Success Gives Pains

Dr Brajendra Kr Jha

Walia passed out from business school in two years. He was never a brilliant student and was rated average despite intelligence he demonstrated in public. He passed in first division in every examination right from school till engineering degree. He was from a family with moderate financial strength. His father Roshan was supervisor in an engineering company and earned enough to support family. Job for Walia was assured after passing engineering. Top rankers got jobs in premier companies with higher compensation. Walia's father insisted to join government company for job security. Walia got job in a 'C' grade company. His rank was lower than others who managed to get into better companies. In many cases this was mainly due to higher connections.

Favors came only to connected persons if ranks were lower. One termed this just luck; a phrase used to cover failures and frustrations. This was used as a cushion and thick carpets to push inside unjust and painful decisions in life. None ever wanted to lift this carpet. This could reveal many other bad practices and vulgar happenings in families and offices, which were many in numbers. Most embarrassing were immoral activities in offices and included exploitations of women employees by seniors. These were done for growing faster in organizations. Money laundering were normalised and never bothered anyone.

Corrupt practices were widely spread in business. Sometimes commissions of enquiries were set up which took only long time. Delays were normal and many extensions were granted to these commissions. It was just to show seriousness in following principle of 'Natural Justice'. Most complainants were not able to get benefits. It turned quite meaningless with final verdict. Cases also closed and files gathered dust. Once in years someone searched detail to get benefits. But procedural delays further killed time. People involved in enquires also passed away from this world. Adhocism was adopted to pay which kept complainant dissatisfied. Senior would advice privately to collect payment and apply for redressal of missing parts.

Positive Lines

System worked well if retired people went on day of retirement. It proved more useful now with longer life span courtesy new researches in the field of medicine. Also regular exercise was adding to longevity. Many felt privileged to do any wrong things and depended on effectiveness of medical science. It is said that smoking kills, fellow decides to smoke more and many preferred drugs also. They felt like challenging cancer to fight and get recovered. It became practice to denounce whatever was preached by elders. Nature finally settled score and lost all and dear ones. It was a typical psyche being developed. They put all in trouble and life never became normal. thereafter. Walia and Nagma were no exception.

Going Ahead

Walia on his own got job as expected mainly on merit. He never expected lofty position or plumb post. His wife Nagma whom he married within two years of employment, She was from modest background and highly contented individual. She never demanded any gift from husband on solemn occasion of festivals or birthdays. Walia was extremely miser and he gave her finally gift of one son after two years of marriage. Many questioned this happening. All family members pestered him for years to change a decision of no child and finally he became a father. He didn't want to take any burden of child avoiding expenses in child caring. He wanted to become a millionaire in the shortest possible time. His wife also silently accepted his decision suppressing own desires. She was happy to be mother and wanted her child to get more care. She remembered her own childhood sufferings which must not be faced by son Mihir.

Hindrances and shift

Walia started savings from the day son was born and reduced expenses in family. Nagma followed husband and continued with her habits. Still they presented themselves nicely in all social gatherings. They never missed to offer gifts in lower budget. Couple was nice in talks and also talented singers. Nagma was a shade better and often was asked to give more songs in any gathering. Walia preferred to sing Ghazal and Nagma sang romantic popular numbers. They presented songs with action and dancing steps just like being acted in movie which people appreciated. This was one important reason why they were in demand in social gatherings and none bothered about their being miser. This one good quality covered all shortcomings. Another was they never spoke highly of themselves.

Nagma practiced singing in group where one master guided them in group singing. She became very popular and often travelled to other places with the group. She became close to one young man equal her age who satisfied her body needs which Walia failed keeping busy in money making. She finally married Nobat Khan from across the border. Walia and son Mihir were left alone. Walia kept full time working maid who was affectionate to Mihir. Finally he also decide to marry her and made her responsible for own life and family. His life was running normal. New wife was not ambitious and spent time in caring of Mihir who forgot his mother. It was good for Walia and his small family.

Turn of events

Gradually Nagama lost her charms and beauty. There was none to care for her. Nobat one day asked her to quit home and gave some money to travel back home. Nagama came home and saw her grown up son with another woman addressing Amma. Nagama walked back and started searching some work. One old friend arranged a job of singing during dinner for guests. Despite age she was having sweet and melodious voice which charmed visitors. Hotel owner gave her a small quarter to live and work. Owner was a gentleman and gave all protection. She was spending time comfortably but desired to see son at intervals. She didn't like him to know her reality and suppressed her desire. One day Walia came with his guests to dine in same hotel but couldn't recognise Nagama who was dressed in dancing attire. It was only her voice which alerted him. Walia gained high position and couldn't mix with such ordinary singer in a hotel. But his old love was disturbing him. He asked other day owner of the hotel, "The lady who sings here is Nagama."

"No sir she is Fatima who came here in very bad condition. I gave her job of singing and has been very popular. She has no relation and has come from neighboring country."

"Can you allow me to meet her?"

"Let me find out." The man who was sent to find reported that Fatima was gone to see her friend in the city.

This was news for the hotel owner as he thought she remained confined to her quarter. Walia returned and forgot about her. Truth was that man met Fatima who told him to tell lies. Later owner questioned her and who replied, "I don't want to meet anyone here and lead a peaceful life. I have been exploited by many in past after meeting and developing a close relation. Those experiences keep haunting my mind. Please pardon me for telling a lie."

Owner replied, "No it's alright for me. Your privacy is better for my business also.

Past reminds

In earlier days Walia was highly humanitarian person. He helped anyone in trouble. Many days he was found nursing friend or his family members at home. Nagama also stayed if housewife fell sick and left only when she was normal. Their son never created any problem at home and was comfortable in absence of mother or father. How child got tuned to changes was another strange thing. Many of their friends felt jealous and doubted their character. This was known to them but two never bothered. They never said no to any needy who wanted service. Those were the days when Nagama was not singing in programs. Their son became independent very early and beyond imagination of two. Even as a kid, he cooked simple dishes at the age of six. Some people criticised them for this also.

Life moves on

Walia was growing in his career normal. His father was not happy with this. He was aware of his resources. But after getting engaged in job, expectations from son increased. Father wanted him to be a big shot and better if he becomes CEO of company. Once or twice he expressed this desire to friends. They laughed and told him, "Don't start day dreaming. Always remember where you have been and how well connected you are. Forget about son. To our mind, your son is doing better than you and will certainly rise to higher position. He is a qualified engineer not diploma engineer like you." They laughed together.

Once Walia heard discussion and also saw sad face of father. Father was no way discouraged or depressed and looked calm like a big pool of water not getting disturbed by high winds. He faced father one morning before leaving for office and said, "I am going to become CEO of another company. I have changed to a new job. Mihir will stay with you to take care. He can do this well and this is required since Nagama has abandoned me. I will start a new company financially strong and earn good reputation. You will get good name too."

Father said, "I am proud of you. You will definitely succeed and I shall live to see that day. I have to take care of my health and your child. You can work without any worry. Mihir is a disciplined child and shall obey me and follow instructions. We all are behind you."

Changed life

Father fell sick and needed nursing. Walia had moved to another company to grow to higher position fast. He got more busy and hardly paid visit to home. Father carried on and also encouraged Mihir to remain active in studies. He ensured that he developed a close friendship with local children who could support him in crisis. He didn't bother Walia for household expenses. Mihir gradually became responsible while Roshan kept busy with his field working and agriculture. Mihir also cared for grandfather and attended school regularly. He was a good student and did well always standing first in class. He was proud of his grandfather and forgot totally father who was lost in his mission to become CEO.

One friend informed Roshan, "Nagama has started acting in films and also married one person in group. She won't be returning back. Mihir is now totally your responsibility."

Roshan looked at friend, "Now I know Walia won't come back. I can see that he will have a new woman in his home whom he may not marry. It will be living relationship. Mihir is now my son and I have to take care of him. I only wish to remain healthy to make this child settle down well and be in flying colors. He should make remarkable position in society. This will give me more satisfaction. I won't ever tell him to become CEO of a company. He will be free to choose his life partner."

He closed his eyes and dropped a few drops of tears. He wiped them instantly when Mihir entered room with a trophy awarded for getting first position in class. This included study and extracurricular activities and qualities to become a devoted and honest citizen.

"Dadajee look what I have brought for you? You always wanted me to be successful and I have got this Gold Medal in all round activities in my school. You have to give me new dress for next year which has been prescribed by school."

"Surely you deserve more than this. Tell me what else you want. I want you to be a big man with a lot of wealth which make anyone proud. But remember any success is meaningless if it works against the interest of people in general. Your success may not please individual but most of society should be benefitted."

"Why you say so? It can be most beneficial to us and not even to father who has forgotten us. I am told by his friends that he has taken a new woman and enjoying life."

"It may not be so. The new woman will stay with him till she finds his company enjoyable and father keeps spending for her." Roshan spoke with hesitation.

"You do nott worry. I will never abandon you and take care till the end of your life." Mihir said and

Mihir went inside and came out with tea and snacks. Dadajee looked at him. "Where you got money to buy snacks." Roshan asked.

"This was given in school during prize distribution. Teacher gave me two packets one for you. He knows you well. He has given it specially.

"Is he Mr Kamleshwar? He was my school friend and was good in study. He gave me different types of sweets in childhood. We grew together. He is a principled man and never does anything wrong. Once he was sent to jail when he complained about corrupt habits of his officers. I went to give guarantee and get him released. He respected me and gave gifts to the whole family. This house is a gift despite opposing of all members of his family."

"I don't appreciate such foolish ideas. Family can't be dragged in all such matters. Family must maintain own sanctity in keeping relationship.” This was young Mihir talking. Roshan kept silent and appreciated his sense of prestige. He silently prayed his god to keep mind of grandson clear and without any malice.

Past replays

He recalled his days when his friends and bosses chided him on social front. He gave up many pleasures to grow his son who proved finally selfish. Firstly Nagama pulled him away. Secondly his new wife was a social bird and never bothered about discipline or sense of conservatism and often spent nights with friends. Home was just a changing place or spending time to take money from high earning Walia. These facts came to the knowledge of young Mihir when Roshan narrated getting highly emotional. He couldn’t adjust to the bad treatment given by son in old age.

Hopes win

Mihir turned out to be strict and confident. He became more attentive to his studies and never gave up sport. He joined professional course and met expenses by giving tuition to selected few. It was his practice to keep revising basic knowledge. He finally completed studies and became a judge. He was renowned for passing always fair and just order and rose very fast to become Chief Justice of one High Court. All culprits and wrong doers were scared to appear before him when he passed orders without making any delays.One day an interesting case came to his court. Nagama his mother filed a suit for compensation. Walia was present and he opposed. He was an irresponsible father telling many irrelevant things. Ria never cared for family or child. This was a painful situation. Walia hated Ria and took out gun to shoot her. He was arrested and gave the following statement:

Ria is a nasty woman. She misguided firstly Walia and then Sandra. She put Sandra in flesh trade and couldn’t face her son. Now this was turn of Walia who killed Ria finally. She was her buddy but crossed all limits to spoil relationships with close relations. Walia was arrested and in a very fast hearing was given death penalty. His behaviour was not matching to a gentleman and was found to a thoroughly corrupt person.