If You Cannot Erase, Then Arrange Properly

Regret is an enduring pain that follows you throughout life. The feeling that a mistake was made, and the conviction that it shouldn’t have happened, haunts us. While certain regrets can be corrected, others linger, persisting until the end of our days.

I had a childhood friend named Vijay, and our houses were right beside each other. Growing up together, we shared the same age group and explored everywhere together. Our days were filled with laughter and mischief as we made fun of everyone around us. Despite frequent arguments, we quickly reconciled, strengthening our bond over time.

One Sunday morning after finishing college, at 9 o’clock, Vijay and I decided to spice up the day with something new. I suggested the idea of getting some drinks, but the challenge was that we didn’t have the money for it. We hatched a plan to take some cash from our parents' pockets. Excitedly, we returned home, waiting for the right moment to discreetly acquire the funds.

Overcoming my fear of my father, I managed to retrieve the money from his pocket. Meeting Vijay at our prearranged spot, we pooled our resources and purchased alcohol. I convinced Vijay to handle the transaction, and after half an hour, he returned to a secluded corner of the village where no one was around.

Seated and prepared for excitement, a sudden noise from behind made us turn around. Tension filled both Vijay’s face and mine as our fathers, along with the wine shop owner, appeared. My father questioned our presence, and in fear, I acted like I had no knowledge of the situation. Vijay, taking responsibility, confessed that the idea and the plan to steal money were his. The shop owner clarified that Vijay had approached him only for purchasing bottles. Fortunately, my father and Vijay’s father believed in my innocence.

Vijay’s father expressed his disappointment, lamenting the investment in Vijay’s education while witnessing his involvement in questionable activities. He chastised Vijay in our presence and forcefully took him home, visibly upset by the tarnished reputation.

Our friendship ended after that incident, and Vijay’s father transferred him to another place. Despite the passage of time, I never apologized for my role in the events that led to our separation. Over the years, I contemplated expressing regret, but my ego hindered me. Recently, I learned of Vijay’s tragic death in an accident. Visiting his house, I saw his father in tears, regretfully stating that if I had been there for Vijay, he might have been saved.

The weight of unspoken regrets silently burdens me, haunting my thoughts whenever that situation comes to mind.

In life, diverse situations unfold, and it’s vital not to let them turn into enduring regrets. When we can’t erase the past, the key is to skillfully organize and navigate what follows.

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