What Should I do ?
My name is Dom Pedro and I came from a poor family, I am thankful to my parents for helping me to finish my studies, they had to sacrifice a lot to pay for my education, my younger sister was still in School, though I tried very hard all I could do was get a Commerce degree. I tried to get a decent job but no luck, my parents couldn't afford to pay agents for a job in the Gulf or on the ship, what should I do ? This was the question that vibrated between my ears with great intensity, I was going nuts, just then local elections were announced and every one was on the run and in hunt for candidates and supporters by whatever means. Our poverty did not deter my parents from up bringing me through sincere Christian virtues, though there was no money and me jobless even than, I refrained from getting my hands on the ill gotten wealth, so lavishly thrown around, like feed for the pigeons in a public square in Bombay, by the corrupt politicians. What should I do ? I was young, I was good with my tongue as I was with my over all knowledge and I was energetic, but my parents were getting old, my sister had to finish her studies and had to marry her off, how long would my parents be able to support and sustain, what should I do ? As tormented as I was and with the search still on for a job, no solution came forth. All my friends were too busy to help me, either in business, in the Gulf or on the ship, I was getting a wee bit sick of being born in a poor family, frustrations and demons started making their way into my head, what should I do ? As my apathy for life started to transcend, I started seeking absolution through anger and guile, and at that vulnerable moment, I was confronted by our local MLA, with a sympathetic ear. I was impressed that he had time for me and my problems and offered me a job as his PA, the clouds in the sky had disappeared and rays of sun shone brightly, the MLA was indeed my saviour, I worked very hard in his election campaign and was rewarded in more ways than I had hoped for. Election were done with. The MLA was elected and became a Minister and with him, my stature too increased. The local MLA was uneducated, I was, he was impressed with all that I did for him and I was applauded by his Party-men too. I did, what I had to Do !!! Things began to simmer for the better and life looked good and I began to prosper. I Soon became the middleman for deals between the Minister and the interested parties, Christian upbringing was "cocooned and mummified" and money was my God as it was of the Minister's, both riding high of the wings of fortune, my small house, turned into a bungalow with a Honda Civic in my driveway. Parents, though questioning, never perusing for the truth, because I had warned them not to interfere in what I do. Along with all the ill gotten wealth came the axis of evil, wine, women and gambling, a life of debauchery, I had become arrogant and inconsiderate to all and did not even realize it. I was young and I had already made a mark and got noticed, I was having a ball of a time, what more could I ask for ? I did what I had to do !!! In a jiffy four years had gone by, I did not realize how fast time passed with all the money that came by, I was amazed at the power and pelf, I had achieved by my sheer guile and gall, I felt good, at last I was emancipated from the dreadful clutches of poverty. That was the past, I had developed an instant amnesia for my past poverty, I knew I did, what I had to do !!!! Four good years had gone by in a whiff and I was not just a "fringe factor" any more, I had taken the "centrestage" along with the minister. I was the fast talking, fast acting affluent phenomenal achiever with "greenbacks" banked as far as the Alps. All I did was, what I had to do !!! Next round of elections were announced and the pace of activity was hectic, for my generous contribution to the Party and personal funds, I had won my Candidature, what an achievement ? All I did was, what I had to do !!! All this while I did not realize, that I had done nothing for the people but myself. People had become wise and began to question, why's and the how's. Four years I did not attend any village function, feasts, deaths or births. I wasn't aware if our neighbours and relatives were dead or alive and I was hit by my silliness for over-indulgence with wealth. Oh ! What did I do ? I poured out money like water in a field to make up for my incoherent prescriptions and perceptions but could not win over the public, I might have developed an instant amnesia for my past poverty but the people did not develop amnesia for what I had done or not done. I lost the election, the Party too lost. No power no money. What did I do ? As at times misfortunes come in heap, I fell sick and was diagnosed to have AIDS, the floor on which I stood collapsed, knees became weak, a high flyer brought down to earth in a jiffy as well, I tried to remember the last time I had been to Church or the last time I had Prayed, just couldn't remember. What did I do ? All the "greenbacks" in the Alps couldn't help me, I had already spent most of it anyway and still hope did not even show it's face, all my so called friends disappeared and I was sulking in isolation, as I lay dying with my mother at my side I could see the anguish and the pain in her old eyes. OH GOD, WHAT DID I DO ? The mother pondering in her heart "shennatlo kido shennakuch urona, punn shennatlo bair evun koslo faido, geedanim taka kalo" - It is said "the worm of the dung will not always live in the dung, but what's the point in coming out as there are vultures hovering to devour it" The joys of success through sheer honesty, hard work and dedication is BLISS ETERNAL, but with ill gotten gains, you will never ever see the light at the end of the tunnel or suffice the test of time. Take heed Ali Baba aur 40 Chor Note: This post is just friction and any resemblance to anyone dead or alive is purely coincidental and nothing personal "Samjah keya, budu" Freddy Agnelo Fernandes -------------------------------------------------------- The content of this electronic communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and any others who are specifically authorized to receive it. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 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