Accidentally or Intentionally: The Most Expensive Breakage of All Time

Everyone has stories about damaging or breaking something valuable. In my case, it was a smartphone that cost 10,000 rupees, the most expensive thing I've ever broken. This story takes us through a day in the life of a joint family and the consequence of a minor misunderstanding.

Background Info

I live in a joint family with four uncles; three are married, and one is unmarried. My uncles and I share the house, with myself and one of my uncles living on the ground floor and the other three uncles living on the first floor. One of the uncles, the only one with a smartphone at the time, had his first smartphone which was worth a significant amount. This valuable possession was the scene of one of the most expensive breakages I've experienced in my life.

The Incident

When I was only five years old, I used to play games on my unmarried uncle's phone. One day, my aunt's sister arrived with my cousin, who was two years older than me. As usual, I went upstairs to play games on the phone, which my cousin was already using on the balcony. My cousin was engrossed in the game, while my uncle was sound asleep beneath the phone. The situation appeared normal, but as I grew bored, I asked my cousin to hand over the phone. He disagreed, and a fight ensued. With no one noticing, the phone slipped from the balcony and fell onto the lane below. Terrified, I ran downstairs and didn't even wake up my uncle. What followed was a period of blissful amnesia until the next morning.

Consequences and Reflections

The next night, my uncle approached my parents to inform them about the breakage. I faced a stern scolding from my parents, but my uncle surprisingly did not request compensation from them. This incident marked a turning point in my life, making me acutely conscious of my strength and the things I break. I often reflect on that day and question my motives. Was it an accident, or did I break the phone on purpose out of frustration? I often feel overwhelmed by the aftermath, wishing I could have been more gentle with my belongings.

Moral and Conclusion

This experience taught me a valuable lesson about my actions and the impact they can have on others. It has made me more mindful of the consequences of my behavior and the importance of treating shared resources with care. While I continue to break gadgets and electronics, I strive to be more considerate of others' belongings and the financial implications of such actions. Whether it was accidental or intentional, this story serves as a humbling reminder of the potential consequences of our actions, especially when it comes to material wealth and personal responsibility.