IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS - PART THREE

EPISODE - TIGER’S STORY

Jim sat under the tree, waiting curiously for the  Tiger to continue its story. By now, the sun started sliding slowly to western side. The breeze from the jungle was cool and gentle. Jim started to relax.

"In my previous  birth……" the Tiger started its story. "I was an arrogant young man, very egoistic  and untamed male, who never missed an opportunity to play pranks on others. Some times I think………" the Tiger stopped, as if lost in thoughts. Jim could not wait, " Then what?"

"Yes…yes" the Tiger grunted engagingly, " You see young man, never hurt any one and never hate anyone…….. the consequences of it….lying in your front now", Tiger pointed his paw to himself, nodding sadly. Jim nodded as if he understood. And mentally made a promise to himself that he  would amend things……if he ever had a chance to return  to his home.

Taking a deep breath said the Tiger, " you see I was young and  a self made man,  so I was very proud of my self……and then one day, there came a girl into my life." The Tiger paused to let the words sink, ……" She was a petty little thing and stole my heart, the moment I set my eyes on her.  We got  married…..We hoped that we are going to be happy. Even the crowd who were present at the function blessed us " the darlings….sure they are going to be happy!…….. My mother cried with joy, poor thing….she thought her son would never marry any girl …..for he finds faults with every girl he meets….but now at last brought home a bride. She now planned a pilgrimage to pay back for her prayers……."

The Tiger now got bit emotional, "People thought now that happiness has come into my life……..eh? as if it were a complete, concrete thing…ha ha ha" it started roaring a laugh…..would it come tied up in a jeweler’s box?"…..Suddenly it stopped laughing and nodded its head regretfully.

"You mean even after marrying the beautiful girl you were not happy?” Jim could not understand……his curiosity increasing…….Tiger chuckled grunting….as if he understood what was in Jim’s mind……..he continued.