Rajeev was known for his cheerful smile and his love for cricket. Every evening, the village children would gather at the open field to play, with Rajeev leading the game with great enthusiasm.
Rajeev had one big dream: to become the best cricket player in his village and, one day, play for the national team. He practiced tirelessly every day. He would wake up before sunrise, run to the field, and hit the cricket ball with all his might, imagining himself in front of a huge crowd at a grand stadium.
As the days passed, Rajeev became very skilled. His friends admired his dedication and often said, “Rajeev, you’re so close to reaching your dream. Keep going, and soon you’ll be a star!”
One day, the village cricket tournament was announced. Rajeev was thrilled and set his sights on winning the tournament. He practiced even harder, determined to make his dream come true.
The day of the tournament arrived, and the entire village gathered at the field to watch. Rajeev and his team played with great energy and skill. The match was intense, with both teams performing exceptionally well. Rajeev hit the ball brilliantly and took some impressive wickets. The game was tight, but Rajeev’s team emerged victorious, and Rajeev was celebrated as the hero of the match.
As Rajeev held the winner’s trophy high, he was surrounded by cheers and applause from his friends and family. He was ecstatic, thinking that this moment would be the happiest of his life. But something unexpected happened. As he looked around, he noticed something that made him pause.
His friends, who had always played alongside him, were laughing and dancing, sharing jokes and having a wonderful time. Rajeev realized that they had been happy all along, enjoying the game and each other’s company, not just focused on winning.
He saw his grandmother, who had come to watch him play, clapping with pride. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, not because Rajeev won, but because he was doing something he loved. Rajeev’s parents, who had always supported him, were cheering with big smiles, not just because of the trophy, but because their son was happy and fulfilled.
As Rajeev reflected on the day’s events, he felt a wave of understanding. The happiness he had been chasing wasn’t just in winning the tournament. It had been there all along—in the practices, the laughter with friends, the support from family, and the joy of playing the game he loved.
That night, as Rajeev lay in bed, he smiled to himself. He had learned an important lesson: happiness isn’t just about reaching a goal. It’s found in the journey, the friendships, and the little moments of joy along the way. Rajeev was grateful for his dream and his achievement, but he was even more grateful for the happiness that had been with him all along.
From that day forward, Rajeev continued to play cricket with
the same passion, but with a new understanding. He cherished every moment,
knowing that true happiness was not just at the end of the journey but was part
of every step along the way.