The Real Capital

Subhas spent his days indulging in gossip and card games, surrounded by a group of aimless friends. Whatever pocket money he received from his father was squandered entertaining them. His father often warned him, “My son, it is not good to waste your time. An idle mind becomes the haunt of evil thoughts. One does not take note of one’s own degradation.”

Subhas remained silent in response to his father’s admonitions, yet turned to his mother with indifference, asking, “Is there any shortage of working people in the world?” His mother gently replied, “It is not for the sake of the world, my son, but for your own sake that you are advised to take up some work.” Still, Subhas was not convinced.

After getting married, Subhas told his wife, Usha, “I want to start a business. Go and ask your parents to provide me with fifty thousand rupees.” Usha, aware of the potential pitfalls of such a venture, nonetheless went to her parents’ house to seek the money.

A month passed without any sign of Usha’s return, prompting Subhas to visit his father-in-law’s home in frustration. He confronted Usha, demanding to know why she had not brought back the money. Usha explained that her mother was still trying to arrange a loan. However, Usha’s father had told her, “One who is truly enthusiastic about starting a business would never wait for fifty thousand rupees. He would begin with fifty.”

Realizing the truth in her father’s words, Subhas returned home with Usha. He began his business with a small amount of capital, and within two years, he had established himself as a successful merchant in their town. Reflecting on his journey, he told Usha, “From the hint your father gave me, I realized what true capital is. It is not money, but enthusiasm.”