Dhruva Thapa
As I hung the watch on my wrist, a rush of nostalgia swept over me. It had been ages since I last wore a watch, and the sensation of its weight on my wrist felt both familiar and foreign. Over the years, I developed a deep fascination with watches, owning a collection that held countless stories and cherished memories. Walking down the bustling street, I couldn’t help noticing a myriad of watches adorning people’s wrists. Each timepiece seemed to possess its own character, reflecting the unique personalities and styles of their owners. From elegant simplicity to bold statements, the choices people made fascinated me. Amidst the sea of timepieces, I pondered what my chosen watch revealed about me. With an appreciation for understated elegance, I had settled on a silver watch with a black leather strap—a design that exuded timelessness and sophistication. With some time to spare before picking up my son from school, I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the nearby park, basking in the pleasant weather.
As I meandered along the serene paths, I noticed a man seated on a bench, his gaze fixated on his watch. An air of frustration surrounded him, piquing my curiosity. Concerned, I approached him and gestured towards his watch.
“Is everything alright?”
He sighed heavily, weariness etched on his face.
“No, my watch has stopped working, and I have an important meeting to attend. I don’t know what to do.”
Having experienced the inconvenience of a malfunctioning timepiece, I empathized with his plight.
“Have you considered taking it to a repair shop?” I offered, hopeful to alleviate his worries. He looked at me incredulously.
“Repair shops still exist?”
Chuckling, I assured him, “Absolutely! There’s a big one just a few blocks away. If you’d like, I can give you the address.”
Gratitude flooded his expression.
“That would be incredible. Thank you so much.”
I shared the address and wished him luck with his meeting before resuming my walk, a sense of satisfaction accompanying me. Even in the smallest ways, extending a helping hand brought a fulfilling connection to others.
Arriving at the school, I was greeted by my enthusiastic son, who noticed my adorned wrist. His eyes widened with excitement. “Wow, Dad, you’re wearing a watch! That’s so cool!” A warm smile spread across my face, and I playfully ruffled his hair. “Thank you, son. It’s been a while, but it feels good to have one on my wrist again.” His gaze fixed on the watch, brimming with curiosity. “Can I see it?” “Of course,” I agreed, removing the watch and placing it in his eager hands. He scrutinized it intently, turning it over with fascination. “This is so cool. I want a watch too!” Amused, I chuckled at his eagerness. “Maybe when you’re a bit older, buddy. You don’t really need one just yet.” His eyes met mine, seriousness replacing his initial excitement. “But Dad, watches are important. They help you keep track of time, and time is important, right?” Impressed by his perception, I nodded. “Absolutely, son. Time holds great significance, and watches assist us in keeping track of it.” A beaming smile graced his face as he handed the watch back to me. Together, we headed towards the car, engaging in a lively conversation about the diverse range of watches and their symbolic importance. Later that day, as I sat at my desk, a sense of gratitude enveloped me. The brief encounter with the frustrated man in the park lingered in my thoughts.
It served as a reminder of the profound impact even a small act of kindness could have on someone’s day. I reflected on the importance of helping others and the significance of those fleeting connections we make along life’s journey. Glancing down at my watch, I noticed that the hands had ceased their steady tick. Frustration momentarily flared within me, but then a realization struck. I recalled the repair shop I had recommended to the man earlier, and a newfound sense of determination replaced my annoyance. Embracing my own advice, I decided to take my watch to the repair shop. As I stepped into the shop, a friendly and knowledgeable watch enthusiast greeted me with a warm smile. He listened attentively as I explained the issue with my timepiece. With expertise and care, he worked on repairing my watch, meticulously mending its delicate mechanisms. Engrossed in his craft, he seemed to effortlessly breathe life back into the timepiece that had accompanied me on countless journeys.
As he handed me my newly repaired watch, a spark of excitement ignited within me. But the watch enthusiast didn’t stop there. He noticed my worn-out strap and kindly suggested a replacement that better matched my personal style. Together, we perused an array of options, discussing the subtle nuances of each strap. His expertise guided me in choosing a strap that perfectly complemented the silver watch’s timeless elegance. It was as if the watch had undergone a transformation, reemerging with a renewed sense of identity. Leaving the shop, I felt an invigorated appreciation for the small things that bring joy and connection into our lives. The unexpected twists and turns of the day had shown me the profound impact of my love for watches, from helping a stranger in need to rediscovering the significance of time itself. With a contented smile adorning my face, I made my way back home. Grateful for the unexpected encounters and newfound connections, I savored the beauty of those simple moments. The power of a watch extended far beyond its mechanical workings; it carried the weight of memories, aspirations, and the potential to unite people through shared appreciation.
As I stepped through the threshold of my home, my son’s eyes lit up with curiosity.
“Dad, did you get your watch fixed?”
I proudly displayed my newly adorned wrist and shared the story of the repair shop, the watch enthusiast’s expertise, and the journey my timepiece had undergone. My son listened with rapt attention, captivated by the power of these seemingly mundane objects. In that moment, I realized that watches had become more than just timekeepers. They were vessels of connection, gateways to conversations, and reminders of the profound value of both giving and receiving kindness. My love for watches had transcended the boundaries of a mere hobby—it had become a source of enrichment and shared experiences. As the evening unfolded, my son and I bonded over stories of watches and their significance in our lives. We marveled at the intricate craftsmanship, the stories held within each tick, and the undeniable influence time had on shaping our world. As the night drew to a close, I tucked my son into bed, his own dreams intertwined with the allure of watches. I kissed his forehead, knowing that the lessons we had shared that day would stay with him, guiding him through the tapestry of time that lay ahead.
With gratitude filling my heart, I retired to my own bed, feeling blessed by the unexpected journey my love for watches had taken me on. The simple act of wearing a timepiece had opened doors, sparked connections, and reawakened a profound appreciation for the small moments that make life truly meaningful.
And as the hands of my newly repaired watch resumed their steady rhythm, I drifted into a peaceful slumber, eager to awaken to a new day filled with endless possibilities. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow in the room as if to remind me of the beauty that awaited outside.
Eager to embrace the day, I slipped the newly repaired watch onto my wrist. Its familiar weight brought a sense of comfort, a tangible reminder of the journey it had taken and the connections it had forged. Today, it held a renewed significance—a symbol of resilience, kindness, and the ever-flowing river of time.
As I made my way through the bustling city streets, the watch on my wrist caught the occasional glint of sunlight, catching the attention of passersby. A stranger with a similarly elegant watch nodded approvingly, acknowledging the unspoken bond between watch enthusiasts.
In the midst of the vibrant city, I found myself drawn to a small park tucked away amidst towering buildings. It was a haven of serenity, where people sought solace from the chaos of daily life. I settled onto a bench, watching as life unfolded around me.
A young couple strolled by, hand in hand, their watches telling the story of their intertwined lives. An elderly man, his face etched with wisdom, sat on a nearby bench, his antique pocket watch a cherished relic of days gone by. Each watch held a unique narrative, a silent testimony to the countless stories woven into the fabric of time.
Lost in contemplation, I scarcely noticed a young girl with curious eyes approaching me. She tugged at her mother’s sleeve, pointing at my watch. With a smile, her mother nodded, encouraging her to inquire.
“What kind of watch is that?” the girl asked, her voice filled with awe.
I invited her closer, allowing her to examine the watch with wide-eyed fascination. “This is a mechanical watch,” I explained. “It’s powered by tiny gears and springs that work together to keep time ticking. Each second, minute, and hour is meticulously counted, capturing the essence of time itself.”
Her face lit up, and her mother thanked me for sparking her daughter’s curiosity. With a nod of gratitude, they continued their walk, the girl now engrossed in a world of possibilities and the mysteries held within the realm of timekeeping. As the day progressed, I found myself engaging in conversations with fellow watch enthusiasts, sharing stories and insights into the artistry and craftsmanship behind our cherished timepieces. We marveled at the intricate movements, the precision that lay beneath the surface, and the shared passion that connected us.
In the depths of these connections, I realized that watches were not mere adornments; they were conduits of human expression. They spoke of our individuality, our tastes, and our appreciation for the intricate dance of time. Through these conversations, I discovered that the true beauty of watches lay not only in their physical form but in the stories they carried—the stories of our lives.
With the advent of the digital age, watches underwent a revolution. Sleek and precise, they adorned wrists with their cutting-edge technology, offering a world of possibilities at a mere touch. The digital watch became a symbol of modernity, its LCD screen displaying not only time but also a myriad of functions—step counters, heart rate monitors, and even smartphone connectivity. Yet, even as watches advanced, the essence remained unchanged. They continued to tell stories, mirroring our desires, dreams, and journeys. From classic elegance to contemporary innovation, watches retained their capacity to evoke emotions and create connections. As I pondered the future, I envisioned watches that seamlessly blended fashion and functionality. I envisioned timepieces that integrated with augmented reality, offering personalized experiences and extending the boundaries of our imagination. I imagined watches that became guardians of our well-being, monitoring health and providing gentle reminders to nurture our bodies and minds. But amidst all the progress, I realized that watches would never lose their soul. They would forever remain conduits of human expression, reminding us to cherish the present, value connections, and appreciate the intricate dance of time. As dawn broke and I awoke to a new day, the world around me seemed infused with limitless possibilities. The evolution of watches, from ancient relics to digital companions, was a testament to the unyielding spirit of innovation and the enduring quest to capture the essence of time. With my watch adorning my wrist, I stepped into the future with anticipation, ready to embrace the next chapter of horological wonders. And as the journey of time continued to unfold, I vowed to cherish every second, savour every connection, and honor the profound stories that were etched upon the canvas of our lives—guided by the steady tick of a watch, forever capturing the essence of who we are.
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[Dhruva Thapa is a Nepali-American author and entrepreneur based in San Francisco, USA. He holds a Master’s degree in Geography and has taught at a college in Nepal. Thapa is the founder of various social organizations, including the Child Nepal Foundation and the International Nepali Literature Society in Northern California. He is also a prolific writer and editor, having edited several literary magazines and published numerous books, poems, and songs. He authored three books including poetry collection “The dream we had together”, is published from USA and now available in Amazon, Barn & Nobles and other media. Thapa has received several awards and honors for his contributions to literature, journalism, and community service, including the Lions Club’s “Lion of the Year” award in 2015.]
