Two childhood friends who used to go to the same school were poles apart from each other. Both went to the same college and studied same subjects. The first friend got a got a lucrative job the year he finished his college and the friend kept looking for a job that could make him a good provider to the family. The one who got the job became rich in no time and bought a big house, a car and almost everything is necessary to have a good living standard. The other friend finally got a job but that could hardly fulfill his necessities.
Time changed but they never let anything come between them and their friendship. They used to meet every month for a cup of coffee in the same cafeteria and chatted for hours. Every month the rich friend used to tell the poor friend about his achievements in life and he usually had nothing to say. He started feeling uncomfortable and inferior as his friends had almost everything, sometimes he used to envy him.
One day when they met for a cup of coffee the rich friend said, “The irony is that you were an outstanding student in school and even in college. I am proud of you but sometimes I feel bad that you are not able to make two ends meet.”
The poor friend had nothing to say. He kept staring at his friend face but somewhere in the back of his mind, same thoughts were going round and round in his head.
“I am getting married to the love of my life,” the rich friend informed him.
“Oh, that’s great. I am happy for you,” the other one said.
“See even in this matter I am lucky. I fell in love with someone and now I am getting hitched,” the rich friends said.
The poor friend who was already feeling uncomfortable pulled himself together and said, “I believe you are right. However, my parents have also found a girl for me. I will also get married soon.”
“That’s good,” the rich friend said.
Year went by, both of them got married and had kids but nothing changed really. The routine of one cup of coffee was still an important part of their life.
One day when they met again the poor friend was astonished to see that the rich friend had a low face.
“What happed? You look pale,” he said.
“Nothing, I have everything a big house, a posh car and a big pile of money but I can’t sleep at night. Why is it so? One or the other thing always troubles me,” the rich friend answered.
The poor friend thought for a moment and said, “No wonder, you have a big business and countless employee working for you, it’s quite natural. You are one lucky chap. You have everything. Enjoy yourself. Look at me. I have always been truly unlucky in life. Even if I think hard I cannot tell you my one single possession that makes me lucky.”
“Oh, don’t say that. In fact, today I have brought you a proposal. You must accept it. I always wanted you to be rich like me but did not have the nerve to say. I have bought a big house for you and I will give you a lot of money so that you can lead a good life,” the rich friend said.
The poor friends accepted the gift quite hesitantly as he also had a hidden desire to be rich so that he could have a happy life.
The next month they met again in the same cafeteria. Surprisingly, the poor friend was sad and thoughtful.
The rich friend asked, “What happened? You look tired.”
“I have the answer to your question. I know why you are not able to sleep at night. I was always jealous of you. I thought I was unlucky, as I had nothing. Today I can understand the money comes along with many troubles. I am not able to sleep at night since I am always making plans to invest what I have to make more money. I do not have time to spend with my loving family,” he answered.
“You are truly rich if you could sleep at night and have peace of mind. You can take back your money and the big house you gave me,” the poor fellow said.
