CONTINUED FROM 'THE QUEST - PART 2'
The next evening, Tausif who had just returned home from his cricket practice, handed over the Accountancy book to Rishab who was manning the parking area. At 10 at night when Rishab rang the flat door bell, the teenager himself opened the door as he was anxiously waiting for the book.
"See me when ever you are free tomorrow evening. Accountancy is a piece of cake." said Rishab with a wink to the surprised Tausif as he handed over the book to him.
"I will," he replied as he heard his father call him and hurriedly shut the door.
The next day in the evening, Tausif along with his friend Sameer who studied in the same class and lived in the same apartment, went to meet Rishab along with the Accountancy book in his hand. As usual the watch man was busy with his chores.
Tausif mockingly asked him, "Masterji when will you start the class? I have to be back home before my father returns."
"Give me a few minutes, I'll be there as soon as I am done with my work," said the watch man.
The boys loitered near the watch man's seat. As soon as Rishab came he inquired with the boys on how their day went. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they immediately started with Accountancy. The boys in a state of amazement with their mouth open listened to the fluent English spoken by the watch man which appeared to be of high standard; the flawless calculations; and the examples that sounded more like personal experiences. The boys had a feeling they were not listening to a layman but a business tycoon. His teaching style was clear, simple, understandable and interesting. He cleared all their doubts very smartly. This left the boys dazed. Rishab's lessons were interrupted when the flat owners stopped by to speak to him or when he had to attend to work. The boys were so engrossed in learning that they lost track of time. Their lessons came to an abrupt halt when they heard the stern voice of Mr. Khan, Tausif's father asking, "What's going on here? What are you boys doing here at this hour?"
The trio stood up and Tausif answered proudly, "Learning Accountancy!"
"From whom? The watch man? Have you lost your mind?" he said with a mocking laughter.
"But dad he is excellant! You must listen to him."
"You boys better go home and stop goofing around," said Mr. Khan sternly.
The boys looked at Rishab with a sullen face and without mustering courage to utter another word ran up the stairs.
The teenagers knew that their night watch man was no ordinary person. They were overwhelmed with excitement. The next evening they were waiting for their new tutor's arrival at the building entrance. As soon as he entered the building the boys spoke in unison in English, "You were excellent yesterday! It was much easier to understand today's class. Where are you from? How do you know so much?"
The boys went on bombarding him with a lot of other questions. Rishab once again narrated his tall tale about the head injury and the memory loss.
"How sad! We are very sure you are a well read person," said Sameer.
"You will surely regain your memory," said Tausif and with a surprised look on his face continued, "But it's surprising that you haven't forgotten your Maths or English."
Sameer intervened as Rishab opened his mouth to respond, "Rishab we have our semester exams next month end and we need your help."
At this Rishab was relieved that he didn't have to fib again and happily said, "We will work on that, provided your parents let you spend some extra time with me here."
"More over we have a presentation to make in the Business Studies class the next week. Can you please help us with that?" asked Tausif beseechingly.
Rishab realised that this was going a little over the top. He had a mind to charge the boys for the tutions. But he had his doubts on continuing teaching the boys on seeing Mr. Khan's attitude towards him. Moreover he was here doing a watch man's job and not a professor's. He reminded himself that he was 'Jagannath Joshi' the millionare who owned CART Financial Company. Hence his pride subdued him from earning petty money. After all he was looking forward to own the 'Treasure Trove' at the Edinburgh Museum. He wondered what and how long it would take him to own it. Thus he decided to play along. "Yes, I shall help you boys once I am free. It's best if you boys go get your books and wait for me."
Rishab soon found himself in the company of the boys answering their academic questions and clearing their doubts.
"Looks like the boys have found a new professor. What are you up to Rishab?" scorned Mr. Khan.
The trio who were immersed in discussing the subjects were startled all of a sudden.
"Dad Rishab's helping us with our studies."
"What is he, a professor from the Oxford University?" asked Mr. Khan mockingly.
In reality, Rishab aka Jolly was a graduate from the Oxford University, London.
At this Rishab felt instigated and had every intention of replying "Yes!" but stood silent with his eyes down cast as to not to blow off his true identity.
"Rishab you are wasting the boys time."
"No Sir, I am helping them."
Amused Mr. Khan said "Really!" and furiously said "I want to see good grades on my son's marks sheets, if not you will lose your job. Do you understand?"
On seeing Mr. Khan's high headedness Rishab felt a surge of anger in him. Controlling his impulses he merely replied with a "Yes Sir!"
Mr. Khan looking at his son, barked, "You boy if you don't live up to my expectations, you will have to pay a huge price." saying this he took the stairs to his flat.
Rishab enjoyed helping the boys with their studies. Everyday he would look forward to going to the apartment. There were times when he would reach the building much earlier than expected. At times while teaching the boys, some of the flat residents would kindly address him as 'Masterji', 'Professor' and 'Teacher'. In days he was popularly known as the 'Maths Teacher' than the 'Night Watch Man' in the apartment. He was Happy as a sun flower. This also reflected on his work at the hotel. He appeared to be more gentle to the other Room Boys which surprised them. Keeping in mind the bad conduct from his past, the room boys would manage to sadistically probe the demon in him by calling him names. The work environment in the hotel didn't tend to cheer Rishab very much.
It was the beginning of the new month ever since Rishab began his work in the hotel. One mid morning when the room boys were busy with their chores, Sikandar got a call from home. As he had to leave immediately he summoned Rishab who was in the next room busy with his work and instructed him to clean the rooms that Sikandar was supposed to. Sikandar was ready to lash out at Rishab as he had got him conditioned in doing so either by whining or refusing to work. But that day Sikandar was caught by surprise when Rishab reacted by saying, "Yes! I'll do it. Is everything alright? You seem to look worried." As the Senior Room boy didn't expect this he was stunned for a few seconds. After regaining his composure, he stammered the words, "I...I...I don't know when I'll be back. You finish the work," saying this he literally broke into a run.
The next day when Sikandar returned to work, he was impressed with Rishab as he had completed the work single handedly and there were no complaints against him. Rishab also appeared to look peaceful and happy. Sikandar approached Rishab and handed over a sealed envelope to him which appeared a little bulky. "This was handed over to me by your friend Mr. Shankar. He asked me to give it to you," he said.
Rishab wondered what it contained and received it with a "Thank You!" He took care as to open the envelope in the Gents Rest Room which was normally empty. Rishab was surprised to discover that the envelop contained a bank pass book, an ATM Card and a hand written letter by Shankar to Rishab. Rishab was pleased to learn that the salary he would draw either at the Hotel or the Apartment would go into the newly opened bank account which is in Shankar's name as Rishab has no legal identity in the country. The ATM Card would help him draw money when ever required. Rishab appeared relieved by that gesture. From the first salary that he received at the hotel he hopped into a MacD restaurant and dug his teeth into a Jumbo Chicken Burger. But the first salary from the Apartment very reluctantly as promised went into the pocket of the Day Watch man of the 'Star Towers' building.
Tausif and Sameer were waiting for their tutor to give him the good news. As soon as Rishab appeared in the apartment premises they ran to him holding a small box of eateries. When Rishab held it, it appeared warm and smelled sweet like as if it had come out of the bakery.
"What's this all about?" he asked the excited boys with a sense of surprise.
"Our presentation was considered as the best in the class!" told Tausif with glee.
"Thank you so much Brother, those sweets are for you!" said Sameer.
Rishab was happy for the boys. The word 'Brother' stood out in his mind and he was glad that he had not only made friends but now had 'Brothers' whom he never thought would exist in his life. He thought if this is how it feels like to have 'Brothers', then "Cheers to the new found relationship!"
The news about the Night Watch Man's expertise was all over the apartment. When Sameer's mother approached him inquiring about the tuition fees that she would have to pay him, he was taken by surprise.
As he had not given it a thought, he very kindly said, "Madam I don't teach them for a fee. I derive great joy in helping them. They are more like family to me than mere boys living in the apartment."
For the first time in his life Rishab aka Jolly felt a sense of satisfaction in helping total strangers, just for the joy of helping. This surely was a new feeling that he had never felt before.
The apartment Night Watch Man's popularity was such that Rahul a college student living in the apartment came seeking help in Maths and Varun was keen on bettering his English Communication. Some of the parents wanted him to teach their school going children. As Rishab kindly declined their approach, at the same time Mrs. Sadvi the Flat Owners Association President growled at the women, "He is here to perform the watch man's duties and definitely not a tuition teacher. Kindly look for a tuition teacher else where. Please let him do his work." Giving Rishab a stern look she said, "I am sure you don't want to lose your watch man's job, or do you have an intention of switching to teaching?" Rishab for a moment contemplated on this and had half the mind to take up teaching as his profession, but then blurted out a "No Madam!" In spite of this Rishab was gladly helping 4 children. at times their lessons would go till midnight. During such times the boys parents would wait in the waiting area either by working on their laptop or snooze in their seat.
Back in the hotel Sikandar observed that of late Rishab had turned patient, hard working, joyful and serene. When Sikandar brought this to Rishab's notice, with a sense of disbelief and joy, all that Rishab said was, "Really!?! WOW! Thanks for letting me know," and he danced his way to complete his duties. On the contrary Rishab observed that Sikandar had become irregular for work. When he inquired with him, Rishab learnt that Sikandar's father was fighting a tough battle with his life. The old man couldn't give up on drinking and this had affected his liver miserably. The doctors in the Government Hospital had given up hope and had sent him back home.
As it was time for the semester exams for the boys in the apartment; they were busy studying and would approach their ace mathematics mentor only if they had any doubt with the subject. Hence Rishab found himself comparatively free. One evening after the day shift at the hotel, on noticing the absence of Sikandar at work, Rishab for the very first time went to the Senior Room Boy's house. Rishab had developed a soft corner for his senior collegue. Sikandar was amazed to see Rishab at his humble home which was in a chawl. Sikandar happily welcomed him home which was located on the first floor of the building. Rishab was saddened to see the condition of the house. It had a kitchen, bathroom and the only room where the family sat together, ate and even slept in. Sikandar's father was lying on the only cot in the house and was being nursed by his wife. There was a single ceiling fan and a tube light in the small room. The room had a small single table which was filled with medicines and other every day items; two cupboards that stood near the windows; and the two large windows of the room looked out at the old buildings across the street. Rishab was invited to sit on the only chair in the house and Sikandar sat down on a wooden stool. Rishab greeted Sikandar's mother with a Namaste, while the old man on the cot who was clutching his stomach wining in pain did not take notice of the guest's presence. This was a very painful sight for Rishab and his heart went out to the family. The only pain that Rishab aka Jolly had witnessed so far was when drunken men beat up each other in a pub in London or when an employee walked out of the building sulking when they were fired by Jolly. It was hard for Rishab to digest the fact that people lived in such pathetic condition.
Sikandar's father was a small time business man. When Sikandar and his brother were still in school, he incurred a loss in his business. His business partners who realised that the company could close down any time, instead of finding a solution to rectify the problem, went absconding with the remainder of the little money which could have grown with proper planning and investment, and would have saved the company. Sikandar's father was busy planning for the revival of the company while this happened. He was shocked when he realised, the kind of harsh circumstance that he was in. The investors were clinging on to his throat for their money. He was aware of the fact that even if he sold everything that he once owned he would not be able to repay them. Finally taking his wife and two children along with him, he went into hiding. As they had lost everything, Sikandar and his mother also started doing small time menial jobs and they earned their living. Sikandar's little brother was sent to school.
Like all this was not enough, fate had its ugly intentions turned towards the already grief stricken family. One day, one of the investor's wife happened to bump into Sikandar's mother in a market. That was it! The investors pounced on Sikandar's father like hungry lions. When the business man thought that he was dead, some of the investors realised that the man was in no condition to repay their money and that life had turned him and his family into a total wreck. It was finally decided by the investors that the money must be returned to them in installments in this life time itself. The family would be watched vigilantly and if they tried to hoodwink the investors, they would find themselves behind bars with immediate effect.
Once Sikandar's younger brother was done with his schooling, the boy started earning some money. The once upon a time well to do business man was devastated on seeing the condition of his family and felt guilty for the same. To ease his pain he resorted to drinking 2 pegs of alcohol a day, but over the time he got addicted to it to an extent that a huge part of his earnings would be spent on buying liquor. Fortunately the boys had grown up by then and were in a condition to deposit the necessary amount every month. Lack of higher education had crippled the boys as they lacked the needed academic Degree to pursue a better career in spite of the fact that they were smart, intelligent and hardworking. Nor was luck on their side for them to start a new professional venture. Because of which Sikandar had taken up a second job at a medical shop in the evening. The shop owner was kind enough to help Sikandar buy medicines for his father at a discounted rate. His brother who worked in another shop stayed back at home with his parents in the evening.
As Sikandar ended his narration he realised he had to leave for the medical store. Rishab realised he was late by an hour's time and will have to face the tempest of angry words by Mrs. Sadhvi at the apartment. Heaving a sigh of grief on seeing Sikandar's father who was now fast asleep, Rishab conveyed his Namaste to Sikandar's mother who very apologetically said, "I am sorry I didn't give you anything to eat or drink. I was busy nursing my husband."
"Never mind Maa that's okay. You take care of yourself," said Rishab to the lady and moved out of the house along with Sikandar.
The next evening, Tausif who had just returned home from his cricket practice, handed over the Accountancy book to Rishab who was manning the parking area. At 10 at night when Rishab rang the flat door bell, the teenager himself opened the door as he was anxiously waiting for the book.
"See me when ever you are free tomorrow evening. Accountancy is a piece of cake." said Rishab with a wink to the surprised Tausif as he handed over the book to him.
"I will," he replied as he heard his father call him and hurriedly shut the door.
The next day in the evening, Tausif along with his friend Sameer who studied in the same class and lived in the same apartment, went to meet Rishab along with the Accountancy book in his hand. As usual the watch man was busy with his chores.
Tausif mockingly asked him, "Masterji when will you start the class? I have to be back home before my father returns."
"Give me a few minutes, I'll be there as soon as I am done with my work," said the watch man.
The boys loitered near the watch man's seat. As soon as Rishab came he inquired with the boys on how their day went. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they immediately started with Accountancy. The boys in a state of amazement with their mouth open listened to the fluent English spoken by the watch man which appeared to be of high standard; the flawless calculations; and the examples that sounded more like personal experiences. The boys had a feeling they were not listening to a layman but a business tycoon. His teaching style was clear, simple, understandable and interesting. He cleared all their doubts very smartly. This left the boys dazed. Rishab's lessons were interrupted when the flat owners stopped by to speak to him or when he had to attend to work. The boys were so engrossed in learning that they lost track of time. Their lessons came to an abrupt halt when they heard the stern voice of Mr. Khan, Tausif's father asking, "What's going on here? What are you boys doing here at this hour?"
The trio stood up and Tausif answered proudly, "Learning Accountancy!"
"From whom? The watch man? Have you lost your mind?" he said with a mocking laughter.
"But dad he is excellant! You must listen to him."
"You boys better go home and stop goofing around," said Mr. Khan sternly.
The boys looked at Rishab with a sullen face and without mustering courage to utter another word ran up the stairs.
The teenagers knew that their night watch man was no ordinary person. They were overwhelmed with excitement. The next evening they were waiting for their new tutor's arrival at the building entrance. As soon as he entered the building the boys spoke in unison in English, "You were excellent yesterday! It was much easier to understand today's class. Where are you from? How do you know so much?"
The boys went on bombarding him with a lot of other questions. Rishab once again narrated his tall tale about the head injury and the memory loss.
"How sad! We are very sure you are a well read person," said Sameer.
"You will surely regain your memory," said Tausif and with a surprised look on his face continued, "But it's surprising that you haven't forgotten your Maths or English."
Sameer intervened as Rishab opened his mouth to respond, "Rishab we have our semester exams next month end and we need your help."
At this Rishab was relieved that he didn't have to fib again and happily said, "We will work on that, provided your parents let you spend some extra time with me here."
"More over we have a presentation to make in the Business Studies class the next week. Can you please help us with that?" asked Tausif beseechingly.
Rishab realised that this was going a little over the top. He had a mind to charge the boys for the tutions. But he had his doubts on continuing teaching the boys on seeing Mr. Khan's attitude towards him. Moreover he was here doing a watch man's job and not a professor's. He reminded himself that he was 'Jagannath Joshi' the millionare who owned CART Financial Company. Hence his pride subdued him from earning petty money. After all he was looking forward to own the 'Treasure Trove' at the Edinburgh Museum. He wondered what and how long it would take him to own it. Thus he decided to play along. "Yes, I shall help you boys once I am free. It's best if you boys go get your books and wait for me."
Rishab soon found himself in the company of the boys answering their academic questions and clearing their doubts.
"Looks like the boys have found a new professor. What are you up to Rishab?" scorned Mr. Khan.
The trio who were immersed in discussing the subjects were startled all of a sudden.
"Dad Rishab's helping us with our studies."
"What is he, a professor from the Oxford University?" asked Mr. Khan mockingly.
In reality, Rishab aka Jolly was a graduate from the Oxford University, London.
At this Rishab felt instigated and had every intention of replying "Yes!" but stood silent with his eyes down cast as to not to blow off his true identity.
"Rishab you are wasting the boys time."
"No Sir, I am helping them."
Amused Mr. Khan said "Really!" and furiously said "I want to see good grades on my son's marks sheets, if not you will lose your job. Do you understand?"
On seeing Mr. Khan's high headedness Rishab felt a surge of anger in him. Controlling his impulses he merely replied with a "Yes Sir!"
Mr. Khan looking at his son, barked, "You boy if you don't live up to my expectations, you will have to pay a huge price." saying this he took the stairs to his flat.
Rishab enjoyed helping the boys with their studies. Everyday he would look forward to going to the apartment. There were times when he would reach the building much earlier than expected. At times while teaching the boys, some of the flat residents would kindly address him as 'Masterji', 'Professor' and 'Teacher'. In days he was popularly known as the 'Maths Teacher' than the 'Night Watch Man' in the apartment. He was Happy as a sun flower. This also reflected on his work at the hotel. He appeared to be more gentle to the other Room Boys which surprised them. Keeping in mind the bad conduct from his past, the room boys would manage to sadistically probe the demon in him by calling him names. The work environment in the hotel didn't tend to cheer Rishab very much.
It was the beginning of the new month ever since Rishab began his work in the hotel. One mid morning when the room boys were busy with their chores, Sikandar got a call from home. As he had to leave immediately he summoned Rishab who was in the next room busy with his work and instructed him to clean the rooms that Sikandar was supposed to. Sikandar was ready to lash out at Rishab as he had got him conditioned in doing so either by whining or refusing to work. But that day Sikandar was caught by surprise when Rishab reacted by saying, "Yes! I'll do it. Is everything alright? You seem to look worried." As the Senior Room boy didn't expect this he was stunned for a few seconds. After regaining his composure, he stammered the words, "I...I...I don't know when I'll be back. You finish the work," saying this he literally broke into a run.
The next day when Sikandar returned to work, he was impressed with Rishab as he had completed the work single handedly and there were no complaints against him. Rishab also appeared to look peaceful and happy. Sikandar approached Rishab and handed over a sealed envelope to him which appeared a little bulky. "This was handed over to me by your friend Mr. Shankar. He asked me to give it to you," he said.
Rishab wondered what it contained and received it with a "Thank You!" He took care as to open the envelope in the Gents Rest Room which was normally empty. Rishab was surprised to discover that the envelop contained a bank pass book, an ATM Card and a hand written letter by Shankar to Rishab. Rishab was pleased to learn that the salary he would draw either at the Hotel or the Apartment would go into the newly opened bank account which is in Shankar's name as Rishab has no legal identity in the country. The ATM Card would help him draw money when ever required. Rishab appeared relieved by that gesture. From the first salary that he received at the hotel he hopped into a MacD restaurant and dug his teeth into a Jumbo Chicken Burger. But the first salary from the Apartment very reluctantly as promised went into the pocket of the Day Watch man of the 'Star Towers' building.
Tausif and Sameer were waiting for their tutor to give him the good news. As soon as Rishab appeared in the apartment premises they ran to him holding a small box of eateries. When Rishab held it, it appeared warm and smelled sweet like as if it had come out of the bakery.
"What's this all about?" he asked the excited boys with a sense of surprise.
"Our presentation was considered as the best in the class!" told Tausif with glee.
"Thank you so much Brother, those sweets are for you!" said Sameer.
Rishab was happy for the boys. The word 'Brother' stood out in his mind and he was glad that he had not only made friends but now had 'Brothers' whom he never thought would exist in his life. He thought if this is how it feels like to have 'Brothers', then "Cheers to the new found relationship!"
The news about the Night Watch Man's expertise was all over the apartment. When Sameer's mother approached him inquiring about the tuition fees that she would have to pay him, he was taken by surprise.
As he had not given it a thought, he very kindly said, "Madam I don't teach them for a fee. I derive great joy in helping them. They are more like family to me than mere boys living in the apartment."
For the first time in his life Rishab aka Jolly felt a sense of satisfaction in helping total strangers, just for the joy of helping. This surely was a new feeling that he had never felt before.
The apartment Night Watch Man's popularity was such that Rahul a college student living in the apartment came seeking help in Maths and Varun was keen on bettering his English Communication. Some of the parents wanted him to teach their school going children. As Rishab kindly declined their approach, at the same time Mrs. Sadvi the Flat Owners Association President growled at the women, "He is here to perform the watch man's duties and definitely not a tuition teacher. Kindly look for a tuition teacher else where. Please let him do his work." Giving Rishab a stern look she said, "I am sure you don't want to lose your watch man's job, or do you have an intention of switching to teaching?" Rishab for a moment contemplated on this and had half the mind to take up teaching as his profession, but then blurted out a "No Madam!" In spite of this Rishab was gladly helping 4 children. at times their lessons would go till midnight. During such times the boys parents would wait in the waiting area either by working on their laptop or snooze in their seat.
Back in the hotel Sikandar observed that of late Rishab had turned patient, hard working, joyful and serene. When Sikandar brought this to Rishab's notice, with a sense of disbelief and joy, all that Rishab said was, "Really!?! WOW! Thanks for letting me know," and he danced his way to complete his duties. On the contrary Rishab observed that Sikandar had become irregular for work. When he inquired with him, Rishab learnt that Sikandar's father was fighting a tough battle with his life. The old man couldn't give up on drinking and this had affected his liver miserably. The doctors in the Government Hospital had given up hope and had sent him back home.
As it was time for the semester exams for the boys in the apartment; they were busy studying and would approach their ace mathematics mentor only if they had any doubt with the subject. Hence Rishab found himself comparatively free. One evening after the day shift at the hotel, on noticing the absence of Sikandar at work, Rishab for the very first time went to the Senior Room Boy's house. Rishab had developed a soft corner for his senior collegue. Sikandar was amazed to see Rishab at his humble home which was in a chawl. Sikandar happily welcomed him home which was located on the first floor of the building. Rishab was saddened to see the condition of the house. It had a kitchen, bathroom and the only room where the family sat together, ate and even slept in. Sikandar's father was lying on the only cot in the house and was being nursed by his wife. There was a single ceiling fan and a tube light in the small room. The room had a small single table which was filled with medicines and other every day items; two cupboards that stood near the windows; and the two large windows of the room looked out at the old buildings across the street. Rishab was invited to sit on the only chair in the house and Sikandar sat down on a wooden stool. Rishab greeted Sikandar's mother with a Namaste, while the old man on the cot who was clutching his stomach wining in pain did not take notice of the guest's presence. This was a very painful sight for Rishab and his heart went out to the family. The only pain that Rishab aka Jolly had witnessed so far was when drunken men beat up each other in a pub in London or when an employee walked out of the building sulking when they were fired by Jolly. It was hard for Rishab to digest the fact that people lived in such pathetic condition.
Sikandar's father was a small time business man. When Sikandar and his brother were still in school, he incurred a loss in his business. His business partners who realised that the company could close down any time, instead of finding a solution to rectify the problem, went absconding with the remainder of the little money which could have grown with proper planning and investment, and would have saved the company. Sikandar's father was busy planning for the revival of the company while this happened. He was shocked when he realised, the kind of harsh circumstance that he was in. The investors were clinging on to his throat for their money. He was aware of the fact that even if he sold everything that he once owned he would not be able to repay them. Finally taking his wife and two children along with him, he went into hiding. As they had lost everything, Sikandar and his mother also started doing small time menial jobs and they earned their living. Sikandar's little brother was sent to school.
Like all this was not enough, fate had its ugly intentions turned towards the already grief stricken family. One day, one of the investor's wife happened to bump into Sikandar's mother in a market. That was it! The investors pounced on Sikandar's father like hungry lions. When the business man thought that he was dead, some of the investors realised that the man was in no condition to repay their money and that life had turned him and his family into a total wreck. It was finally decided by the investors that the money must be returned to them in installments in this life time itself. The family would be watched vigilantly and if they tried to hoodwink the investors, they would find themselves behind bars with immediate effect.
Once Sikandar's younger brother was done with his schooling, the boy started earning some money. The once upon a time well to do business man was devastated on seeing the condition of his family and felt guilty for the same. To ease his pain he resorted to drinking 2 pegs of alcohol a day, but over the time he got addicted to it to an extent that a huge part of his earnings would be spent on buying liquor. Fortunately the boys had grown up by then and were in a condition to deposit the necessary amount every month. Lack of higher education had crippled the boys as they lacked the needed academic Degree to pursue a better career in spite of the fact that they were smart, intelligent and hardworking. Nor was luck on their side for them to start a new professional venture. Because of which Sikandar had taken up a second job at a medical shop in the evening. The shop owner was kind enough to help Sikandar buy medicines for his father at a discounted rate. His brother who worked in another shop stayed back at home with his parents in the evening.
As Sikandar ended his narration he realised he had to leave for the medical store. Rishab realised he was late by an hour's time and will have to face the tempest of angry words by Mrs. Sadhvi at the apartment. Heaving a sigh of grief on seeing Sikandar's father who was now fast asleep, Rishab conveyed his Namaste to Sikandar's mother who very apologetically said, "I am sorry I didn't give you anything to eat or drink. I was busy nursing my husband."
"Never mind Maa that's okay. You take care of yourself," said Rishab to the lady and moved out of the house along with Sikandar.
***CONTINUED IN 'THE QUEST - PART 4'***
No comments:
Post a Comment