It had been 30 years since I last met my classmate. When I saw him again in a hotel lobby, he appeared simple. He was dressed in modest clothes. I felt somewhat at ease.
He approached me, expressed his happiness in seeing me again, and greeted me warmly. Compared to me, he seemed to have fewer material comforts. We exchanged phone numbers and contact details. When I handed him my card, I noticed a genuine happiness on his face.
With pride, I offered to drop him home in my brand-new Range Rover and even showed him the car. But he politely declined, saying he had already called for his car, which looked quite old—a 2001 Honda.
The next day, I invited him to my home for lunch. I wanted to show him my success and wealth. He arrived in his car at my residence in Parkview. He seemed impressed by my home, though it was purchased on a mortgage.
We had lunch together, and he shared that he was involved in small businesses and real estate. I asked how I could help him, even offering to assist him with paying off any debts if needed. He simply smiled and declined, saying he was doing well.
He then invited me to visit his home soon. As his old car arrived, I felt a deep sense of gratitude to God for all that I had. I thought to myself, "Not all fingers are the same." I considered myself lucky to have a good job in a reputed company.
Two weeks later, my wife and I went to visit him. Initially, she was hesitant to join me, feeling unimpressed by his apparent status. But I convinced her by reminding her of our close friendship in college.
When we reached his estate, we asked for directions to his house. Everyone we encountered spoke about him with respect. His home turned out to be a beautiful and elegant 4-bedroom bungalow with space for four cars parked in front.
We stepped inside, and the house was simply but tastefully decorated. He welcomed us warmly, and lunch was served graciously.
During lunch, he casually asked about my Managing Director. To my surprise, he revealed they were friends. I noticed a corporate gift on one of his tables, bearing the name of the company I worked for. It was then I discovered that his company owned around 38% shares of the company I worked for.
I was stunned. I asked him about it, and he smiled and said, "That company is mine." He also revealed that the estate we were in was his.
I don’t remember when I started addressing him as "Sir."
I was deeply impressed. That day, I learned an invaluable lesson about humility. Appearances can be deceiving.
He noticed my discomfort. On our drive back home, I remained silent, and so did my wife. I could sense the thoughts running through her mind.
I glanced at myself in the car mirror. I was living with debts and financial burdens, while the man who paid my salary was leading a peaceful and simple life.
"Truly, deep rivers run silent."
Instead of living for others’ admiration, we should live for our own peace.
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