Last winter, I had a particularly busy week

Last winter, I had a particularly busy week. I had assignments to complete, classes to attend, and several small things to manage at home. I felt that I was constantly running out of time.One morning, I was getting ready in a hurry when my grandmother asked me to sit with her for a few minutes. She wanted to tell me something about an old photograph she had found.I told her, “I’ll listen later. I’m getting late.”She simply smiled and said, “Okay.”

I left without thinking much about it.That evening, when I came home, I saw the photograph lying on the table. I picked it up and asked her about it. She started telling me about the people in the picture, where it was taken, and what life was like at that time. I noticed how happy she looked while talking about it. We probably spoke for only fifteen or twenty minutes, but I felt strangely peaceful afterward.

Then I realised how often I had been saying “later” to people. Later when I had more time. Later when I finished my work.

Later when I was less tired. But the truth is that there is never a perfect time.We live in a world where being busy is often considered a sign of success. Weare constantly checking our phones, replying to messages, and thinking about the next task. In the process, we sometimes overlook the people sitting right beside us.That evening taught me that time is not only about productivity. It is also about relationships. My grandmother's photograph was not important because of the picture itself. It was important because it gave me a reason to stop and listen.

Since then, whenever someone close to me asks for a few minutes, I try not to immediately say, “I’m busy.” I still get caught up in work, and I still rush sometimes. But now I remind myself that some moments cannot be postponed forever. Sometimes, giving someone fifteen quiet minutes is more valuable than finishing one more task.