It was 2005, and I was working at Hewlett-Packard. After lunch, I found myself at Corner House Ice Cream on St. Marks Road, savoring a scoop of Fig-O-Honey. As I enjoyed the treat, I was reading a postcard letter from my 85-year-old maternal grandfather, Mr. Parthasarathy Avl, whom we fondly refer to as the “Einstein of our family.” In the letter, my grandfather had asked me to buy him a laptop! At that time, a laptop cost around 40,000 INR, which was the equivalent of my one-month salary. I had financial commitments like a home loan EMI and the upcoming expenses for my sister’s wedding.
Back then, even as a software engineer, I didn’t have a laptop at the office—having one was considered a luxury, and laptops were prohibitively expensive. I had to explain to my mother, with a heavy heart, that I couldn’t afford to buy Grandpa a laptop.
My grandfather was known for his passion for experimentation. A well-regarded photographer in Vellore, he taught photography and photo development free of cost to the locals. He had also run a nursery school, built various electronic devices, and once even used a sambar vessel as a cover for a fan he created! I imagine these stories may remind you of your own grandparents’ ingenuity and adventures. Today, as I sit surrounded by three MacBooks and four iPhones at home, I still feel a pang of regret for not being able to fulfill his wish back then.
Fast forward to 2021: my paternal grandparents had passed away, leaving their assets unsettled among their children. For over 25 years, family misunderstandings, lack of communication, and unreasonable expectations had stalled any progress on the settlement. During the COVID period, I was blessed to discover my guru, whose teachings brought significant positive changes in my life. With God’s and my guru’s grace, I felt inspired to reignite conversations about the family settlement, even if it meant reaching out in unconventional ways, like connecting through dreams on the astral plane.
I ended up spending over 4 lakh INR from my own savings to facilitate this settlement. However, the financial cost wasn’t the most significant challenge. What mattered more was overcoming my ego, making time for family, initiating conversations with aunts and cousins, and traveling hundreds of miles to reconnect. It was an emotional journey, filled with grace and the support of many good souls. This effort became one of the most fulfilling projects of my life. I could sense my grandparents’ and uncles’ joyful tears, even if only in spirit. The feeling of unity and love was truly priceless.
In 2005, I couldn’t afford 40,000 INR for my grandfather’s laptop. By 2021, I had spent significantly more to restore family bonds—an investment that taught me the true value of money.
Takeaways:
- Priorities Shift Over Time: What we value at one point in life may evolve as we grow.
- The Emotional Cost vs. Financial Cost: Sometimes, it’s not about the money but the emotional investment and effort required to bring people together.
- The Power of Grace and Guidance: Spiritual guidance can lead us to act with love and purpose, even in difficult situations.
- Family Matters: Making peace and building connections within the family can leave an impact far beyond material wealth.
