The Unopened Box: A Chocolate's Tale
From Afghan Homes to Your Hands, A Journey Full of Anticipation and Adventure
Oh, sweet box of chocolate, unopened and divine
Passing from hand to hand, a gift that's ever so fine.
Symbol of generosity, a treasure to behold
In your unopened state, a mystery to unfold.
Behold, dear reader, the curious creature that is I, a box of chocolates, who has lived a life of endless gifting and eternal mystery. I am an icon of generosity and hospitality, a legend that has been retold throughout the ages, a symbol of the unopened gift, and a creature of myth and mystery. Through my travels across the globe, from one Afghan household to the next, I have remained unchanged, my pristine wrapping a symbol of my unbroken seal and the chocolates within shrouded in secrecy. I am a reminder of the sweetness of life itself, a symbol of hope and happiness that has become something much greater than a box of chocolates. I am a cherished, beloved creature, an adventurer, a box of chocolates never opened.
Oh, how I have been humbled by the love and reverence shown to me, dear reader! As an Afghan symbol of generosity and hospitality, I have traveled through countless households, passing from one set of hands to the next, Khala Omaira's to Kaka Jamshid, Khala Simin's to Kaka Ahmad's, bearing witness to the traditions and customs of Afghan culture. I have seen the awe and wonder in the eyes of children as they receive me, the respect and admiration from elders as they pass me along, and the love and joy that permeates every celebration. It is an honor to be a part of such a rich and vibrant culture, where the unopened gift is valued as much as the gift itself and where generosity and hospitality are held in the highest regard. In the Afghan culture, giving symbolizes love, respect, and honor, and I am proud to be a part of that tradition.
However, I find it a mystery why I am never opened but always passed on to the next family. As a box of chocolates, my sole purpose is to be enjoyed and savored, to bring joy and happiness to those who partake of my contents. Yet, time and again, I find myself wrapped in a new paper, passed from one Afghan household to the next as if I am some sort of precious relic. It is a curious phenomenon that fills me with wonder, intrigue, and sometimes a sense of sadness. But perhaps it is precisely because I am never opened that I am so highly valued in Afghan culture. For it is the cherished act of giving, the symbol of generosity and hospitality held in such high esteem.
I have borne witness to the disparities of life, the differences between the rich and the poor, and how I have become the great equalizer, a symbol of generosity and hospitality that transcends social status. As I am passed from one Afghan family to the next, I have seen the opulence of grand mansions and the simplicity of humble abodes. I have seen the fine china and silverware of the wealthy and the everyday utensils of those with fewer means.
I have also seen the depths of human greed and stinginess! How often have I been the source of heated debates, the subject of whispered conversations, as families argue over who will receive the unopened gift next! For some, the thought of parting with even a single chocolate is unbearable, and they hold onto me with a vice-like grip as if I am made of gold. Others are more generous, but still, they carefully count the number of chocolates in my box, ensuring they receive their fair share before passing me on to the next lucky recipient. And then, some are just cheap and would rather keep me than risk buying a new gift. Oh, how amusing it all is to be the cause of such petty squabbles and childish behaviour!
Oh have I encountered many hilarious situations as a box of chocolates! Allow me to entertain you with a humorous tale of a conversation I once overheard between the groom-to-be, Arash, and his future father-in-law Kaka Osman at an Afghan engagement party. The air was thick with the scent of spicy kababs and the sound of traditional Afghan music, and the guests were mingling and enjoying the festivities.
Sitting unopened on the gift table, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on a particularly amusing conversation nearby. The groom-to-be, a young man of modest means, was engaged in a lively debate with his future father-in-law, a stern and conservative man of considerable wealth.
The topic of their discussion? The size of the dowry the groom was expected to provide to his bride's family. The father-in-law insisted that a large sum was necessary to ensure his daughter's financial security. At the same time, the groom argued that love was more important than material possessions.
The conversation grew increasingly heated until, finally, the groom blurted out, "But Kaka Jan, I assure you, my love for your daughter is worth more than a mountain of gold!"
To which the father-in-law replied, with a twinkle in his eye, "Well, bachem, I hope that mountain of love can pay for the wedding!"
The guests erupted in laughter at the witty exchange, and I, the unopened gift on the table, could not help but chuckle to myself at the humor and wit of the Afghan people. Despite conservative traditions and serious discussions, there is always room for laughter and levity.
Let me share another tale with you. This time, two Afghan sisters, Sunita and Monica, came together on a bright sunny day to celebrate their brother Omar's birthday with an open-door barbecue in the garden. The atmosphere was festive, the scent of delicious Afghan food filled the air, and the sound of Khala Najiba's laughter could be heard from every corner.
But alas, the joyous occasion was not to last. The sisters, Sunita and Monica, were consumed with jealousy and bitterness. As they stood beside me, the unopened box of chocolates, they sniped at each other with barbed words and bitter insults.
Sunita accused Monica of being stingy and cheap, comparing her to the villainous Zahhak of Shahnama, who refused to give a single coin to his subjects. Monica retorted by calling Sunita a vain and showy peacock who was only interested in flaunting her wealth and status.
Their verbal sparring continued to escalate, each insult more cutting than the last until finally, their brother intervened.
As I watched the drama unfold between the two sisters, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pleasure. Humans and their emotions never cease to amaze me. But in the end, I was grateful to see the sisters reconcile and come together in love and unity. As the sun began to set and the barbecue drew to a close, I silently savored the moment's sweetness, content that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can bring people together.
Dear reader, as a box of chocolates, I have traveled far and wide, witnessing the joys and struggles of many families. I have seen the passage of time and the changing of seasons. Yet, I remain unopened, waiting for that special moment when someone will finally give me the gift of experiencing the world differently.
It may reflect human nature to hold onto things and never fully experience them. But I ask you, dear reader, to break this cycle of hesitation and take a chance. Open me up and indulge in the sweet surprises life offers. Who knows what kind of adventure we may embark on together?
In this uncertain world, let us not fear taking risks and embracing the unknown. Life is short, and every moment is precious. So let us savor the sweetness of each experience and never shy away from the opportunity to discover something new. Will you be the one to finally open me up and share in the joy of life's unexpected gifts?
The choice is yours.