Ordinarily Extraordinary

A Story by mrinank

A small excerpt from the story of a positive man who has what he has due to his positive outlook and patient nature.

Chapter 1

Aman is a tall, not so dark, but handsome guy in his mid twenties. He has a slim built and is wearing a bright red T-shirt under a bulgy black jacket, with dark blue jeans which has a washed texture. He is nothing close to extraordinary. Just a plain simple guy walking down the street.

As he approaches his bookshop, which he runs by himself, he finds many familiar faces walking past him in the street. He never feels shy of wishing people a good day. So as anyone faintly familiar passes by, he puts on a broad smile and wishes them good morning. No harm in wishing people a good day. Is there? That’s what he thinks. I would say he has made some healthy relations. Hand waving relationship, have a good day relationship etc etc… But what does he get out of it? Nothing actually. Just smiles to make his day.

So now he reaches his workshop. Just in time. Its 8 am in the morning. Did I tell you the name of his shop? Oh I forgot. Silly me! It’s “Smile”. And it’s no ordinary shop by any means. We can find every book in this small library which can make people feel good and “smile”. A book about the amazing scenery, or maybe child stories, or maybe plain simple jokes. It is his passion to make people feel good.

By the way did I tell you that he has just moved into Dehradun. It’s a small city in Uttarakhand, India. He lives near Ballupur Chowk. And his shop is located near Kishan Nagar. I wonder why he chooses to walk to his store which is around 5 km away. He has a car parked at his home, which he rarely uses. I went up to him and asked him the same. He says “Because then I won’t be able to enjoy the splendid natural beauty of Dehradun. Did you ever notice that building over there…? It looks amazing at dawn. And I get the chance to wish good morning to acquaintances. And I also get some exercise. You should try it too”. What do you expect me to answer? My office is 8 km from my place and walking there would tire me like anything. So I just said “Good… Keep it up son…”

“Maybe you can lose some weight too… You have been trying to do that lately?? And I would love to have your company every morning.”

“No boy. Not my kind of thing.”

“Ohkay…”

There’s just one little thing I hate about him though. He is just too good. How can someone be so nice!!?? Sometime back he adopted 4 puppies he found roaming stray around his bookshop. Oh yeah… It’s nice but he already had a dog and a parrot and a ginni pig at his house!!!

Chapter 2

So today is a bright day. And I got wished in the morning by Aman. He seemed normal, walking to his bookshop early in the morning. Lately he has been getting real many guests at his place. Seems like he parties a lot. I presume his bookshop is doing well. “Smile” that is the name of the bookstore. He usually is back at home by 9 in the evening or 9 in the night.

Once I went over at his place and asked him about his business. I never actually went to his bookstore though, but I had keen interest in it. And to be frank I was surprised at how successful he had become. In just 6 years. 3 years back someone came to his shop and wanted to open a bookstore by his name under his authority. He agreed and so his business turned into a franchise. That is remarkable! Isn’t it? And now he has 3 stores in Dehradun, 1 in Delhi and 1 in Lucknow. I wonder if it had any connection to his philosophy and him as a person. Maybe there is a connection after all.

Chapter 3

It is simply awesome! Did you hear it? Aman is getting married in 2 months. Time for parties, dinners and SWEETS again!! Oh I just love festivities. But I have to lose weight now. And my wife won’t let me have sweets. Poor me…!!! Guess I should have agreed to Aman about the morning walk.

And how did he find his life partner? I guess you want to know more about this.

As usual, he is at his store making bills for people buying books at his store. And he has had some customers or rather friends who often come to his shop. He has been creating some relationships I guess.

Daughter of a renowned businessman in Dehradun became a regular customer of Aman, and in time they became friends. Occasionally she used to come to the shop with her father, who became familiar with him. He too started admiring Aman of his great positive aura.

Ritika’s father asked him to marry her. How could he have denied this proposal? Ritika is a good girl with pleasant looks you see.

Now this is extraordinary. It is great, how being nice can bring about money, friends, love and life!!