A letter to Santiago

Dear Santiago,

I hope this letter finds you deeply enveloped somewhere around your magical dreams. I am Akriti Mishra living thousand miles away from where you discovered your golden treasure. I vividly remember it was the year 2021, summer break of my academic session, me sitting with my ‘nothing to do’ statement when I randomly discovered this book named “Alchemist”.

At first, I thought, “Reading a book? Ugh pass!” But just right at that moment my attention drew towards the back cover of this book which said, “To realise one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.” And then I decided this is it! This is going to be my next read.

Don’t you think Santiago, Sometimes the actions taken without any introspection turns out really well. It is 2023 and I am still stuck somewhere in your story which begins with the quest of treasure and ends with endless realisations about this one and only life we get. In the social setting where I live, everyone taught me different perceptions about destiny and somehow, I believed destiny is pre-planned and not even a single force can stop it from happening until I read your journey.

From sacrificing family to pursue a different life path, travelling different parts of the world as a shepherd, sleeping beneath the starry-night, dreaming about peculiar treasure, and later making a strong decision to make that dream come true defines how you, yourself, choose your own journey. Your story is a profound and timeless one, a journey that resonates with the very essence of human experience.

Your ability to listen to your heart, Santiago, is a gift that many of us often overlook in the noise of the world. Your encounters with the alchemist and the various people you met along the way illustrated the importance of connecting with others, learning from them, and recognizing the signs and omens that guide us on our own journeys.

Santiago, your transformation from a humble shepherd into a wise and enlightened individual encourages me to reflect on my own life, the barriers that I've faced, and the limitless possibilities that await if I dare to follow my heart. In your journey, I found inspiration to embrace the present moment, to work hard, and to appreciate the beauty of the world that surrounds me. Your story reminds us that life is not just about reaching the destination but also about the lessons, experiences, and connections we make along the way.

As I write this letter, I want to thank you for inspiring me every day to look withing myself and strive for the extra-ordinary, valuable lessons of love, courage, dedication and the pursuit of one’s destiny. Your story is not just a tale within these pages but a beacon of reminder that ever dream is worth pursuing, no matter how distant they seem.

With gratitude and admiration,

Akriti