The Scoop That Changed Their Life

Once upon a time, on a rather hot and sunny evening in Delhi, two friends — D and T — waited at a bus stop. It was just another day in the life of two college-going kids. There was nothing much to look forward to but a few math problems they could never solve as quickly as the other "sharp" kids in class. However, there was something that was bothering the usually bubbly and energetic T. She was dull and upset.

D and T had been best friends for a long time, and each one of them could tell when the other one was happy or sad. So D asked T what the matter was, and T gave her the scoop. But no, that's not the scoop that changed their life! Well, read on.

D started thinking what she could do to lighten up T's mood. That's when D remembered the 500-rupee note she had lost and found in her old jeans pocket. She thought "We can use that to eat." Eureka moment!

Both of them were big time foodies. But the limitations of a regular student's pocket kept them from indulging their taste buds in the many tastes of the world! They would make peace with a Satyaniketan egg roll (a famous food joint near Sri Venkateshwara college), McDonald's, KFC, or steaming hot momos from the roadside stalls. Hey, don't judge! They didn't have a great pocket money to splurge.

So D asked T, "How about we eat something nice to fix your mood?" T brightened up a bit and agreed without second thought. Yes, they loved eating!

A jolly good bus ride later they parked themselves at Pizza Hut. The "meal for 1" offer looked quite appealing to them, and their pockets. They weren't so hungry anyway. T started to relax a little and looked less upset.

Done with the pizza, it was time for desserts. They loved ice cream and a scoop was included in the offer. While waiting for the dessert, little did they expect what was in store for them, and that this moment will change their lives forever.

Their server came swooshing out of the kitchen with a plate. And there it was — their ice cream, and an extra scoop. They had not expected to get the extra scoop of ice cream. They were very touched by the gesture, by the kindness of the server. He could have just brought the one scoop that was part of the offer and be done with his job. But he went out of his way to give them an extra one. It became the most memorable moment for the two best friends. And T's sorrows melted away.

True story this! It's been almost 10 years now, but that evening is etched in my best friend and my memory forever. That extra scoop of ice cream will make us smile for the rest of our lives.

How many people do you know who do this? Usually, if you're two people at a table and order one item to share, you're looked down upon. Either you get frowned at or get a blank questioning look that translates to "and what more"! But all this man did was smile and understand the situation.

Although it was not really a life-changing event, it taught us that anyone can be kind, and happiness can come in many ways and forms. Isn't that right? Do you and your best friend have a similar story? Oh! And did I tell you about the day I met happiness at a grocery store?