Sharma Ji, ka beta

One day, Sharma Ji proudly told me, “My son has settled abroad.”

I said, “Good to hear that.” (I felt jealous)

He continued, “My son has asked me to visit him. Soon we will be traveling abroad.”

I said, “That is wonderful.” (I felt even more envious)

Sharma Ji had posted many pictures on Facebook. That day, I decided my son should also move abroad. I told my son, “Focus only on your studies to get a higher education and a job abroad. Everything will be provided, food on the table and no household responsibilities.”

My son became excited, especially after hearing from his foreign-settled friends about their freedom, high salaries, and better opportunities.

Unfortunately, he did not pass the exams on his first try. He said, “I can’t do it. I will find a job here in India.”

I responded, “Are you serious? Try again. I will support you and manage the needed money somehow. What is here in India? After so much hard work, we get so little. Life is tough, and the culture is strict.  There is no value for life here; high crime, corruption, and people die due to a lack of proper treatment”.

He replied, “But we cannot escape death, whether in India or elsewhere.”

I quieted him by saying, “Don’t make excuses.”

I borrowed money and got him the best coaching. Eventually, he succeeded. However, moving abroad required more money. I used all my savings. 

Now, I can proudly tell everyone, including Sharma Ji, “My son has settled abroad too” (This feels so good).

After two years, my son invited me to his home. He has a family now. My wife and I were very excited. I posted pictures from the airport to his beautiful home on WhatsApp and Facebook. I received many comments and felt my trip was successful.

However, after a month, it became boring. I was eager to return to India. For the first time, I realized how much I love my country. Things are not perfect here, but there is something about it- I don’t know what. People are more relaxed, spirituality in the atmosphere.

Coming back home, I never felt so good before. Even the traffic noise seemed like a pleasant song. I told Sharma Ji, “Foreign vacations are good but not for long”.

Sharma Ji agreed (It came straight from his heart)

My son visits India once a year with his family on vacation. He enjoys meeting relatives and friends, sleeping a lot, and eating his mom’s cooked food. 

In our difficult times, neighbors and relatives support us. Often, Sharma Ji and I enjoy discussing how children are selfish. Sharma ji is my best friend. 

Poem

Who taught them to chase hollow dreams,
believing money can buy everything?
Success means big cars and bigger homes,
Who left them with strangers 
when they were small,
expecting them to become 
Sita and Ram,
After all, that’s what 
the holly books are for.