. He was smiling and had a bunch of flowers in his hand. The two then started reliving their beautiful days, making up for their quarrels. There was champagne, light music, and, unusually, it was raining a little outside. Overall, the weather too seemed to get romantic along with them.

But the moment came to a slight pause.

The phone in the bedroom was ringing.

Quite agitated, Nisha went to pick up the phone. It was a man on the other side.

“Hello, madam I am calling from the police station. Is it Mr. Akshaya Malhotra’s number?”

“Yes, it is.”

“There was an accident and a man died. We got your number from the man’s purse. We need you to come here and identify the body.”

Nisha’s heart sank. “Whaaaaat?? B-but my husband is here with me?”

“Sorry, madam, the accident took place at 3:00 p.m. when the man was trying to board a bus.”

Nisha was about to lose her senses. How could this happen? She knew this type of thing. She had heard about this. The soul of the person comes to meet you before it departs. She ran to the drawing room. Akshaya was not there. Is it true then? Has something that bad really happened to Akshaya? Has he left her forever? Oh God! Had she been given another chance, she would have mended all her faults. She rolled down on the floor, awestruck.

Suddenly there was some sound from the bathroom.

Akshaya came out and said, “I forgot to tell you, dear, my purse was stolen while I was returning home.”

Life may not give us a second chance.

Life is too short and unpredictable. Tomorrow is not promised. We never know how long or short our time on earth will be. Never hold on to grudges against others. Never leave anything unsaid. Live without any regrets.

So we should never waste a moment when we can
make up for our mistakes, flaws, errors, and faults.

People most likely to hold grudges are those with a negative approach to life. Let’s not hold grudges. Carrying a grudge is a heavy burden. Studies have shown that the stress caused by grudges and resentments can lead to physical problems such as heart problems, high blood pressure, weakened immunity and mental health issues such as increased anxiety and depression.

Having a grudge against someone for years will not do us any good. It does not change them or help us in any way. Life is too tough, and unfortunately, it will always come with obstacles. Holding grudges will never solve the problems of the past, nor will it make the future any brighter. It will only create unnecessary karmic bondage.

Forgive those who have wronged you and seek forgiveness when you have wronged them. Keep your heart open, stay positive, and speak kindly to the people around you. Live life with a smile on your face, because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

“Life is very short. Grudges are a waste of time, energy and peace of mind. Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can’t change.” — Unknown