Vikram Aur Vetaal
The title was an interesting mythological TV series that aired on Doordarshan during my childhood. All kids would take time out from our playtime to watch this. It has left a lasting impression on me so much that while I am writing this blog, I can hear the introductory song of the serial playing in the background. For those who don’t know about this, I will give you a small gist.
Every episode would start with the brave King Vikramaditya going into the jungle to fetch a ghost called Vetaal. The deal was that the ghost would accompany him till he’s silent. If the pact breaks, he will fly back to the same tree again. The King would carry him on his shoulders, and the ghost would narrate a story to him. Once the story ends, the ghost would ask a question. If the King is unable to give the correct answer, his head will blast into pieces. Every time the King answered, Vetaal would have his booming laugh and fly back, reminding Vikram about the broken pact. The next episode would start again with the King on his way to fetch Vetaal.
As a child, this question always intrigued me, that why would the King go back every time? How stupid? Why can’t he just move on? Because there’s no way that this would work. Since he has to answer the question or he’ll die, he can never carry Vetaal to his destination. So, the choice was between his own life or to lose Vetaal by answering. Even though it was a silly serial, this thought remained with me.
It has been more than three decades since I saw this, but I could see how I am being the King Vikram or sometimes Vetaal in someone else’s life. If we can introspect ourselves, we can see that we are also carrying the weight of a few toxic relationships that are going back and forth in the same place. We are not progressing in any way. We would be carrying that weight because of innumerable reasons. Majorly it could be because of social pressure. Or it could be because of fear of loss, or emotionally we are not strong enough to face reality. And I don’t deny that these reasons are not valid. But, if you can be honest with yourself, and introspect and see whether that person weighs you down, refuses to walk along, gives excuses after excuses and finally puts you at a spot where no matter what you choose, the loss will be all yours. And once you choose, that person dares to laugh at your face and ask you to go back all the way again to fetch him.
Just think about it, is that person or relation really worth your time and effort? Is that person adding something or draining the energy from you emotionally and mentally? That Vetaal could be anyone. It could be your friend, neighbour or a relative. It’s time to put a full stop to take the blame that it’s your fault that such things happened. It’s time to put a stop to carrying someone else’s weight on your shoulders because that person refuses to walk and take the effort to maintain this relationship. Instead of wasting time on such relations, invest time and effort in yourself. It’s time to nurture that relationship.
And also, if you find yourself to be Vetaal in someone else’s life, it’s time to get down and walk along. Be an add-on in that relation. Because you are lucky that the “King” is valuing you, so either you contribute or just fly away so as not to trouble that person anymore.
“Be strong enough to walk away from what isn’t best for you, and be patient enough to wait for the blessings you deserve.”
Rajesh Rajan.
Your Happiness Coach
Thank you for taking out time to read. Please do write back with your views and experiences. I would love to hear your feedback. 😊
