Sound of Silence – a short story

Once upon a time, a farmer was working in the godown near his fields when he realized that his watch was missing. It was not just any watch—it was a precious gift from his late father, holding deep sentimental value. He searched every corner of the godown but couldn’t find it. Disheartened, he stepped outside and noticed some children playing nearby.

He called them over and asked for their help in finding the watch, promising a reward to whoever found it. Motivated by the prize, the children enthusiastically entered the granary and began searching everywhere. Despite their efforts, the watch remained missing. Tired and frustrated, the children eventually gave up.

The farmer, now without hope, sat quietly inside the godown. Just then, one boy returned and asked if he could try again. The farmer nodded.

The boy went inside and stood silently. He closed his eyes and focused. In the stillness, he heard the faint ticking of the watch. Following the sound, he found it hidden beneath a pile of hay. He brought it back, and the farmer was overjoyed.

Amazed, the farmer asked how he managed to find it when everyone else failed. The boy replied, “I just listened in silence, and the watch led me to itself.”

Frankly speaking, in silence, the mind finds clarity. Taking a few moments each day to sit quietly can help us reconnect with ourselves. In a noisy world, we often lose touch with our inner voice, blindly following others. But in stillness, we hear what truly matters.