Based On A True Story.
This one line is enough to get you curious. Remember the last time you were all excited to read a book or watch a horror movie just because the story line was 'based on a true story'? Well, you might have thought "can this happen in real life?" or have said, "this is all cooked up, it's too good to be true.", like me. But these stories aren't fiction or fragments of the writer's imagination. Like my mother says, "You don't have to hunt down for stories, they come from us. They are a part of us." Here is one of the stories I've come across last week.
35 years ago. (or some 40 years ago)
He was the only child in his family. His father had settled in the city of Hyderabad to earn a living. His mother took care of the household while her husband was struggling to get a decent job. They didn't inherit any riches from their forefathers neither could they afford the high school education. They weren't too poor or something, just had enough to get three square meals everyday. The only hope they had was their son. The mother insisted that their son should go to school and study. She was worried about her son's future. Her husband was worried about the school fees. From then on, even she started working to save some money for the tuition fees. The day her son had written 'A' on the slate, was the best day of her life.
When the son had failed in term exams in high school, his parents were upset. His father didn't scold him, kept quiet the whole day. His mother too wasn't talking to him. More than his scores, he felt bad about his parents not talking to him. Later that day his mother went up to him and wiped the tears on his face. "To tell you the truth, your father and I have been working very hard to pay for your education. Your father works overtime at the office and stays awake all night to earn that extra rupee so that you can study and get a job that will satisfy your needs. Neither of us have finished high school nor do we come from royal families to feed you with silver spoons. Listen, we know how it is like to survive in this world without a proper education. And we're willing to give anything to get you into good colleges for higher studies. This is all we can do for you, son. Remember, you'll able to live without being bothered about the future only if you study now. I've told what I had to, rest is in your hands now."
His mother's words had made him think. That night he realized the kind of uphill battle his parents were fighting all along. He decided to concentrate on his studies and work hard. Harder than his parents, for his parents. And after that, he never disappointed them. He went on to finish his graduation with distinction from one of the prestigious institutions and had applied for a job at the Indian Airlines. (the present Air India) His father's eyes welled up when tore open the letter from the Indian Airlines which read that his son was now an employee of the company. His mother didn't stop feeding him his favourite laddoos. The pride in the parents eyes erased all their weariness of the past.
The son had plans to take up another job somewhere else to take better care of his parents. He roamed all around the city to get into a part time job. He finally ended up at the office of a famous theater in Secunderabad. (which was demolished long back) He convinced the management that he would attend to his duties on time and be accountable for every action. He was placed as a part-time manager at the theater. He was contended with his life. He was young and efficient at work. It was all good, until that day.
While he was heading home back from the office, he was informed that the owner of the theater wanted to see him immediately. He went to the owner's house, "probably the biggest house I'll ever see.", he thought. He knocked on the door and a pretty lady answered. "Yes?" He forgot he had to say something. "Sir sent a word that he wanted to see me.", he answered after gathering his senses. "Please be seated.", she called out for her father. He liked the colour of her saree. His boss showed up after a while and the lady served him some refreshments. "My daughter. She returned this morning from Chennai. In final year now at the Stella Maris." he had noticed the hint of pride in his boss' voice. He looked at her, she smiled at him.
To be continued........
Soumya Inavilli
35 years ago. (or some 40 years ago)
He was the only child in his family. His father had settled in the city of Hyderabad to earn a living. His mother took care of the household while her husband was struggling to get a decent job. They didn't inherit any riches from their forefathers neither could they afford the high school education. They weren't too poor or something, just had enough to get three square meals everyday. The only hope they had was their son. The mother insisted that their son should go to school and study. She was worried about her son's future. Her husband was worried about the school fees. From then on, even she started working to save some money for the tuition fees. The day her son had written 'A' on the slate, was the best day of her life.
When the son had failed in term exams in high school, his parents were upset. His father didn't scold him, kept quiet the whole day. His mother too wasn't talking to him. More than his scores, he felt bad about his parents not talking to him. Later that day his mother went up to him and wiped the tears on his face. "To tell you the truth, your father and I have been working very hard to pay for your education. Your father works overtime at the office and stays awake all night to earn that extra rupee so that you can study and get a job that will satisfy your needs. Neither of us have finished high school nor do we come from royal families to feed you with silver spoons. Listen, we know how it is like to survive in this world without a proper education. And we're willing to give anything to get you into good colleges for higher studies. This is all we can do for you, son. Remember, you'll able to live without being bothered about the future only if you study now. I've told what I had to, rest is in your hands now."
His mother's words had made him think. That night he realized the kind of uphill battle his parents were fighting all along. He decided to concentrate on his studies and work hard. Harder than his parents, for his parents. And after that, he never disappointed them. He went on to finish his graduation with distinction from one of the prestigious institutions and had applied for a job at the Indian Airlines. (the present Air India) His father's eyes welled up when tore open the letter from the Indian Airlines which read that his son was now an employee of the company. His mother didn't stop feeding him his favourite laddoos. The pride in the parents eyes erased all their weariness of the past.
The son had plans to take up another job somewhere else to take better care of his parents. He roamed all around the city to get into a part time job. He finally ended up at the office of a famous theater in Secunderabad. (which was demolished long back) He convinced the management that he would attend to his duties on time and be accountable for every action. He was placed as a part-time manager at the theater. He was contended with his life. He was young and efficient at work. It was all good, until that day.
While he was heading home back from the office, he was informed that the owner of the theater wanted to see him immediately. He went to the owner's house, "probably the biggest house I'll ever see.", he thought. He knocked on the door and a pretty lady answered. "Yes?" He forgot he had to say something. "Sir sent a word that he wanted to see me.", he answered after gathering his senses. "Please be seated.", she called out for her father. He liked the colour of her saree. His boss showed up after a while and the lady served him some refreshments. "My daughter. She returned this morning from Chennai. In final year now at the Stella Maris." he had noticed the hint of pride in his boss' voice. He looked at her, she smiled at him.
To be continued........
Soumya Inavilli
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