The Journey of Vishu..

I am VISHU… people call me this.. After a long time I am visiting my place.. it’s been almost 6 years since I left my village. I am working in New York.. a city which needs no introduction. Today I am a little busy No.. No.. since last night, packing all my bags, buying little gifts to my parents ,thathayya and to SONU and SWEETY… children of my sister, who are exactly like my devil sister AARADHYA and me. When we see them a little smile runs through our faces.. when they fight for the TV remote to watch their favourite cartoons.. when Sonu complained by sweety to her grandmother.. where Sonu goes to his grandfather to Appease him to escape scoldings from grand mother.Night I couldn’t sleep not withholding the excitement that I am going to visit my village after 6 years.

I remember those last days before I left for the US .My family surrounded by debts and I had no job. Only my father, the sole breadwinner.The day I never forget when my father was pulled out by collar through the house owner onto the Street for not being able to pay rent in time. The day I lost my guts …the ever smiling face of my father turned to be a never ending sorrow.. the day my tears froze to helplessness. Later I decided never to return my land unless I return the smile of my father. Whatever everything happy now.. All back to normal now except I… to home . That’s why Today I am leaving for India .I catch the flight in the early morning. I arrived in Hyderabad airport after much waiting …where the cool Breeze of my native State welcomed me with warmth. I hired a car to travel my village. The journey takes almost 4 hours. The serenity of the city,the Tankbund,the Monuments,my dear City buses,especially the Aroma of world’s famous Chicken Biryani from The streets of Hyderabad… the amused facial expressions of people sipping the tasty Irani Chai are adding a up a little heartfelt smile to my face. I stopped for a moment. I step down to have my turn to relish the Irani Chai..I took a gulp and a Bite of Samosa Which is an all time Combination Reminisced of my days back in Hyderabad .Journey continued.. Almost I finished half the distance of the city. I had a look through crops and trees and the birds that fly high in the sky..who constantly change their formation giving a feast for eyes. Suddenly it started to drizzle when the very first little drops started to touch the ground to give an immense fragrance delivering out of the soil. Incidentally, I was struck at a scene where the school children were helping an old woman to cross the road. I took a deep sigh and closed my eyes after a deep silence in my mind.

I have an image of me and my childhood friends running into a lake in my village to swim…the day where we enjoyed without knowledge, naiveness,Innocence.. leaving the world behind our heartfelt plays.When Sunday comes ..we all gang of friends and my sisters,brothers used to be on the street playing a number of games of Hide and seek,kabaddi, gillidanda, golilata, Ashta Chamma.. a little fights in between.. many times parents used to call for us to eat but we never had thought of any hunger ..when we are playing if we notice RANGAIAH master[ who daunts us and never leaves until we learn poem.. ] walking through our street we suddenly leave our place and dispersed to our hiding places.. one hides backside of a tree, in house one,and one in bathroom. If he notices,we know tomorrow in school, our turn comes for us making Frog jumps around the ground 5 times,but we use to enjoy the punishment also by commenting on each other.Though we had a Dilapidated school then we had a lot of fresh memories in it.Today those jumps,those days remain our favourite and our Beloved Rangaiah master also.I had many friends in that a witty friend named Ravi.. who every time loses in any play and never leaves until he wins at least once even if it takes sometimes evening also.. his mother used to call one time, two times.. Later She appears in the corner of the Street road with a wet neem stick in hand. By witnessing that Ravi used to run from the place ..chased by his mother( that reminds us of the scene like actress Shakuntala chasing Sunil in college in movie ‘Sontham’)by seeing that we all used to break into laughter…with that remembrance,I broke into laughter aloud. It startled the Car driver ..suddenly he stopped the car by bringing me back to the Real world. I told him that I remembered some joke …by this time we are almost near my village. Car Halted in front of my home.

Father,mother,sister,Sonu and Sweety,Ratnam aunty all rushed towards me to see after 6 years.. Sonu and sweety have grown up, mom and dad are Happy seeing me after long years.Ratnam aunty..sister of my father,who lives with us…is witty,selfless,brings good humour… Ratnam aunty, upon seeing me, asked “Pappannam eppudu.” (When will you marry?). I told,”I’m still searching for a bride. Why don’t you find me one?”She said,”already the bride is ready waiting for your nod only..”Everyone started to smile. If I extend the conversation she will not leave unless she marries me on this day itself. So I diverted the topic by saying,”I am so hungry, let’s move into home. Finally I am happy I entered my new home after its construction. My mother,sister ,and Ratnam aunty cooked a lot of varieties. It’s Aroma spread in the house… in that my favourite Dal with Brinjal fry by side and Mango pickle. A little flavour was added to it by a crunchy papad that was easily devoired.Haa..I ate my stomach full after long days. I had a good sleep after a long time. I got up almost by 9:00 a.m. in the morning, took a good shower,and got dressed . When I climbed down the steps, I noticed a man sitting in front of my father talking. Something started to run in my mind that I had seen before.Haa.. Yes..He is the same man who threw my father out of home some years back for not being able to pay rent in time .He is struggling to put a smile on his face and my father is talking to him with good esteem. It surprised me a lot. Later,I learnt that he came for a recommendation to his son whether I may show him any job opportunity. I remember onething, “yes.. money decides many things sometimes respect also.”However, I feel proud that I could see my father happy again.

I thought about spending some quality time with my family.Sonu is in 10th class and sweaty in 8th class,their school finishes by 4:30 p.m. Almost they reach home by 5 p.m. Later, They were busy with their Diary full of homeworks and then they clung to the mobile .On Sunday, Sonu was very busy playing new games introduced into the market FUB-G and Sweety with Free Ignition game. They could access every OTT platform Now,no fighting for remote as they got mobiles and no complaints to grandfather.. they talk to their friends.. mostly throw calls,they have their own friend’s WhatsApp groups. They will share their happiness, Birthday’s, functions in Social media status. Almost both of them have social media accounts. They share their notes and jokes.They are more Preoccupied with their daily duties.As a result I don’t find their time. Sonu will have his own group of friends and celebrations.. They celebrate birthdays in flamboyance.After his parties,sometimes he reaches home by 10:00 p.m. Or sometimes by 11:00 p.m. Or sometimes maybe by midnight. His father and mother sometimes shouts at him for being late and sometimes never because maybe their love towards him would stop them. Most of the time he gives Arrogant replies and he never want to understand what they mean to tell him. I tried to spend some time with the sweety and Sonu but every time they were preoccupied with their own businesses even I went in the middle to poke them to make some fun. They weren’t able to respond well. However one day I made up my mind to create some space in between them and to spend some time along with them.

one fine day ,I called both of them. I asked,” what are you doing?”Sonu,”playing video games.” and Sweety,” watching a movie in OTT.”I took their mobiles and put them aside.

I said,” let’s have some fun.”

Sonu, “what mama… fun?”

“ Yes.”

“Lets move out today to enjoy the day..”

sweety,” where mama ?”I said,”movie??”.

Sonu,”Movie a.a..we can watch it in OTT mama.. why should we go to town to watch?”

I told ,”Now you may be feeling that Everything is in your hands to access every movie that is coming to the OTT ,but a movie is an experience where you can really feel the fun,emotion,surprise and visuals all together…. where you immerse yourself in it and that…. you can really get only in theatre. OTTs will never replace the theatre experience of movies.”

I asked ,”Sonu, who is your favourite actor?”.He thought for a while and told Junior NTR .Sweety said,”Ram Charan.”

I said,”OK chalo, then let’s move to the movie RRR.. where you can both enjoy your favourite actor’s performance .”both after thinking for sometime finally they said, okay.We went to the nearby town to watch the movie. It was really a good experience. Both of them felt very happy and told me how they liked the visuals and performance of their both favourite actors and the emotional scenes between them. Later we went to a nearby restaurant to have our lunch and I told them to order what they wanted. Sonu ordered Chicken Biryani and Sweety of her favourite Cheese Pasta and I, Qubani ka meetha ..they talk about the movies, the friends they like..their school subjects and their favourite teachers and whom they hate for giving more homework so happily. It was a good day because I spent some time with them after a long time …then after an hour we reached home by 6:00 p.m.I think it is Sunday.

I wanted to meet some of my old friends. So I got fresh up and walked into the streets but they are not that much busy like before..where I saw before streets used to fillup with tantrums of children,and Bullock carts passing through street..but now clumsy with bikes parked on half the roads and kids and children group to play their favourite online games in the corners of the road.During my Walk in the street I noticed My dilapidated School turned new and nearby a Play area,Primary Health centre Bearing name” Donated by Aarush Abhinandhan.” felt a bit happy finally seeing them in New.Beside School Still I could feel The Aroma of Tea and Mirchi made By SALIM BHAI Where our Friends &me were regular guests eating but not Paid bill mostly…But Salim Bhai Used to treat us like his Own brothers.But I came to know Salim Bhai was Died in CORONA.That day made me really Sad.We missed his Company.

Finally,I met my friends after a long time.We had a good conversation regarding our school,Rangaiah master,Our days back in school and the comments we made on each other, most of them married and most settled in towns. We are cracking some jokes in between and having some fun …Suddenly heard some noise,a little distance in front of us and people gathered there. We Rushed there and found a boy of not less than 15 years ramming his bike into a lorry,when we saw he was in blood and in almost his last minutes. He was immediately taken to hospital. By late evening I got the news that the boy was dead. I couldn’t sleep that night because of the Images of the crashed bike and the boy breathing hardly in a pool of blood is constantly running in my mind,deprived my sleep. The next morning,I witness the place where the accident happened is left with dried Blood,the steered lines made by bike on road after colliding with lorry.

People there in a tea stall, nearby bus stand,started to Whisper one told”what is the need of a bike to a little boy?” and another keenly sipping the tea told,” Boy was really rude and runs the bike at a speed of 100 km per hour in the streets, etc.or etc..

I think it is 9:00 p.m. in the night. I was almost asleep .I started getting repetitive calls from my New York company. I picked up the call. I was told to send some important mails to the company.My laptop got repaired during my trip to India so I went to my friend Ravi.. he is also a software employee …stays in the next Street on the top floor of his house and he is unmarried…. I called and went to his home..His room was packed with all technical stuff, books and looked like a typical bachelor room. I took the laptop and thought to send mails in an hour and leave for home, but it took almost 3 hours as there was an internet problem. By then Ravi had already slept. I put his laptop off after work and thought about leaving without disturbing Ravi. It is a full moon day. The land was a bit bright with the moon’s illumination. The cool Breeze is making the environment more pleasant. I stood at the corner of top floor and wanted to be in this Breeze for sometime ..suddenly,my sight got attention where a person disguising himself jumped up the wall of school which is near to Ravi’s home.He handed over some things to the persons in school,who are nearby a Large tree and he disappeared in seconds from that place. I couldn’t clearly spot the persons behind the Tree but I understood they are THREE.One of them opened the packet that was handed over to them by the disguised man and starter crushing between hands and made some rolls and three of them Lit the corner of the roll and started to smoke. I have a reminiscence of what my friends have told and somewhere I read in the newspaper,saw in movies.. If I am not wrong, definitely they are consuming MARIJUANA or otherwise called GANJA..My curiosity started to build ,I climbed down steps and walked towards school to see who are you those actually. I came near the school wall from where they could be easily visible.I have a glance at them.I was dumbstruck… suddenly an unknown Chill went through my spine.

My legs were freezed to the ground.Little voice in me unintentionally calls So… So…Sonu…Sonu with the roll in his hand holding between fingers with smoke that flows like clouds from his mouth turned towards me.

He and his two friends were awestruck.. the roll in his hand slipped to ground …smoke emptied his mouth.After a minute of silence…Sonu and his friends Started to run away from that place in different directions…I also begin to run after Sonu… he is running with barefoot in Non-linear way…may be the Marijuana started to show its effect. Suddenly it started drizzling….the drizzle in few minutes became a thick rain I keep on Calling ” Sonu wait….”He couldn’t hear…and started to pull-up more speed out of his gut. Suddenly,he slipped down to ground & got Hurt …bruised his Knee, Exhausted,sweat mingled with rain and his unnoticed Innocence,but he immediately got up resumed to run ,blood trickled down to ground as I noticed on the path….Suddenly he disappeared at the corner of the street..I couldn’t spot where he was…I was bewildered.A deep silence occupied my mind.It is 12:30 pm at night .It is still raining..the streets are empty.

I started to call “Sonu … .Sonu…Where are you…?

I Shouted for many times but in vain… Abruptly the rain has stopped…I could feel a resonating sound at the end of the long street … .It’s Sonu..! I took a breath that he Continuously banging the Door of a house…it’s my home…I rushed towards him…Incidentally,someone from family Opened the door…before I could reach ….He moved with Urgent Haste into his room by gust of wind that blown by the force he closed the door.Almost Everyone of Family woke up and all of them were Perplexed,astonished and in an Oblivion where they Couldn’t Understand what is Happening at this Moment.I climbed the Steps fastly Knocking the door continuously…but no response,he locked the door…the line of sweat flow through from my Hair..my Sister,father also came and started jointly knocking the door.…and finally With a Desperate emotion with Force I kicked the Door Open… We were flabbergasted,Speechless to notice Sonu was lying in pool of blood in immobile state …may have fell down to floor due to inebriated situation…my sister was freezed and struck to the wall by witnessing his son in never seen situation..I took Sonu immediately out of floor and landed him on my shoulder…in running I shouted at father,”get the Car fast Dad….” I & my sister landed into car with Sonu,my father is driving.We reached the Town,it is 1:30 am in night Doctors are not available at that time …We visited almost 3 hospitals..they haven’t admitted.I am constantly looking at Sonu,there is no movement….I was in helpless situation. Suddenly,I remembered my friend Dr.ANITHA who is also working in town in some Hospital,I called her with her help finally we admitted Sonu in Hospital.The Next few hours were terrible. No one in our family has talked to each other. We are reeling under fear to hear What might be Anitha Going to tell.Anitha came out of ICU I talked to her.

She told,”His Condition is normal now.But a minor fracture,it takes minimum 3 weeks to recover.He lost more blood,we injected him new blood.But due to the amount of drug he has taken still he is in anaesthetic condition and he is Undergoing a trauma let’s not ask,discuss any matter with him. Let him take the rest and everything will be alright Soon.”I thanked Anitha for her help and generosity at the moment.One Thing She cautioned me before leaving is about the Drug he took. The next morning my sister and I went to see Sonu once ..he was lying on bed with a cover of Nebulizer over his face. He had barely any glance towards us.. once he noticed us,tears started to flow through his eyes …his mother is inconsolable.I tried to break the eyes,”Don’t cry,we are with you. You haven’t done any harm.See your mother also wanted to talk to you and Sweety is also looking to fight with joy again after you recover.” But he didn’t stop crying in between one Nurse has arrived and told “please don’t disturb the patient he needs rest “and requested us to leave the ICU .

After 1 week we discharged Sonu from the hospital.In the meantime, I contacted the local SI ,with whom I had good communication. His name is RAGHURAM ..One of the honest and good cops that I saw in recent times.I informed Raguram regarding this incident. He was not surprised much.

I asked Raghuram” have you spotted any cases like this before ?”

He replied,”Do you remember recently one boy died in an accident in your group village?”

I said,” yes.”

He said,” what do you think about his death?

I said,” I still remember that day where I was disturbed a lot.. I think because of his speeding,he rammed his bike into the lorry and died in the accident .”

Raghuram said “No,not Exactly”.

I surprisingly asked,” then what is the reason? “. He told,” He was died because the last night throughout he consumed the Marijuana and other type of drugs…. the accident was happened because of his inebriated situation. To our great Surprise the Boy Who was the Pillion Rider also died. It is not the one case that has taken the life of a child, but many till 2 years ago. Now its number is decreased at least here in our Block level.”

I am shocked for a moment and asked,”I don’t understand Why are children also becoming prey for these …!! and how do they feel after taking Marijuana or some other drugs?”

He Told,”People who are taking large doses of marijuana may experience common effects,Which may vary dramatically among different people, including heightened sensory perception(e.g., brighter colours), laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite,an acute psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of the sense of personal identity. According to. NHTSA’s ( The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,USA ) Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk Study found that marijuana users are more likely to be involved in crashes. However, the increased risk may be due in part because marijuana users are more likely to be young men, who are generally at a higher risk of crashes.”

In haste I have posed many questions to Raguram,”Why actually these drugs are for..! Why are people, especially students, addict to it ..? Why do they enter into the early age of students ..?How the drugs have found the way to villages..?”He understood my deep Frustration in mind and he tried to convey everything peacefully through reality.

He said ,”Vishu this issue is not as simple as it looks.Before the use of this Ganja or Marijuana or cannabis whatever you name it …are confined to some cities or particular areas only… As the World is expanding its Wings and of it’s dark side Also.These products are illegally imported from nearby countries and mostly they target the youth.They have many people who operate this network. First they target youth and try to lure them and offer Ganja free of cost for 2 to 3 times ..Later they offer for price.Students who used to it sometimes will definitely buy it as he/she becomes addict to its taste. Later he/She accumulate money to buy next time also ..As Every Student Don’t have More money ….they resort to theft,make Debts..if they don’t find money they themselves become one of the Drug peddlers…start to buy and sell for more price….because of this drug Peddling,they get Ganja as well as money and lure more people into it.As you said a disguised Man handed over drugs to Sonu&his friends may also a Drug peddler.The people are like who smoke marijuana often inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in their lungs for a longer duration which is different with cigarettes.Marijuana’s effects last longer. People who use marijuana may smoke less frequently than those who smoke cigarettes.The addicted had a much higher chance of developing depression and attempting suicide.

Several studies have also linked heavy marijuana use to lower income, greater welfare dependence, unemployment, criminal behaviour, and lower life satisfaction and to tell you Practically,in the nearby district areas this business is prevalent under the observance of a Local leader, who is the owner of some colleges here. Even he is aware of this. He never let that stop and never let any action in to be taken. He influenced the powers. He threw up the money. 2 years back When I was a CI in another nearby district. I red handedly caught 20 drug peddlers and put them behind bars. I tried to whistle blow regarding where the centre of business is operating but I was threatened, Bullied,and they tried to harm my family..But I never shook, I felt only one thing at that moment in my mind that life of future generations like my children shouldn’t be spoiled. I try to prove the public that if anyone indulges in such activities they get strong sentences by Courts.But I was not completely successful. I was transferred to this District area Because out of 20 criminals I caught…. With the help of the local leader, 5 accused escaped. By showing this as a reason I was transferred and demoted to SI. However, at least I was successful in getting the sentence for the remaining 15 criminals .In these 2 years with the help of my other Subordinates we bring down the actual drug sellers to single digit…. as the routes are spread to many more villages. Many students’ futures are under threat between hidden politics and thirst for power.”I really felt happy for Raghuram’s strong conviction and responsibility in heart.

I asked Raghuram,”If the situations continue like this,how could we make society Drug free”.He said,” Vishu..one can’t solely clean up the society like it shows in the 3 hour long movie.It needs a collective effort from parents, politicians,leaders and by spreading awareness,increased discussion,feeling of moral responsibility, teaching,inculcating moral values to children and in society.The problem from the society go only after the pest is burnt from the roots along with the law.The Law will cut the branches from preventing growth but at the end, it is we who have to take care of the roots.By hearing all these and understanding the practicality of situation,almost my gut was shacken,but gave me a clarity…. I felt,like Raghuram, if everyone feels responsible for society definitely,we can create a difference.

Later I requested Raghuram not to involve Sonu and his friends in any case or any disturbed action because they are minors and their education may get Spoiled. Raghuram told,” These students are just like Bait for thirsty and choice for many ill Knaves to make loads of money..they are not actual culprits.Ok,I don’t take any action on children, but I wanted to Council the Children once.”I said,”ok”, and thanked him for his Generosity and understanding.

AFTER 3 MONTHS……

I am going back to new york with mixed emotions surrounding me.Sonu… he is well and very active now.In the last 2 months he developed an emotional bond with me …sweety too..and my sister, father, mother also..it is not like the last time,it is difficult to leave this time. I called Sonu…” Sonu, I want you to see you as a captain in the Under-16 cricket team.”

Sonu told happily,”Sure mama,definitely. I will make it .”

Before boarding the car I told,”Ratnam aunty. I surely marry next time when I come ..search for a nice girl for me.”Ratnam aunty and all faces blossomed into smiles.My journey started back to the airport. I lean back to my seat.

Slowly,I started to recollect things back 3 months ago. After talking with RaghuRam,Personally I realised Onething, “ A change could be brought in society,only when a moral change starts from within a family,people,me or yourself.”

After 3 weeks of treatment almost Sonu recoverered.I admitted Sonu in a Rehabilitation Centre.As he was in a Starting stage when he consumed drugs,he was sent within a week back to home.In the meantime, I start to find out the reason why actually Sonu turned towards drugs .After talking to his friends and a little bit of enquiry. I understood the reason that he was interested in Sport CRICKET. He made dreams to play for Indian cricket team in future.Usually his room,books used to fill with the world of Cricket .Oneday when he scored less in exams his father Scolded him by not understanding his interests. He broke Sonu’s Favourite bat and burnt the pictures in the room of his favourite batsman in front of Sonu. Both my sister and Brother-in-law fear that if he doesn’t study now, his future will be spoiled. and he can’t achieve the Medicine seat in future for that he needs to focus more from Schooling Onwards.By saying all these they enrolled him in Special classes….. tuitions …packed with all the studies ..Sonu from there after couldn’t speak anything about Cricket.He is going to school…. going to tuition…To control his Pain he Preoccupied with mobile,friends ..there were days he used to sit for studying …the days used to turn but not the page he was struck. He can’t tell anything to anyone in the family… can’t express his feelings …interests.His inner pain,Stress lead him to bad friendship then to drugs in unexpected age… After understanding all this situation My heart was moved by thinking about how Sonu had Spent these days. By thinking all these I slowly walked into my home and laid on the sofa. My sister Aaradhya has come [and her husband is beside] and told me,”Vishu I should change Sonu school and cut down his friends. I will enrol him in new tuition. I see that be strict…then only he will focus on studying..”

I was irritated by what my sister had told, and I erupted,” stop it Aaradhya.!..just stop it..! “

My sister shockingly asked,” what happened Vishu? Is there anything wrong…!! “

I asked,”Who do you think is the reason for Sonu’s condition?”

She replied “his friends, Bad Company !”

I said ,”no, you people are the reason!”

she said ,”what are you talking about Vishu?”

I said, “yes, you are the reason.”

She said ,”what! We provided every facility ..admitted him to the top most school …brought whatever he needed…giving pocket money.. Everything What’s not !”

I said,” you have provided every facility ,more than required ,nowadays parents like you feel,if they provide whatever child asks …it shows their more love towards them..Is it…? You think that you are arranging everything.Atleast Can he know the value of the things that he gets..? Children have everything except the time of parents…! In the morning,he goes to school …evening to tuitions…. Holidays are fed up with mobiles, friends and movies ….where you are giving time to children to understand their interests …problems ….the stress they are undergoing.. the unnoticed stress you are imposed….? you think about the future of children in marks and number games and Society members fame. Children are having access to all the OTT in the market.. a lot of information under their fingertips ..We think they have a world of knowledge. Are we having any idea of the content they access…? they don’t know pain ..don’t know how to develop perseverance….The days have changed to hybridised Era.. How can they cope up the struggle, pain and how to handle situations …As we ourselves are busy with our duties and working on our careers… are we allotting the Basic time ….?

We all are submerged in the new age Technology.. it’s not wrong to adapt to generation features, but it becomes an Ailment when we forget the basic moral duties.. “Aaradhya ..you know, what Sonu aimed for ..? He wanted to become a captain like Dhoni …he wants to play for Indian cricket team in future. Have you seen his medals and scores on the school Cricket board…? He wanted to make you proud by becoming one of the finest cricket players …But You want to become Happy by making him Doctor …!see this….( I throw the Sonu diary in front of Aaradhya and she started looking into it. )But what have you done …?? imposed stress on him like any other parents …and Now he stopped dreaming about cricket..?? Aaradya Just try to understand his basic Emotions…”

Aaradhya started reading into Sonu’s diary. After reading some pages she closed the book and broke into tears. My brother-in -law tried to console her. Aaradhya told,” I am sorry Vishu, I did not really understand that he had this much passion towards cricket and love towards us. I calmed down and told her,” let’s leave this from here ..he is fine now.. and we have understood what he really needs at present.”

The next day is Sonu’s birthday. We want to celebrate it specially in the morning. I went to sonu..

I wished,”wish you happy birthday Sonu.”He told silently,”Thank you. Mama.”

” Sonu, look here what I got for you..

Sonu,”gift aa..”

“ open it Sonu”

“Sonu told reluctantly,” I will open it later mama.”

“ No sonu, you should open now” I insisted. After opening it he did not speak for some seconds.. Later his eyes became wet after seeing the gift. It is his favourite cricket bat in the Gift box .He Embraced me like a small baby and wept to my shoulder.

I wiped the tears and told, “Don’t worry everything will be alright from today.”

I accompanied him to the birthday celebration area in the hall to cut the cake. His mother presented him the new cricket kit and his father his favourite Dhoni posters.Both hugged Sonu and told,”Sorry Sonu for everything..”

His father said by seeing Sonu with wet eyes,” I am sorry Sonu, I am really sorry for what I have done to you. From now onwards, you can pursue whatever you want.. No one will restrict you. Even I talked to a famous Cricket Academy nearby. You can have a blast from tomorrow…”

Sonu tears were landed on his Fathers hands. Seeing all these Ratnam aunty and all of us who were present there became emotional .Later We celebrated Sonu’s birthday happily and All of us danced and Sang in joy.I presented a new Canvas to Sweety also … .as she is very interested in paintings… As this flow of celebration continued …A slow voice waking me out of my thoughts, “sir Airport….”

I was awakened from my thoughts and started to collect my luggage and started walking into the airport. I was almost on time for the Flight. I could hear the announcement, calling my name “Arush Abhinandan.”

(19-10-2023)