Laddoo

It is said that “The root cause of all miseries is our desires”. For many years, I kept pondering it.

Are desires so bad? Imagine there are no desires left, nothing to achieve, nowhere to go. Firstly, it is very difficult to live in such a state of mind. Secondly, is God not there in desires too?

As a young child, I was fond of a particular biscuit. Whenever some guests came, Mom served them. The only thing on my mind was that they better not eat many. As soon as they left, I grabbed them and fought with my siblings over them.

Papa noticed my behavior, and one day he suddenly bought me 5kg of the same biscuits. I was very happy; all were mine, no need to share with anyone. But after eating 10 biscuits, I realized I was done… forever.

Another time, I remember my fondness for Laddoo (Indian sweet). I asked my granny for some, but she told me to finish this and that work first. In the end, she gave me only one Laddoo. I cried and fought with Granny for more.

The next day, Papa took me to the sweet shop. Papa asked the shopkeeper to bring his order. He surprised everyone around by ordering a special jumbo-sized Ladoo.

Papa said, “This is only for you.”

This made me very happy. I carried the Laddoo back home to tease my siblings and eat in peace. By the time I got home, I didn’t feel like tasting it. After looking at it the whole way back, I was satisfied.

I made a face and said to Papa, “Why do you do this to me every time?” He softly said, “Because I don’t want you to be greedy.”

Hiding from Granny, Papa often got sweets, fruits, and snacks for us during our school lunch break. That was the best time at school.

Papa never bought us expensive clothes and toys or took us on expensive holidays, yet I remember his unconditional love, patience, tolerance, and how he fulfilled our simplest desire for food.

Later in life, I explored many food joints and different Indian cuisines, looking for better taste. Later, I realized only my own cooking could truly satisfy not only my heart but also touch my soul.

Poem
The ladoos he got,
The biscuits he bought,
Fulfilling my small desires,
Expressing his love.
What more does a child need?
This is how I first learned—
Desire isn’t always greed.