Chapter Three

As we sat on the platform, the bustling sounds of the station faded into the background. Somendra Ji's words had sparked something within me, a curiosity I thought long extinguished.

"Let's start with the most fundamental question," Somendra Ji said, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. "Why do you live?"

I hesitated, the weight of my recent despair still heavy on my shoulders. "I... I don't know anymore. That's why I wanted to end it all. I had no clarity, no purpose."

Somendra Ji nodded, his expression understanding. "Let's approach this differently. Why do you do anything you do? What are you looking for in life? Is it money? Fame? Love?"

I pondered his questions, searching within myself for answers. As I did, Somendra Ji continued, "Ultimately, whatever you do, aren't you looking for a single thing - happiness?"

The simplicity of his statement struck me. I found myself nodding slowly, a realization dawning. "You're right. It's... it's profound when you think about it. Whether I want to watch a movie, take a trip abroad, or see my name in the newspaper, it all comes down to happiness."

"Exactly," Somendra Ji said, his smile widening. "To see this truth, you don't need to refer to any book or use logical gymnastics. You just need to look within yourself."

As I reflected on his words, I could see the pattern in my own life. "Even when I think I want success, or security, or peace... these are all just different forms of happiness, aren't they?"

"Precisely!" Somendra Ji exclaimed. "What you truly desire is to experience a state of happiness, peace, and contentment."

He leaned in, his gaze intensifying. "Now, let's look a bit deeper. How long do you want to be happy? For a few minutes, hours, or days?"

Without hesitation, I replied, "I want to be happy forever. Why would I ever want to be sad?"

Somendra Ji's eyes lit up. "Exactly! Your fundamental desire is the continuity of happiness. You lost hope that you might ever achieve this in your life, believing it would always be filled with sadness. That's why you considered ending it. But if you could understand how to achieve this continuous happiness, what problem would you have?"

"You're right," I said, my voice stronger than before. "If I could understand how to achieve lasting happiness, everything would change."

Somendra Ji placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "And that, my friend, is where our journey truly begins."

As we sat there on that railway platform, I felt a mix of emotions. Part of me wanted to believe in this new perspective, but doubt crept in. I couldn't help but wonder: Is continuous happiness even possible? Or is this just another false hope?

"I appreciate your words, Somendra Ji," I said hesitantly. "But I've heard similar promises before. I've attended countless 'change your life' seminars and read so many self-help books promising overnight success. How is this any different? How can continuity of happiness really be possible?"

Somendra Ji's expression remained calm, but I could see a flicker of understanding in his eyes. I found myself lost in thought, torn between hope and skepticism. Was I about to fall for another marketing gimmick, listening to yet another snake oil salesman? The tracks before me no longer represented an end, but they didn't quite feel like a clear path forward either. Instead, they stretched into an uncertain future, filled with both possibility and potential disappointment.

I really wanted this to work, but was scared of yet another failed attempt.