Behind Every Frustration, There's a Story And a Silent Teacher

I didn’t plan to be this angry today morning. But there I was—my car screeching to a halt just inches away from the bank's brand pole. 

Even the way I slammed the car door—anyone could have guessed that, someone was either going to get an earful of words or witness the full extent of my frustration.

In a world where everything happens at the speed of a click, UPI payments, account creation, here I was, physically visiting the same bank branch for the fifth time. Yes, fifth. For the same unresolved issue. 

I was supposed to meet the lady at the front desk. But this time?. I bypassed her desk.

Straight to the manager cabin. 

I usually think ten times—or even more—before complaining about someone, because we are all human. My mind convinved me again: “Maybe she’s having a rough day, maybe she’s new and still learning, or maybe something heavy is going on in her personal life. Just ignore it and move on.”

But my mind displayed the real picture, She didn’t just misdirect me once. Not twice. But four times—confidently, with a lazy attitude.

And honestly, I was done. 

I stormed into the manager’s room, ready to unleash the storm in my head—only to find a man about my father’s age sitting calmly behind the desk. His silver strands and calm aura caught me off guard. My anger took a backseat, and something about his presence made me shift gears—instantly.

He listened quietly as I vented, fuming about that front desk person.

But then—he cut through.

"Come with me" he said, like a dad fixing something his kid’s been crying about.

He introduced me to another staff member and requested him to help me. That man, soft-spoken, asked a few questions and we exchanged a brief conversation. My work was about to get done. The manager stood next to us, ensuring it was heading toward a resolution.

Just when I was about to breathe relax, a sudden loud “HELLO? THIS HAS BEEN OPEN FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS!” echoed from the manager’s cabin. A woman—clearly the boss of the boss—was shouting at someone over the phone. The manager, went and quietly closed the door. (Didn’t help, though. The room wasn’t soundproof.)

The manager returned and spoke to the same staff member in Kannada. I couldn’t understand the exact words, but I could sense. It felt like he was saying, “Just this one more time… it’s okay.”

Now his polite demeanor flipped. He muttered under his breath in Tamil, assuming I don't understand:

“For her? No way. She thinks she rules the world. Her and her attitude. I’m not doing this nonsense.” 

Then, as he handed me a form I filled my first name and last name, he glanced at my surname—and froze. Anyone could tell I am from Tamil Nadu just by looking at my surname. 

Realizing I understood every word. He exchanged a quiet smile. 

The truth is, everyone’s fighting a silent battle.

And while my task was finally done, the whole episode reminded me of one simple truth:

A little kindness can go a long way. Even if you are on your fifth bank visit. Even if someone messes up again and again. People are still worth patience.

Before leaving, I walked back to the manager’s room and said,

“Thank you so much, sir.”

He looked up and replied with a soft smile:

“Why ma…Its our job.”

He was not interested in hearing a complaint—but he immediately focused on providing a solution, which was exactly what I needed.

35+ and Feeling Like a Midlife Upgrade... or a Software Crash

At 19, you want to try everything — be a pilot, an air hostess, an athlete, or a fashion designer. You believe it can happen. There’s no fear then. The world, your energy, it's all exciting. You believe you're built to chase dreams that don’t always make sense but feel right. 

By 25, something changes. The world starts programming you. You're told to “settle down,” “be practical,” “grow up.” And somehow, you’re pushed into that life. Maybe not all at once, but slowly, piece by piece, your dreams are traded and broken.  You get a job, marry, have kids, and then you can think you can follow your passion — eventually. 

At 30, you turn back and realize half of your life is gone. Oh, wait… by now, you've faced a hell of a lot of struggles, and you feel relaxed and grateful to have a bed to sleep in peacefully because life has taught you the hard way. 

Then 35 hits.It’s a breaking point. You look in the mirror, and you feel nothing. You don’t feel like the person you once were — the dreamer, the adventurer. Now, you feel tired, detached, and honestly, a little lost. 

You wake up some days, and you can’t find the energy to face the world. The thought of starting another day, going through the motions, is exhausting. You don’t feel motivated, and the thought of taking on another task seems overwhelming. The world feels like it’s moving without you, and you’re just stuck in place. 

Maturity taught you to keep everything inside because your friends are busy with their own lives, leaving you feeling isolated with your thoughts. You’ve tried so many things, but nothing sparks interest anymore, and now you’re left wondering, 

Help me, universe, show me a way out of this fog.