How much does this plant cost? I asked Sujoy da, the local nursery owner fondly called as Raja, pointing towards the Tagar Chandni. The beautiful canopy of variegated leaves and delicate white flowers caught my eye.
“I’m not sure. If I were to quote a price, it might be beyond your budget,” he replied.
His words left me both offended and confused. Sensing my discomfort, he quickly added, “Please don’t misunderstand. What I meant is that this plant is priceless to me. I’ve invested thousands into it without keeping track. I nurtured it from a small sprout, watching it flourish. If I ever decide to sell it, the price will depend on my mood, but I can’t put a price tag on it right now.”
My respect for him soared. “I understand,” I said. “Not everyone can nurture plants so well. It requires passion and knowledge, and you’re clearly a master.”
He beamed with pride and led me to his courtyard, meticulously arranged with a variety of plants for sale. Despite my admiration for all the plants, my heart was fixated to that one plant. I humbly requested him to quote a price again, offering not just money but a promise of utmost care. “Maybe a thousand bucks,” he said, “but why would you pay so much when you can easily get these for 150 rupees?”
I stared at him in disbelief, completely in awe of his honesty and sincerity. Here was a man who could easily have taken advantage of my enthusiasm, but instead, he chose to be truthful. His eyes sparkled with genuine care, not just for the plants he nurtured but for the people who would take them home.
I let go of the idea and instead decided to start with smaller plants, requesting him to teach me how to care for them. His passion was evident, and he was more than happy to share his expertise.
These are the simple moments in life—when a trip to buy groceries or plants turns into an extraordinary experience because of the people you meet and the stories you hear.
Cerebration 