The offer letter

This time I can sense a little hope in her eyes. It can be a possible thing for sure. I felt a lot happier. And after some planning we are going to make it together.

The idea of Priya being with me for the first time away from home sent some shivers down the spine. I felt like, this one is surely going to be the greatest journey of my life and this particular interview is everything to me. There is no way, I need to crack.

Back with preparation, and our planning worked out quite so well and we have reached Hyderabad a little earlier than expected and straight away headed towards the company which was located at Hi-Tech City.

Hey Jay! Look at the city. I’m just loving it. I had never been to Hyderabad so far. Priya exclaims in her routine fashion.

Look at those hills. I pointed out to Priya. And she went busy in framing the memories on her phone.

We reached on time and the interview was actually going on. I felt a bit nervous for the first time. I had put up lot of pressure on me for this job. Fortunately I have got a call from their HR and I walked into the cabin while Priya was waiting for me in the waiting hall.

After 3 hours of constant questioning and testing my patience. I have got a clear indication from the company recruitment team was I will be getting a confirmation mail by the evening or next day in the morning. I felt a bit relived as I did my part.

Back in the cab, We have made some plans to make this trip a memorable one. We had planned to have lunch at one of the finest restaurant that Hyderabad had. When it comes to Priya, I always want to give her the best. And coming to food. It was a feast. One would certainly fall in love with the food.

It was then I got a mail from the company stating about the offer letter. My heart skipped for a second. I went numb. I did this one for Priya. She is the one to be credited.

What was there in the mail?! Is that regarding your offer?! She guessed. But that was bloody right.

How can she be so accurate?! Moreover how can she be so confident about me?! I felt so well for the confidence that she is having on me.

Yeah. They have mentioned it as offer letter. And an official mail regarding the date of joining. This is it. I declared!

So happy for you dear. I am very happy that you did it. Your hard work did work well. What can I say more than that?! Priya was totally ecstatic and no one could stop her now. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Journey

Hey! You have got something to prepare now. Be serious and work hard. I am always going to be there to help you out. Said priya with great excitement.

It was never an exciting thing for me. And I hardly remember for what position I had applied for. And have no absolute idea of what to do. It was said that, the interview date was just 3 days from now. There is no way I can get there. And to make things even worse, the location of the Interview was at Hyderabad. With that, I thought this was the end.

But at the other end, priya took this one so very seriously and started referring sites for the concepts which can be a handy resource during the preparation. What can I say more about such a sweet heart?! She is my angel. Its time I felt like taking life seriously. I can never let Priya’s hopes down. She was more concerned about me. I need to make her feel comfortable.

And I have managed to collect all the resources that I am need of preparation and was deeply involved in the process for nearly close to 17 hours with the help of Priya. She made concepts clear to me and with her by my side, even the deadly programs are like those awesomely written lyrics by one direction. These programs are now that lovely.

Before I could think of further planning I have totally forgot the concept of booking the tickets for my journey. And I need to rush to get my tickets confirmed. And that’s when it struck me about asking Priya to accompany me. Even though it’s never going to be an easy plan to execute, I don’t want to miss out on asking her.

I got up with a jerk and called her up and explained what was on my mind. I had managed to put up a face which can make melt anyone for sure. I sometimes feel good about pleasing anyone.

Priya took a while to respond and came up with the same answer which is a big “NO”. I felt a bit lost. It’s something that I couldn’t take it so easy.

Jay. I cannot make it. Hope you understand. It’s a matter of 2-3 days. 

How do you think that I can manage things at home?! 1 day is fine. 

But 2-3 is never in the scene.

OMG! During the process of discussion I had completely overlooked the concept of Airlines that was existed in India. It hardly takes an Hour to reach Hyderabad from Chennai and we can be back by evening itself once after the interview. I felt overly excited and narrated the same that I thought about. I always had this poor friend who will always be the only financier of my batch. I promised him that I would pay him back as soon as possible. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Interval

And for me, at the other end I have a hard 14 days to go. As Priya went busy with her family, I kept reading fictions to make myself busy. 

Between Priya kept me calling at least once a day just to make sure everything is alright with me. I so much loved her when she does that.

Those 2 weeks were like almost 2 years and I completely realized that, there is no way I can make a living without Priya. It was like I am so much dependent on her. Every activity I do will have Priya’s role to play. And she does that with great ease. She always made sure that, She is the best in loving someone so deep.

Meanwhile, I kept looking for the interviews that are falling in for the recruitment drive and I made sure that I had applied for every company no matter what requirements they are looking for. I am so much in need of a Job. And some part of me wanted me to seal a job as soon as possible coz Priya is already having a job in hand. She had cracked the toughest interview of the year. Getting into Infosys is never a cake walk. Her hard work paid off really well.

The Next day Priya had called me up and asked me if I can come to her place. There is no way I am going to put that down. So, gave an instant nod to her request and kept thinking of a token gift that could surprise her. It was obvious to say that girls and chocolates sync well. And also these teddy bears. I don’t understand a point about girls being so much in love with those bears. Whatsoever, I had these E-Commerce sites in rescue and I have found an awesome deal where I get a box of Ferror Rocher with a teddy bear as a combo. I straight away placed an order and was waiting for the delivery to come.

The meeting went so well and I am glad that she was happy with the little surprise. You know, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on your loved ones. For me, money and relations are two different roads. 

Problem is that people now-a-days are dealing money and relations in the same way. The most annoying part is that, people these days are making use of relations and are in love with products. Just a contrast thing if you look at it properly. Products are meant to be used and relations are meant to be loved. And that’s how we are.

Once back in home I got a text message from Priya that said “Check your mail”.

Instantly I felt something was fishy. So, I went and checked with the mail. And it said about the Interview for which I had applied  a week before. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Cafe Coffee Day

We straight away moved to CCD and I have ordered Lemon Iced Tea for both. And it is when it struck for her about me being late to the presentation.

Idiot. Why were you so late today?! I know you are so lazy and that’s the reason why I kept calling you since 5:30. And all you did was turning up late as you always do. What’s the point in me doing all this?! Priya questions me.

This time with a low tone as she was completely exhausted with the project review preparations since morning.

And tell me, what took you so long reaching the hall from the entrance?! Did you lie to me saying that you were in, even when you are on the way?! Asks with a serious look.

Ohh!! That. Why will I have to lie. I forgot to have my breakfast. So, had a plate full of delicious idly sambar at our very canteen. I made sure about the timing too. I just had them in 7 minutes. So you need to appreciate me for my timings. I said and slipped to the other corner to avoid getting a punch from Priya.

You are seriously an idiot. I don’t know how your future will be like if you be the same like today. She said and Shrugged.

Oh! C’mon Priya. Why do you worry about my future. You are not going anywhere. We will be together for the rest of our lives. Remember, there is no future without you.

My words showed a lot of impact in her eyes as it turned wet for a while.

Jay.?! She called me with so much of love.

Yes dear. I replied with equal amount of care and love.

Why are you like this?! She always asks me this.

I am like this. Just because of you. And before I could say anything more, Priya got a call from home. And now I realized that it’s time for her to leave.

Jay. I need to leave now. Dad has come. I guess we will be meeting again only after 2 weeks. There is no way I can come out having everyone at home. Priya says with a disappointed expression on her face.

I will miss you Priya. But we have phone right?! We Can speak regularly. I said with some hope knowing that it was never going to happen.

No way Jay. But I will surely try. Priya responds still wearing a sad face.

Well, the situation at Priya’s home was totally different from others. It’s hard to escape an eye from a family of whole and Priya cannot afford to talk on phone when their family members are around. It was like the typical south Indian protocol where everyone at home are more worried and concerned about her loving daughter falling in love. Literally, falling in love can be the worst crime their sons or daughters could commit. 

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The Presentation

It’s Priya. I said, with my voice draining low.

Oh! Problems with Love?! Hmm. Expected. But what happened with your love?! Any cinematic villain in your story as well?! Akash started in a way just like that happens in the movies.

I am so badly in love with Priya for nearly more than 4 years. Back in Graduation, we have been into a full time project and that was the time when I started liking her for the way she is. One day, during the project review I got a call from Priya.

Hello Jay? Priya here. I have been waiting for you near the convention hall. Where were you idiot?! Priya kept shouting. Giving me no time to respond.

I am almost there. Will be there in 5 minutes. I said and turned the call off.

I have the habit of being late for such reviews and priya usually does her job of shouting at me for my routine act. It was the final review and priya wants me to make this one a big success. It was usually her part of preparing the concept and I am the one who directs the demo.

By the time I reached the hall, priya was looking furious at me for making it even more late as I preferred having a plate of Idly before running towards the auditorium. It was that I failed to have my breakfast and I cannot miss having it before I do my final presentation.

I am surely going to kill you after the presentation and now please come in and take your material out. We are the next batch. Priya orders me this time.

I just love the way she does everything. No matter how serious she is, I always love her with all my heart. She is such a darling.

Priya lives in Chennai with her granny. Priya’s mom and dad lives in Hebbal, Karnataka. They have some business which kept them busy. 

While Priya is having some good time in her granny’s house which is a giant family. They are a people of 10. And they always have whole lot of fun and celebrate festivals which is hard to beat. I would just love to spend time with her family. But never got such opportunity so far. I wish one day I could.

Batch No. 44 it is. Come fast. Priya said and left. Breaking my thoughts midway.

I got up and quickly flipped through the pages of the project material and made up myself for the big event to accomplish. I never wanted to make priya feel lost after performing so well for the review sessions.

As I started up with the proceedings and the core concept, Priya went on with the pros and cons of the project. After 20 good minutes we are out of the hall with a smile on our faces. Guess what?! A clean cent does make one smile for sure. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Old Friend

Hey! What the hell are you doing here man?! Akash screamed out of his voice much to scare the shit of other inmates. He was equally surprised to identify me in the shape I am. That was the moment I checked for myself in the mirror and felt a little low. I guess there is no wrong with the nurse in giving such an awkward expression while talking to me. I looked scary enough.

What’s wrong with you Jay?! What happened?! I never thought I would see you like this after 2 long years. Akash interrupted my flow of thoughts bringing me back to reality.

Well, that was a big story to tell. And listen we need to check out as soon as possible. Can you please clear the bills at the counter, I had lost my purse somewhere on that fateful day. I will explain you clearly after we leave.

We left the hospital after having a brief talk with the doctor regarding treatment and the tabs that I need to swallow every 12 hours. Actually, Akash had come to meet the doctor as they are neighbours during the time Akash family lived in Chennai. Also, I had spent some time with my fellow inmate who initiated a chat with me and showed much anticipation towards what led me to GH. I promised him to meet some other time as I need to leave quick. He nodded his head in approval.

Back in Taxi, I felt so comfortable to have Akash with me. At least I have someone to talk with. So that I can vent out my pain.

A brief silence followed and neither of us took the initiative.

So, Jay?! What happened with your life?! I couldn’t just believe that, it is you in such a bad shape. Akash broke the silence.

Akash, life isn’t easy as the way you expect it to be. At every phase of life you will be tested and all you need to have is patience. If you have got that, then everything will just fall in place. I started blurting out. I am not sure if I have answered his question properly. As I can see Akash looking at me in disgust. His expressions state that he is not convinced with my response.

What the hell?! Can’t you just tell me what happened?! Why are you talking shit?! Have you gone mad?! Akash is now losing his temperament. There is no way out. I need to open up myself.

We reached Food Nation and it felt good to hold a glass of Australian Old Red wine which I always prefer. In fact, that was the only wine I had so far tired in my life. After gulping down a bit, I felt relaxed and once again remembered of Priya. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

A day at GH

It was scorching heat outside and you are now shifted from Room 147 to Room 132 at Government General Hospital, Chennai. You got admitted a week back with blood oozing out of your wrist. You looked pale and having mud strains all over your body during the time you got admitted. No one would gave a thought of bringing you to GH had you been found unconscious on a passing road. But, you are found unconscious in your car near to Chennai Central.  

In a week days that you have spent at this hospital, you have come to conscious just a couple of times and slipped back into coma in minute’s gap. To some good part, you had no visitors to visit. So, nobody had to worry about your health condition and wait for you to come conscious.

Who are you and what happened?! What was your story?! A patient on the next bed asked me with lot of curiosity.

While he was narrating the happenings of the last 7 days at GH, all I am doing was thinking about Priya. Where was she?! Is she happy with the decision she took?! Will she be living a happy life?! Will she really miss a life with me?! Those thoughts kept tossing and turning in my head.

I remained silent for a moment. But the patient next to me kept staring at me with lot of anticipation. I wonder why people are more excited about snooping into others life than taking proper care of their own. I shrugged.

Would you mind leaving me free for some time. I am badly in need of using rest room. I said, and left the place.

Once back, I peeped through the corner hole of the door to check whether the patient was waiting for me to come or slipped into a nap. I am glad that he was completely into sleep. And, I slowly walked to the balcony of the hospital. I was at 7^th floor and had the center view of the city. It was beautiful. It was the moment when it struck me after spotting Chennai Central, which can be visible from the point where I stand. It was the first time I met Priya in the year 2007. I never thought she would play such an important role in my life. In fact, She made me complete.

Excuse me?! Are you the patient in room no. 132?! Asked a nurse with a worried face?! I felt a bit unsettled with her expression.

Yes I am.

Somebody had come to visit you. They are waiting downstairs. You can better go now. Told the nurse, with same expression on her face. I wonder why?!

I walked downstairs and entered into the room and spotted Akash. It’s been nearly 2 years since we met. Akash had always been the perfect guy. We are the best of mates and have a lot in common. But Akash left the city during his graduation days and that has created a gap between us. I kept re-collecting the memories that we had. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Conclusion - TD

But here I was, having done graduation, selling fruits on streets to making a living.

The first money I had made is just so priceless. I couldn’t believe that I had made money by selling fruits. As long as I earned money in legal ways, the satisfaction that I get is just so priceless.

If my dad took 8 – 10 hours a day to empty the cart, it hardly took me 4 hours to do so. 

The marketing skills that were taught in college somewhat helped me there in the process.

That day, after returning home, mom asked me if everything went well. I smiled at her and said, “Everything’s coming up so good.” Just give me some time. I will set everything in place.

I tried to avoid making a conversation with dad, coz it surely will hurt him if he gets to know that I was on this selling business which he never wanted for me to happen.

But he is smart enough as he caught me so easily one day while I had a conversation with mom about an incident that happened at the fruit yard.

Dad was literally upset with me doing all this, but I assured him about getting into a job soon. All that I was doing now is for the surviving purpose and it has nothing much to do with me in the long run.

“But still, I want to see you in a good position before I leave this world” Dad replied with a lot of pain in his words.

I can see him cry. I can also see mom doing the same. They both were crying. And I was there wondering still on what to do and how to do.?

The last thing that I wanted in my life is to see mom and dad cry. And today, I have just seen that. I had nothing to say. I left the single room that we live in quietly.

That night, I didn’t sleep. I was just thinking about the company that was visiting us the next day.

I wanted that job. I wanted to replace tears with smiles. I wanted to replace everything that was possible to make our lives better. And still, I was not sleeping and dreaming. 

Aiming at the sky, I was repeating the same words.

The next day, with the kind of interview experience that I had, it went easy for me in the first few rounds. 

Before I was called in for the final round, I took a deep breath and whispered, God! 

This is going to be my day! Bless me!

For the first time, I was part of the 40 minute interview. One-One conversations with the panel of experts. Having had answered everything that was put on table, I have finally impressed the people on board.

Chances are that, I may or may not get this one. But still, I was happy that I have created some kind of impact and the results were going to be out soon.

I reached home early that day, and gave mom a smile. She thought I had sealed one. 

But I told her, the time for me had just arrived!

She didn’t understand. But dad did. He congratulated me on my effort.

And that night, my phone beeped with a message.

“Congratulations Vivek! On being selected for Cognizant Solutions. For more details, check your mail ASAP!”

That moment was so priceless. Tears kept rolling down. But still, I had managed to sit close to mom and dad, planted a kiss on their foreheads and watched them sleep. Their dream of seeing me in a better position had finally come true.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Emergency - TD

Meanwhile, I did try for a few companies and still didn’t get the filtering scale of the company.

What to do and what not to do? In an interview is still a question that was left unanswered.

Most of the times, I used to walk back to home from the interviews and on my way back, I contemplate on ‘What’s wrong with me and the interviews.’ They seemed to be not going well with each other.

Once back home, mom starts to enquire me on status of the interview. But whenever my reply is nothing more than ‘Not bad’ she makes up her mind that, she will have to wait for the next company to arrive.

One day, Prakash uncle paid a visit to check on how dad was doing. And once after he was done with spending some time with dad, he had a chat with mom. Even though I have no idea of what they were talking about, with the kind of expression that appeared on mom’s face, it was very much clear that something so upsetting is coming our way. And there is no other way, we got to take that.

Once after Prakash uncle left, mom called me instantly and told me that, he requires money for his daughter’s education.

Even though he seemed pretty uncomfortable for getting to us in a situation like this, but still, there is no other way than to ask. After all, he supported me for my education and now it’s time we need to payback the debt amount for his daughter’s future.

In a situation that I was on that day, I really wondered if anyone had succeeded in life fighting against all odds with no proper mentor. What I personally believed is, every successful man in this world have or had some really good mentors guiding them in proper ways. But for me, there is no one. I was standing alone in a crowd with no identity.

And it is when I have started to look at life in a different way. In such a situation, we needed money the most. And I then got to know how to make money.

Wasting not much of a time, I have rushed towards the cart stand and have found dad’s cart parked right next to an auto rickshaw. I tried unlocking it with the key that I had carried from home without anyone’s knowledge.

I never wanted dad to know about my fruit selling thing. As I can remember, it is the last thing he wanted for me to happen. He never ever dreamed of seeing me selling fruits like he regularly does. He so badly wanted the generation to change with me. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

When The Going Gets Tough - TD

It took quite some time for me to understand the better of the situation. What I was able to capture from the conversation is that, dad met with an accident. And thankfully, he is alive and is getting the treatment. Prakash uncle is right up there and looking after everything that is required.

I was in no state to continue with the interview at that time. But still, mom suggested me to seal this one and come straight to hospital.

“Mom, Listen, Interviews come and go. But I can’t keep myself away for another 4-6 hours from you and dad. Considering the kind of situation that we are into.” I tried to explain things like family is more important than an interview.

“No. Not again please. Prakash uncle suggested you to take up the interview. Till then, he said, he would manage things.” Mom sounded low for the entire conversation. She wanted to pass on the info to me. But, it’s not the right time.

I was left with no choice but to attend the rest of the interview. Like always, I was out in the final round.

A failed person that I am. Like always. And within no time, I rushed towards the hospital and have seen dad in a very terrible state.  Those hand and leg injuries pained me more than anything else.

Unlike the other days, Prakash uncle didn’t ask me anything regarding the interview I just failed to crack. He explained me quite a few technical tips on the medicines that are supposed to be used for my dad and the food diet suggested by doctor.

Dad got discharged from hospital the other day and have ended up paying some 10K for the emergency charges. Dad never wanted so much lot of money to be invested on him for any cause. But mom and I are having no one other than dad. He is our world.

It took him a week to get settled completely at home. Some portion of the single room that we stay is now allotted to dad so that he can rest without any trouble. He requires fresh air and thus he was given the first front part of the room which is so closely connected to the main door.

People from my colony who were friends with my dad kept visiting every day and provided their version of inputs on how to recover fast.

The more dad stays on the bed, the harder it gets for the family to survive. The little savings that we have made in the recent times quickly turned empty and we have no money left with us.

There must be some income generation and I have cursed myself for not being the right guy for a family that is constantly struggling.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Interview - TD

But things were not clearly right in order. I was struggling like hell at that time. But I was clueless for most of the times. Some sort of frustration came over me and I have even stopped sleeping on the rope beds during nights. It felt like, I really don’t deserve the luxury of sleeping.

One day, while at dinner, we had a running conversation about my future plans.

“So, it’s very clear that you are struggling with your interviews.” Isn’t it? Asked dad with a sarcastic smile on his face.

“Yeah. Kinda.” I replied plainly.

“Haha. You are my son after all.”

“Life has been tough for me and so it is the same for you now.” Dad smirked

“Well, it’s not that dad. There is a lot in common between us. But surely, we are missing on something that is very important. And if we both have got that, I am sure we will find some success in life” I came up with something so inspiring this time.

“Well, may be. I don’t know. But at this stage of my life, I can’t possibly go and search for something which I should have done some 21 years ago. It doesn’t count for me. 

But it does for you. As long as I am alive, I don’t want to see you doing the same job that I do. I know how difficult it is to sell fruits on a cart. I never wanted to see you doing the same. With you, I wanted the generation to be changed.

Anything that you want regarding your preparation, put it straight. I am going to get that for you. No matter what. All I wish is a better future for you.”

Those words caused a heaviness in me. After 5 failed attempts I never thought of giving it up. I don’t know what this job may offer me. But I know that, it makes mom and dad happy. Their happiness equals my happiness. And I began to prepare for the next interview that was due in 3 days.

3 days went off like a tracer bullet and I was in high spirits to clear my first few rounds and then, take it from there. But destiny is having something really terrible in stock for me.

Not many times I have qualified for the second round, but when I did, I made it to the last. So, I was preparing on how to be confident. And it was when I got a call from mom.

I have no idea of why she had called me during this part of the day. She well knew that I would be in an interview.

Generally, she calls me to know the status of my interview to which I literally hate answering on phone. But that day, something really made me pick up the call. But once after I did, mom was crying on phone. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Conversations - TD

“Though I don’t know much about these, I have heard they are a little tough to crack, is it?”

Dad kept track of everything that came his way. He has this strange curiosity towards new things and he tries recollecting the same with me after work. We used to brainstorm it for a while and then slip into sleep after having our favorite meal. Not to forget the pickle that I love the most.

“Yes dad. Not really easy though. The thing is that, the interviews are held completely in English and you know that my English is a little weak. But let’s see. I will try and give my best.” I assured dad and that made him feel lot better.

Meanwhile, Mom started to serve food for both of us in plates that we have got some ages back. We have had a lot of things that needs a sudden replace. But as per the current situation, we can’t even afford for something that is more than 2K worth.

Most of the times we used to have food in silence and once after we are done with the meal, we go out to sleep. It’s not on roads that we sleep all nights, but we used to have this temple stock area where the security guard allows us to sleep and we pay him monthly. 300 rupees for a family of 3.

And we used have rope beds there which are for our luxury. The rope beds are always exciting for me during that times and we more often take shifts for the use. I was allowed to sleep only 3 times a week. But when I do, I slip into sleep in a matter of seconds and that day I will dream like nobody else does.

Companies have started to come and I had tried my level best to reach the expectations. There is a systematic procedure and a lot of filtering process that separated the mediocre students from the best. But most of the times, I ended up being mediocre and thus I am publicly out.

But, the problem is that, every time I return home from an interview, a lot of eyes were actually waited for me to come and reveal the super news of getting placed. But having failed for more than 5 times in a single month, people have come to a conclusion that I am no longer good enough to seal a job.

Even Prakash uncle once came up to me and asked if everything is going okay. He also directed me to work more on the aptitude stuff that helped students clear the initial rounds with ease. After all, he has been so kind to our family and have helped me finish my education in time. So, I wanted to give him the respect that he deserved. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

The Dawn

It was an unusual summer night; the sound of rain drops was giving me company as I buried myself to complete few assignments and project reports.

Mom was busy preparing dinner on one side and catching up with the audio of the daily serial that was broadcast-ed in a house right next to ours. We never had TV during that time and neither had we got any space for all such luxuries.  

The place where we live doesn’t have any walls. It only has shacks. So, everything we spoke was well audible on the other side.

Usually mom opts rice for most of the nights because we get 20KG ration bag every month. I have no idea how government can provide this for needy. But what I personally feel is, they are doing a fine job. Lakh's and crores of corruption makes not much of a sense to me. As long as they provide food for the needy, I am happy.

I love having my dinner with mango pickle. Most of the times I end up with either pickle or curd rice. And I kinda like the combination most.

Dad usually reached home at 7 in the evening after completing his day sales. Sometimes he did reach home early. It’s been 21 years since he started selling fruits on a wheel cart. He did sell fruits all his life and had struggled to keep me educated. He loved me like no one did. And I love him like no one else did. We used to be so connected right from the moment I started to keep memory of things. And that’s how my life had been all these years. I didn’t really had much of friends at school as I belong to slum. Most of the kids from slum areas didn’t go to school. But dad sent me as he always wished for good things to come my way.

But on that rainy day, dad came home way too late than his usual. And to my surprise, not even half of the cart was sold by the end of the day.

Days like these come and go in our life. We have got used to it and we take it like it’s not our day.

“Get in quickly and let the fruits get into the basket” Mom mumbled, as she didn’t want our challenges to be a gossip in the neighborhood.

“Yeah. Take this one in” replied dad in a little unsettled tone.

He pretended as if everything was just alright, even though he hasn’t made the best of money for the day.

“So, my boy, how are your preparations coming up?” Dad inquired.

I could sense concern in his voice. Even though dad is illiterate he has amazing life skills, the one that is absolutely necessary to sustain life.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.