CONTINUED FROM 'THE QUEST - PART 3'
Rishab had anticipated that he will have to pay a huge price for his late arrival at the apartment. But to his relief came the boys with their doubts with regard to their studies. By the time Rishab went to sleep he had tons of thoughts storming his mind with regard to Sikandar's family and life in general. He was aware that as Jolly the Londoner, Rishab could put an end to Sikandar's financial problems; provide him a better home to live in; and help his father with better medical treatment. All that he had to do was make a phone call to London. But sadly this was against the rules of the Quest. Rishab resolved that he will help the kind man's family some day in the future.
The 4 boys at the apartment were done with their semester exams and were now waiting for the results as it would take a month's time to arrive. As they were sure that they had performed well, they were anticipating good results. Their tuition with their Genius Watch Man continued on a regular basis.
"Rishab, I think you should become a Mathematician," said Rahul.
"A Maths professor," said Sameer.
"No, an English teacher!" said Varun with excitement.
"A banker perhaps," said Tausif and asked, "What is it that you want to pursue Rishab? The watch man's job doesn't suit you one bit."
Tausif's question took Rishab back to London to the CART Financial Company that he owned. He fondly reminiscences the time when he worked with his best pal Vicky Goodwill whom he missed very much.
"As an Investment Banker I suppose," he fondly said.
"WOW! Hey can we be your partners in your firm?" asked Sameer jokingly.
Laughing at this Rishab said "Sure, why not! But I want you boys to pursue a career of your choice."
"But I am interested in Cricket...," declared Tausif, and proceeded telling him in a meek voice, "...but my father wants me to manage his business."
"Champion, it is up to you to convince your father. You are well aware I am in no condition to help you in this regard," said Rishab very emphatically. He further addressed the four of them and said, "You boys either make your passion your profession or your profession as your passion. If you compromise, it could lead you to failure. Wish you boys all the best!"
Rishab had built a special bond with the boys in the past 2 months. The boys loved him equally and looked up to him as their elder brother.
Back at the Edinburgh Museum, Mr. Smith who was busy examining a stone ornament that was recently excavated swore as he was distracted by the sound of the landline telephone ringing which sat on his table. When he received the call he heard Vicky Goodwill's voice, Jolly the Questor's good friend. It was no surprise for Smith when he was bombarded with a lot of questions by Vicky about Jolly's were about.
"When will Jolly return? Is he alright? Which part of India is he in? Can I go see him?" were a few questions that Vicky asked anxiously.
Having gone through worse episodes of such question answer sessions in the past with the relatives of the previous Questors, Smith in a very composed manner replied, "In the first place Mr. Goodwill, your friend Mr. Joshi is absolutely fine. The coordinators of the Quest have been keeping a keen eye on his where about. He will surely return once he is done with the Quest or if he decides to quit midway. He seems to be persistent in his efforts. No one except for the Quest coordinators will be allowed to contact him in any manner. Nor are we supposed to let anyone know about his where about. I'll intimate you as soon as he returns. Now if you may please relax and stop worrying about your friend and allow me to continue with my work I would be grateful to you," saying this he dropped the receiver in a hurry and got back to the half examined ornament.
It had been a little more than two months since Jolly had been away in India. Vicky who managed the CART Financial Company single handedly waited for his pal anxiously. After all Vicky was Jolly's only family and friend.
Back in Ahmadabad Rishab spoke to Sikandar about the boys, time and again. So much so he wanted Sikandar to meet them in person. Rishab had also developed an attachment towards Sikandar's family and would take the liberty to visit them very often. In the 3rd month of Rishab's career at the hotel he found Sikandar's father's health deteriorate to an extent that he was on the brink of moving on to the after life any moment. No medicines worked on his aling body. One afternoon a phone call giving the news of his Father's demise summoned Sikandar home. As Rishab was not given the liberty to leave along with his friend he had to stay back at the hotel. On his arrival at Sikandar's place in the evening, Rishab witnessed the morose environment that bore sullen faces. Words failed to come out of Rishab, but he managed to stay back till the body was taken away for cremation. This heart breaking event took him back to the day when he had found himself crying uncontrollably when his parents dead bodies were brought home after their ship had capsised at the English Channel. With these thoughts in his mind Rishab proceeded towards the apartment to take charge of his night duties. As expected Mrs. Sadvi screamed, hollowed, cursed and threatened the watch man for his exceedingly late arrival. But as Rishab was drowned in his sorrowful world, for the very first time he stood in front of the malicious lady as transparent as the wind, not letting any of her words affect him but pass through without any obstruction. His only solace were the students, as he was forced to divert his attention towards teaching them.
At the hotel Risha executed his work in a mournful silence for the next 3 days. The only thing that cheered him up was the interaction with the college boys at the apartment. The evening of the 3rd day was one of a kind. The watch man's seating area was decorated with ribbons, balloons and beautiful glittering stenciled alphabets worded 'THANK YOU' hung on the wall. Tausif, Sameer, Rahul and Vikram waited for their favorite mentor anxiously. The boys mothers were seated in the waiting area and chatted away happily.
"THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" the boys shouted in unison as Rishab entered the building. He was thrilled when he learnt that he boys had passed their semester exam in flying colours. There was a little celebration on this occasion. Sameer'a and Vikram's fathers had joined the event. The boys mothers had cooked some yummy treats. All of them conveyed their gratitude to Rishab and wished him well. The children playing in the apartment premises without hesitation joined the party.
The fathers who were present handed over some money to Rishab and so did Rahul's mother. Rishab very reluctantly accepted the money only after the parents coxed him to do so. The boys later on joyfully sat down for their lessons. Rishab very proudly and with excitement started his evening class once he was free from his watch man's duties. But still he was forced to excuse himself every now and then to man the vehicles. During one of his breaks he manned Mr. Khan's car and was busy with the others. When he returned to the boys he saw them standing around Mr. Khan who was joyfully congratulating them and chatting away. When he say Rishab, asking him to come closer he handed over a small envelop to him with his usual stern look on his face.
"What's this Sir?" asked the watch man in surprise.
"You better take it, if not you will be thrown out of your job. Do you understand?" growled Mr. Khan.
When Rishab opened the envelop he saw there was money in it.
"You boys better continue with your studies. I am sure you will all do very well from now on wards." saying this Mr. Khan happily moved towards the stare case.
"Sir, I didn't expect this," Rishab called out after Mr. Khan.
Mr. Khan stopping in his place with a smile on his face for the very first time, turned back and said, "It's all yours, keep it. You have earned it," and happily jogged up the stairs.
Rishab was actually startled when he realised that he was given double the amount than the other parents had given. If the mighty Ego of Jagganath Joshi would have risen at this moment saying that he was a millionaire and that he was holding peanuts, Rishab would have gladly hurled the Ego from the roof top of Star Towers building. But instead he happily pocketed the money thinking about the cell phone and the laptop that he was yet to purchase.
The next morning Rishab returned to the hotel in an upbeat mood. He shared his joy with his now best pal Sikandar. That mid morning Rishab was summoned by Mr. Ali, the Hotel Manager. He was taken aback when he learnt that people from the Ahmadabad Government Hospital had come to see him and that they wanted to talk to him personally. Rishab wondered what this was all about! He ran to the Restaurant which looked partially empty to meet the visitors who were waiting for him seated at the far end of the room. As he started moving towards them, he was happy to recognise a familiar face that was smiling at him. Shankar, the Quest Coordinator greeted Rishab with a firm hand shake and introduced him to Meena and Mathew, his colleagues and coordinators of the Quest.
"Mr. Joshi, Hearty Congratulations on successfully completing the first level of the Quest. It's time for you to pack your bags and move ahead with your expidition," announced Shankar enthuisastically shaking the Questor's hand.
It took some time for the matter to sink into Rishab aka Jolly. With a confused look on his face he inquired if he had earned the Treasure. For which Shankar made it clear to him saying that he had a long way to go to earn it. Jolly was let known by Mathew that he could leave with them this very moment as alternative arrangements were made to fill his post at the hotel and the apartment. Jolly was perplexed on listening to his words and kindly said, "I can't leave now. There's work to be done. Can I see all of you tonight?" At this Shankar let Jolly know where they would meet; he also told him that Meena and Mathew will accompany him to his next destination to continue his Quest only if he wishes to. As this was a total surprise for Jolly he was in a dilema whether he was to rejoice his success or lament the parting from his new found friends. Moreover he had now got adjusted to his new life. With a hazed mind he took leave from the Coordinators promising them he would see them tonight.
"What a drastic transformation! Where did the Jolly whom I had met three months ago vanish?!" wondered Shankar looking at the now sober and humble Rishab.
Rishab very reluctantly, with much hesitation broke the news of his immediate departure to Sikandar. Sikandar was very unhappy on learning this as he had grown fond of Rishab. Rishab was further smothered by questions by the very concerned Senior Room Boy. Sadly Rishab failed to answer them. He finally blurted out saying, "I will keep in touch with you. Anyways I have your home address and phone number."
"But you don't have a phone. I kept asking you to buy atleast a simple phone but you were bent on buying the latest model," retaliated Sikandar with a sense of annoyance. At this expression, Rishab remembered the money he had saved to buy the phone and the Laptop. Promising Sikandar he would drop by his home in the evening to bid good bye to his family, he retired to completing his day's work. Rishab stayed back in the hotel a little longer in the evening, bidding farewell to the Manager, the room boys and the building watchman. Finally when he walked up to Sikandar's home, on looking at Sikandar's mother he knew she was well informed about his departure.
"It's sad that you are leaving. Please keep in mind that you have a home and a family in Ahmedbad," saying this she handed over a glass of warm milk to him.
"Maa, your family has been very kind to me. Thank you! I must have forgotten my past, but I will not forget all of you. I promise!" saying this he gulped down the milk in a hurry.
Sikandar who was preparing to leave for his evening job joined the duo. Rishab withdrew a brown colour medium sized envelop from his pocket which had the words written, "TO SIKANDAR AND FAMILY. BEST WISHES, RISHAB," and handed it to Sikandar, saying, "It's a parting gift from me to you. You can have a look at it only after I leave."
"Thank you! But what is this?", by the time the last two words were out of Sikandar's mouth, Rishab had embraced him in a tight hug. Bidding good bye to the Mother and son, he left the building in a hurry. When Sikandar opened the envelop he was astonished to see a bundle of cash amounted Forty Thousand Rupees. It also had a hand written note from Rishab that read, "HOPE THIS MONEY LOWERS SOME OF YOUR BURDEN. PLEASE DON'T THINK ABOUT REPAYING THEM TO ME. I LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU IN THE FUTURE TO REPAY THE MONEY TO THE INVESTORS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT. RISHAB!"
Sikandar was sure Rishab had gone mad. It looked like he had presented him every single penny that he had earned over the three months. Sikandar ran out to the street looking for his friend, but he was no where in sight. Moreover Sikandar didn't know where to go looking for him. With a heavy heart he returned home. The once upon a time demon that Rishab was had eventually turned into an angle.
Rishab ran to the apartment to meet the boys one last time and convey his farewell. It was already dark when he walked into the apartment premises. He saw Tausif and Sameer talking to the new Night Watch Man. As soon as they saw Rishab, Tausif ran to him while Sameer called for Rahul and Vikram who were sitting in the waiting area.
"Why?..., Where?..., How long?..., When?...," where a few questions Rishab was attacked with savagely by the boys. Tausif was in perticular driven to tears when Rishab very reluctantly narrated the tall tale as told to Sikandar of him going away with the staff members of the Ahmadabad Government Hospital for further treatment to a different city.
"I know you boys are doing well in your studies and you will be able to achive all that you wish for in your life. Be confident and courageous. Let no one deviate you from your desired goal. Wish you boys all the best!" as he spoke the last few words, Tausif gave Rishab a hug and said with tears trickling down his eyes, "I will miss you!"
"Keep in touch brother!" said Sameer;
"I will meet you again in the future. I cant forget all of you," said Rishab assuringly;
"Do let us know when you are in Ahmadabad, we'll all meet," said Rahul;
"You are the best teacher we have ever had," said Vikram.
By then Tausif had run up to his flat and bought a parting gift for Rishab. When he presented it to him, with a sense of amazement Rishab told the boy, "but this is your favorite cricket ball. I think you should keep it." But Tausif insisted Rishab accept it. Rishab saying "Thank you!" accepted it and left the apartment premises reluctantly. He had a lump in his throat and soon tears streamed down his eyes. A thought of reluctance to part from some of the most wonderful people he had ever met flickered in his mind. Penniless that he was, he had no remorse in his heart but instead was filled with peace and contentment. For the very first time in his life Rishab aka Jolly had unconditionally given away his money, knowledge, time and many more priceless things to total strangers. He had started experiencing the joy of giving. He looked forward for opportunities to selflessly give all that he could. But as for now his goal was to complete the Quest and earn the priceless 'Tresure Trove'.
***CONTINUED IN 'THE QUEST - PART 5'***
Rishab had anticipated that he will have to pay a huge price for his late arrival at the apartment. But to his relief came the boys with their doubts with regard to their studies. By the time Rishab went to sleep he had tons of thoughts storming his mind with regard to Sikandar's family and life in general. He was aware that as Jolly the Londoner, Rishab could put an end to Sikandar's financial problems; provide him a better home to live in; and help his father with better medical treatment. All that he had to do was make a phone call to London. But sadly this was against the rules of the Quest. Rishab resolved that he will help the kind man's family some day in the future.
The 4 boys at the apartment were done with their semester exams and were now waiting for the results as it would take a month's time to arrive. As they were sure that they had performed well, they were anticipating good results. Their tuition with their Genius Watch Man continued on a regular basis.
"Rishab, I think you should become a Mathematician," said Rahul.
"A Maths professor," said Sameer.
"No, an English teacher!" said Varun with excitement.
"A banker perhaps," said Tausif and asked, "What is it that you want to pursue Rishab? The watch man's job doesn't suit you one bit."
Tausif's question took Rishab back to London to the CART Financial Company that he owned. He fondly reminiscences the time when he worked with his best pal Vicky Goodwill whom he missed very much.
"As an Investment Banker I suppose," he fondly said.
"WOW! Hey can we be your partners in your firm?" asked Sameer jokingly.
Laughing at this Rishab said "Sure, why not! But I want you boys to pursue a career of your choice."
"But I am interested in Cricket...," declared Tausif, and proceeded telling him in a meek voice, "...but my father wants me to manage his business."
"Champion, it is up to you to convince your father. You are well aware I am in no condition to help you in this regard," said Rishab very emphatically. He further addressed the four of them and said, "You boys either make your passion your profession or your profession as your passion. If you compromise, it could lead you to failure. Wish you boys all the best!"
Rishab had built a special bond with the boys in the past 2 months. The boys loved him equally and looked up to him as their elder brother.
Back at the Edinburgh Museum, Mr. Smith who was busy examining a stone ornament that was recently excavated swore as he was distracted by the sound of the landline telephone ringing which sat on his table. When he received the call he heard Vicky Goodwill's voice, Jolly the Questor's good friend. It was no surprise for Smith when he was bombarded with a lot of questions by Vicky about Jolly's were about.
"When will Jolly return? Is he alright? Which part of India is he in? Can I go see him?" were a few questions that Vicky asked anxiously.
Having gone through worse episodes of such question answer sessions in the past with the relatives of the previous Questors, Smith in a very composed manner replied, "In the first place Mr. Goodwill, your friend Mr. Joshi is absolutely fine. The coordinators of the Quest have been keeping a keen eye on his where about. He will surely return once he is done with the Quest or if he decides to quit midway. He seems to be persistent in his efforts. No one except for the Quest coordinators will be allowed to contact him in any manner. Nor are we supposed to let anyone know about his where about. I'll intimate you as soon as he returns. Now if you may please relax and stop worrying about your friend and allow me to continue with my work I would be grateful to you," saying this he dropped the receiver in a hurry and got back to the half examined ornament.
It had been a little more than two months since Jolly had been away in India. Vicky who managed the CART Financial Company single handedly waited for his pal anxiously. After all Vicky was Jolly's only family and friend.
Back in Ahmadabad Rishab spoke to Sikandar about the boys, time and again. So much so he wanted Sikandar to meet them in person. Rishab had also developed an attachment towards Sikandar's family and would take the liberty to visit them very often. In the 3rd month of Rishab's career at the hotel he found Sikandar's father's health deteriorate to an extent that he was on the brink of moving on to the after life any moment. No medicines worked on his aling body. One afternoon a phone call giving the news of his Father's demise summoned Sikandar home. As Rishab was not given the liberty to leave along with his friend he had to stay back at the hotel. On his arrival at Sikandar's place in the evening, Rishab witnessed the morose environment that bore sullen faces. Words failed to come out of Rishab, but he managed to stay back till the body was taken away for cremation. This heart breaking event took him back to the day when he had found himself crying uncontrollably when his parents dead bodies were brought home after their ship had capsised at the English Channel. With these thoughts in his mind Rishab proceeded towards the apartment to take charge of his night duties. As expected Mrs. Sadvi screamed, hollowed, cursed and threatened the watch man for his exceedingly late arrival. But as Rishab was drowned in his sorrowful world, for the very first time he stood in front of the malicious lady as transparent as the wind, not letting any of her words affect him but pass through without any obstruction. His only solace were the students, as he was forced to divert his attention towards teaching them.
At the hotel Risha executed his work in a mournful silence for the next 3 days. The only thing that cheered him up was the interaction with the college boys at the apartment. The evening of the 3rd day was one of a kind. The watch man's seating area was decorated with ribbons, balloons and beautiful glittering stenciled alphabets worded 'THANK YOU' hung on the wall. Tausif, Sameer, Rahul and Vikram waited for their favorite mentor anxiously. The boys mothers were seated in the waiting area and chatted away happily.
"THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" the boys shouted in unison as Rishab entered the building. He was thrilled when he learnt that he boys had passed their semester exam in flying colours. There was a little celebration on this occasion. Sameer'a and Vikram's fathers had joined the event. The boys mothers had cooked some yummy treats. All of them conveyed their gratitude to Rishab and wished him well. The children playing in the apartment premises without hesitation joined the party.
The fathers who were present handed over some money to Rishab and so did Rahul's mother. Rishab very reluctantly accepted the money only after the parents coxed him to do so. The boys later on joyfully sat down for their lessons. Rishab very proudly and with excitement started his evening class once he was free from his watch man's duties. But still he was forced to excuse himself every now and then to man the vehicles. During one of his breaks he manned Mr. Khan's car and was busy with the others. When he returned to the boys he saw them standing around Mr. Khan who was joyfully congratulating them and chatting away. When he say Rishab, asking him to come closer he handed over a small envelop to him with his usual stern look on his face.
"What's this Sir?" asked the watch man in surprise.
"You better take it, if not you will be thrown out of your job. Do you understand?" growled Mr. Khan.
When Rishab opened the envelop he saw there was money in it.
"You boys better continue with your studies. I am sure you will all do very well from now on wards." saying this Mr. Khan happily moved towards the stare case.
"Sir, I didn't expect this," Rishab called out after Mr. Khan.
Mr. Khan stopping in his place with a smile on his face for the very first time, turned back and said, "It's all yours, keep it. You have earned it," and happily jogged up the stairs.
Rishab was actually startled when he realised that he was given double the amount than the other parents had given. If the mighty Ego of Jagganath Joshi would have risen at this moment saying that he was a millionaire and that he was holding peanuts, Rishab would have gladly hurled the Ego from the roof top of Star Towers building. But instead he happily pocketed the money thinking about the cell phone and the laptop that he was yet to purchase.
The next morning Rishab returned to the hotel in an upbeat mood. He shared his joy with his now best pal Sikandar. That mid morning Rishab was summoned by Mr. Ali, the Hotel Manager. He was taken aback when he learnt that people from the Ahmadabad Government Hospital had come to see him and that they wanted to talk to him personally. Rishab wondered what this was all about! He ran to the Restaurant which looked partially empty to meet the visitors who were waiting for him seated at the far end of the room. As he started moving towards them, he was happy to recognise a familiar face that was smiling at him. Shankar, the Quest Coordinator greeted Rishab with a firm hand shake and introduced him to Meena and Mathew, his colleagues and coordinators of the Quest.
"Mr. Joshi, Hearty Congratulations on successfully completing the first level of the Quest. It's time for you to pack your bags and move ahead with your expidition," announced Shankar enthuisastically shaking the Questor's hand.
It took some time for the matter to sink into Rishab aka Jolly. With a confused look on his face he inquired if he had earned the Treasure. For which Shankar made it clear to him saying that he had a long way to go to earn it. Jolly was let known by Mathew that he could leave with them this very moment as alternative arrangements were made to fill his post at the hotel and the apartment. Jolly was perplexed on listening to his words and kindly said, "I can't leave now. There's work to be done. Can I see all of you tonight?" At this Shankar let Jolly know where they would meet; he also told him that Meena and Mathew will accompany him to his next destination to continue his Quest only if he wishes to. As this was a total surprise for Jolly he was in a dilema whether he was to rejoice his success or lament the parting from his new found friends. Moreover he had now got adjusted to his new life. With a hazed mind he took leave from the Coordinators promising them he would see them tonight.
"What a drastic transformation! Where did the Jolly whom I had met three months ago vanish?!" wondered Shankar looking at the now sober and humble Rishab.
Rishab very reluctantly, with much hesitation broke the news of his immediate departure to Sikandar. Sikandar was very unhappy on learning this as he had grown fond of Rishab. Rishab was further smothered by questions by the very concerned Senior Room Boy. Sadly Rishab failed to answer them. He finally blurted out saying, "I will keep in touch with you. Anyways I have your home address and phone number."
"But you don't have a phone. I kept asking you to buy atleast a simple phone but you were bent on buying the latest model," retaliated Sikandar with a sense of annoyance. At this expression, Rishab remembered the money he had saved to buy the phone and the Laptop. Promising Sikandar he would drop by his home in the evening to bid good bye to his family, he retired to completing his day's work. Rishab stayed back in the hotel a little longer in the evening, bidding farewell to the Manager, the room boys and the building watchman. Finally when he walked up to Sikandar's home, on looking at Sikandar's mother he knew she was well informed about his departure.
"It's sad that you are leaving. Please keep in mind that you have a home and a family in Ahmedbad," saying this she handed over a glass of warm milk to him.
"Maa, your family has been very kind to me. Thank you! I must have forgotten my past, but I will not forget all of you. I promise!" saying this he gulped down the milk in a hurry.
Sikandar who was preparing to leave for his evening job joined the duo. Rishab withdrew a brown colour medium sized envelop from his pocket which had the words written, "TO SIKANDAR AND FAMILY. BEST WISHES, RISHAB," and handed it to Sikandar, saying, "It's a parting gift from me to you. You can have a look at it only after I leave."
"Thank you! But what is this?", by the time the last two words were out of Sikandar's mouth, Rishab had embraced him in a tight hug. Bidding good bye to the Mother and son, he left the building in a hurry. When Sikandar opened the envelop he was astonished to see a bundle of cash amounted Forty Thousand Rupees. It also had a hand written note from Rishab that read, "HOPE THIS MONEY LOWERS SOME OF YOUR BURDEN. PLEASE DON'T THINK ABOUT REPAYING THEM TO ME. I LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU IN THE FUTURE TO REPAY THE MONEY TO THE INVESTORS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT. RISHAB!"
Sikandar was sure Rishab had gone mad. It looked like he had presented him every single penny that he had earned over the three months. Sikandar ran out to the street looking for his friend, but he was no where in sight. Moreover Sikandar didn't know where to go looking for him. With a heavy heart he returned home. The once upon a time demon that Rishab was had eventually turned into an angle.
Rishab ran to the apartment to meet the boys one last time and convey his farewell. It was already dark when he walked into the apartment premises. He saw Tausif and Sameer talking to the new Night Watch Man. As soon as they saw Rishab, Tausif ran to him while Sameer called for Rahul and Vikram who were sitting in the waiting area.
"Why?..., Where?..., How long?..., When?...," where a few questions Rishab was attacked with savagely by the boys. Tausif was in perticular driven to tears when Rishab very reluctantly narrated the tall tale as told to Sikandar of him going away with the staff members of the Ahmadabad Government Hospital for further treatment to a different city.
"I know you boys are doing well in your studies and you will be able to achive all that you wish for in your life. Be confident and courageous. Let no one deviate you from your desired goal. Wish you boys all the best!" as he spoke the last few words, Tausif gave Rishab a hug and said with tears trickling down his eyes, "I will miss you!"
"Keep in touch brother!" said Sameer;
"I will meet you again in the future. I cant forget all of you," said Rishab assuringly;
"Do let us know when you are in Ahmadabad, we'll all meet," said Rahul;
"You are the best teacher we have ever had," said Vikram.
By then Tausif had run up to his flat and bought a parting gift for Rishab. When he presented it to him, with a sense of amazement Rishab told the boy, "but this is your favorite cricket ball. I think you should keep it." But Tausif insisted Rishab accept it. Rishab saying "Thank you!" accepted it and left the apartment premises reluctantly. He had a lump in his throat and soon tears streamed down his eyes. A thought of reluctance to part from some of the most wonderful people he had ever met flickered in his mind. Penniless that he was, he had no remorse in his heart but instead was filled with peace and contentment. For the very first time in his life Rishab aka Jolly had unconditionally given away his money, knowledge, time and many more priceless things to total strangers. He had started experiencing the joy of giving. He looked forward for opportunities to selflessly give all that he could. But as for now his goal was to complete the Quest and earn the priceless 'Tresure Trove'.
***CONTINUED IN 'THE QUEST - PART 5'***
