– a Talesmith Short by Rajesh Muthuraj
If there is one object in the world that deserves a national award but will never get one, it is the humble handkerchief.
Let’s be honest:
No one has ever said, “Wow, what a beautiful handkerchief you have!”
Nobody proudly displays their hanky on Instagram.
And absolutely no one has created a “Handkerchief Appreciation Day.”
The handkerchief lives a lonely, dark life; stuffed inside pockets, ignored like a low-budget side character in a movie. Days go by, and the poor thing only sees:
- old bus tickets,
- angry coins fighting for space,
- and a secret chocolate wrapper
Yet, the handkerchief never complains.
It never asks for attention.
It never demands, “Please iron me, I want to look formal today.”
It just waits.
Patiently.
Silently.
Because the handkerchief knows one thing:
Its moment will come.
And when life inevitably gets messy, the handkerchief rises like a tiny cotton superhero.
A sudden sneeze attack?
Hanky to the rescue.
Chai spill on your shirt right before a meeting?
Hanky bows politely and takes one for the team.
Tears rolling down during an emotional movie scene even though you told everyone you “don’t cry at all”?
Hanky understands. Hanky absorbs. Hanky never tells anyone.
A random embarrassing moment?
Hanky gently whispers, “I got you,” and solves the crisis with the tenderness of a grandmother.
And after doing all these heroic acts?
Does it pose for a photo?
Does it post “Feeling blessed #HelpingOthers” on social media?
Does it demand applause or certificates?
No.
It quietly folds itself and goes right back into the same dark pocket.
Because the handkerchief’s greatness is not in being seen.
Its greatness is in being useful.
Not everyone in life stands on the stage.
Not everyone gets applause, awards, spotlight, or fancy titles.
Some people, like the handkerchief, work silently in the background:
- The friend who checks on you by calling you.
- The coworker who fixes problems before anyone even notices.
- The parent who manages disasters before breakfast.
- The teacher who solves your doubts even when you’re too shy to ask.
- The colleague who forwards the meeting link on time (a rare species).
These people may never be celebrated, photographed, or praised, but they make life smoother, cleaner, calmer, and less embarrassing.
Lesson:
You don’t need a spotlight to shine.
You don’t need applause to matter.
You don’t need to be famous to be valuable.
Be like a handkerchief:
Quiet, humble, reliable, and useful.
Even if nobody sees your efforts, the world becomes better because of you.
And if someday someone recognizes your silent contributions, great.
If not, don’t worry.
It’s okay if you prefer to work in silence, just as handkerchiefs prefer pockets.
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