Gone are the days when we used to find happiness in small things. A two-minute noodle, Bread Tikki, cold drink during festival times or multi-cuisine food in marriage functions.

I remember my Luxury which was limited till few days of the year. Or we were one of those who really knew the difference of luxury and a necessity!

This summer holidays, in the month of April, we were traveling to Uttarakhand via Rajdhani train. I think that train journey is much of enjoyment rather than going by car if you have an option. It was early morning train at 6 and we with two kids, just managed to reach on time. As most of us know Delhi roads are always packed, whether it’s day or night. You will hardly see them deserted. Soon we settled inside with our reserved seats we noticed the attendant was already on his job to distribute water bottles and breakfast. But what I realized more with his frequent entries was the scent or perfume he was wearing. I mean, from a distance you can make out that the attendant is in your compartment. So much of fragrance all around in his presence and anyone can sense the same even with a distance of 20 meters. He must be in his twenties as what I believe. The only question which triggered me,” How much he earns and how much out of that’s he spends on perfumes? One might have a different perspective too in as I am not the frequent traveler by that train and it’s too early to judge! But it happened again another time while coming back. Most of the attendant in Railways are outsourced or temporary or very few are permanent. And as far I know they are not highly paid for their jobs.

If I really look at myself then even if I spray an imported perfume still I need to ask my children, if they can sense some good aroma from a distance. And they always come close to me, sniff and nod their head in either direction. Horizontally or Vertically!

I am not against keeping yourself up-to-date or we are no one to judge their expenses. Secondly, it could be the magic of this age for those are in their twenties and recently started working. Surely, there is a difference kind of satisfaction and freedom you get when you earn and spend your hard earned money.

But is this is at the cost of basic necessities? Or spending out of their pockets?

When I look around and talk to people I know, I realized that the race is already at its peak. A Race of Rolex watches, i -phone, luxury bikes, branded clothes and bagful of expensive footwear. The impact of social media and glitzy lifestyle is plaguing everywhere. But my question is,”Can everyone really Afford this? And if by chance someone can’t afford then how he or she will justify their social status or symbols?

Or the myriad of questions which keep pestering into my mind,” why to follow when you know your pocket doesn’t allow you”?

I know few personally who are young and earning well but at the end of the month their credit cards bill takes over them. What could be the reason? Is it the luxury to its best?

I am sure even I can’t escape out of this situation in coming time and my kids will demand when they will see their friends carrying imported and expensive brands. I believe in simple rules. Afford your luxury after you are done with basic! And with show-off, I am not going to prove anyone. On the contrary, as a mother, its my duty is to tell my children that if it’s not a necessity we can’t burn our pockets to satisfy the luxury.

There is always a thin line between the luxury and necessity and they should learn it as early!

Apparently, as a parent, I need to make sure and instill the facts that you can be confident in what you have and not crib for what you can’t have or afford. Speak out frankly, yes I can’t afford this and I don’t regret. I am happy with my Titan watch and non-branded handbag. This serves my purpose at this moment. And when the time will come when I would be able to afford it as a necessity.

I firmly believe that managing money is nowhere related to the age when you start earning. This has the root too and that lies with us as the parents. We really need to take a call to make them understand that how they can prioritize their needs and expenditure. Surely, there is no limit for luxury but it should come after necessity.