Looking towards the direction in which the finger was pointing, Nishit could not believe his eyes on what he saw. It was the same person who had robbed Rs. 5500 from the pocket that day. Nishit with stared at him surprisingly...even before he could understand anything the man suddenly disappeared.
Nishit was impatient now. The urge to know the reason behind this man writing a note made Nishit worry a bit more. He hurriedly drove his bike and halted near a garden close by. He went and sat on an empty bench in the garden and taking out the note from his pocket he began to read. The writings within the note were written in clearly legible and decent handwritings means this man was not an illiterate.
“Brother”
“At first, I beg of your mercy. I am really sorry that a few days back I had snatched your hard earned money. I am aware that you might be eager to know the reason so as to why I am writing this letter. But before I explain anything further I would like to give you a brief introduction about me.”
My name is Subash. I and my mother live close by in the alley down the lane. My mother works as a peon in an office close by and by that means we sustain our livelihood. We had a better life few years back. My father was an officer in a factory and we lived in a small beautiful flat. My family consists of my father, My mother and myself and we considered our home to be no less than heaven on earth. We all lived very happily together. People around us and our relatives would usually be jealous by looking at the lifestyle by which we were living.
I was a first ranker in my school. I was the most loved student by all the teachers in my school. Apart from being a topper in my studies, I also excelled in drawing, sports and acting. I was looked upon as an idol in my school and my society. I once stood first in acting at state level. Receiving an award from the hands of chief minister is still the best gift I have till date which I can never forget.
We used to Celebrate festivals like uttarayan, Navratri and Diwali in the most unique ways and was a style symbol for our family. Never in our wildest dreams we would have imagined that once the family which celebrated such festivals with such a favour will shatter like the way we are today.
One day, time in its disguise fell like disaster upon our happy and loving family. My father was sick and was diagnosed with cancer during his medical check up. It was like our world was shattered in a blink of an eye. A shadow of darkness now surrounded our house. When diagnosed, my father was on stage II cancer. With the passage of time the situation was slowly worsening. Due to chemotherapy my father began to lose his hair and our family savings. The results of chemotherapy were not so encouraging. Cancer was now on its last stage and by this time our house was also under mortgage. My father was resisting the money for his treatment and asked to save every penny but my mother would not give up so easily without giving cancer a fierce fight. But one day, my father breathed his last and I and my mother were left abandoned all of a sudden.
With a heavy heart I cremated my father. With his cremation, even my future and to be honest I’ll say all my dreams which were planted by my father were turned to dust. Since the rituals were going on and due to the frequent visits of relatives and friends we were still in a state of shock and grief. The situation after my father's demise was unimaginable. Our future was on a quest. We did not wish to take any favours from anybody and so we sold our flat to clear all our debts and we came to live in this place.
A new journey to life just began for us. My mother got a job as peon in a company. The salary was less and hardships were ever knocking on the door, In order that my studies are continued, my mother started working very hard day in and day out. Apart from working in the day, my mother started working as a maid in nights in our neighbouring houses cleaning and washing utensils. My education as result continued but due to not so good surroundings I started developing bad habits too. In a greed to earn money in a quick, a guy taught me the skill to rob and I learned it in no time. Now I started enjoying robbing people and earning money easily. Convincing my mother that I take tuitions for small kids I started supporting my mother financially. Whatever money I used to rob from people, a huge sum the person who taught me the skill used to snatch it away. But however one day my mother came to know about this and bashed me up thoroughly. I promised my mother that never again I shall commit such a crime.
Now I had completed my college studies too. I was looking for a job desperately but all my efforts went in vain. Even my mother was growing old and now due to her old-age she started to feel weak. One day while returning from work my mother had a feeling of drowsiness and she fell unconscious in the middle of the road. As soon as I got the matter I rushed there and took her immediately to the hospital. Looking at us the doctor who came to examine my mother understood about our financial condition. The doctor called me to his cabin and explained the medical status. He told me not to worry and that my mother will be alright very soon but for that she has to be admitted in the hospital and the cost for her treatment will be around 20,000 Rs. The doctor further added that he would not charge a single penny for his fees would try as much as he could for minimum expenses towards the medicines. He added any how I would have to deposit at least minimum sum of 5000 Rs. Now to arrange an amount of Rs. 5000 was almost impossible for me.
Next day was Sunday and so it was impossible to get money from my mother’s office. I then remembered my old skill of robbery but heart was not prepared. When all hope of getting money was lost, I made up my mind that I would look for a person to whom I could return the amount back. Making up my mind with these thoughts I came and stood at the bus stand and saw you standing there. I had seen you most of the times on your bike and was aware of your kindness also I had a belief that you seem to be a good person at heart. I came to know that you were carrying a huge sum of money just by looking at your pockets. I knew that you were the soft target who would help me fulfil my plan and then what ever I did you are very well aware of. That day I realised that you were purposefully allowing me to rob you and my intention grew much stronger.
If possible please forgive me, but I would like you to know that I have no one in my life except my mother and I could not lose her at any cost. Taking money from a kind person like you also helped me. My mother’s treatment was successfully accomplished and the very next day I got a job. I promise you that I shall return your money as soon as possible.
Forever in debited to you,
Subash,
Mob No: 98XXXXXXXX
Nishith was in tears. He began to weep acknoledging Subhash's thoughts. He looked around and saw many people in the garden. It was a cold evening. Nishit was happy in the comfort of the cold evening after a hectic day at work. Children were the most to take advantage of nature’s blessings in the garden. Nishit thought to himself that how can such a beautiful childhood get vanished so soon? childhood days are the most beautiful days of life. No politics and no hate among each other. Living with a pure heart and living as you wish. No protocols and no rules and regulations. Innocence is the most common attribute of childhood. But it's the same childhood that once it passes it never looks back or else we do not have the time to cherish our childhood memories. But when one gets lost in ones childhood memories and the happiness that spans out of it cannot be compared to any wealth or treasure that the earth can offer- that's a universal truth.
As Nishit proceeded to leave the garden, He heard his mobile ringing. was a call from Mr. Sinha, the Managing director of Sopan ad company. It was this call Nishit was anxiously waiting for. What might be the reason for this call? Did I get the job? Or else is it for a second round of interview? But for these reasons an owner of company will never call. So what might be the reason for Sinha Sir to call me. With lots of confusions, he lifted the call.
“Hello...Mr. Nishit?”
“Hello Sir... Good evening”
“Very good evening. How are you Nishit”?
“everything is fine sir...”
“How are the days at your work?
“Excellent Sir!”
“Then it seems that you are quite happy with your present job. You should not think for a change at all”.
“Ha. Ha Ha....Sir... As you are aware that I had communicated with you even in the interview that I put my heart in my work. Its my commitment towards my duty and the job profile at your officen is my passion.' Nishit was now aware that some good news was around the corner but he was eager to hear it from the Mr. Sinha where as he was still testing him.
“well OK...In that case you are absolutely correct. Congratulations! My dear boy.”Nishit was listening to the words for which his soul was longing. It was as if life was offering him a new beginning. Hearing the words of Mr. Sinha made Nishit busy. On an ongoing job I will have to resign... My resignation will not be accepted so easily...even after all this I will still have to convince my family....Don't know whether parents will agree to this or not...and if they don’t agree then what? With these questions in mind he suddenly remembered that he was still talking to Mr. Sinha.... Putting an end to his wandering thoughts he continued...
“Oh my God!... Oh! My God...Thanks a lot Sir. Exclaimed Nishit Joyfully. People in and around the garden started looking at Nishit surprisingly.
“Child...Keep calm...I am still not done.. You are too excited with the job. Primarily you are selected for the job but even then there are a few obstacles that have to be overcome.
Nishit again felt shocked. He began to think that on one side Mr. Sinha is congratulating him but on the other side he’s talking about obstacles. Whatever that might be it will be revealed soon...With these thoughts he continues..
“Yes sir tell...What are the obstacles...?”
