As the first rays of the sun hit his face, Rahul slowly opened his eyes. He turned to the right side and saw his beautiful wife Tina sleeping. Between them was Aryan, Rahul’s 4 year old son. As he looked down on his family, a tear rolled down Rahul’s eye and he thanked the almighty for giving him a wonderful family and a wonderful life. And today, it is going to get even better. Rahul Sharma is working with a reputed investment banking company in USA and today he is supposed to give a very important presentation. If everything goes as per plan, he will be promoted and his package will be doubled.
As these thoughts came into Rahul’s mind he quickly got up from the bed, opened his laptop and checked his presentation for the umpteenth time. There shouldn’t be any flaws. Satisfied finally, he closed the laptop and started getting ready for work. He selected his favourite suit for this special occasion. Put on his best perfume. He stood in front of the mirror looking extremely presentable. In the meanwhile his family has also got up. Aryan was throwing his usual tantrums about going to school and Tina was trying her best to convince him. Tina was scolding Aryan. Rahul decided to help Tina pacify Aryan. He went to the other room and found that Aryan has picked up a pair of scissors. Afraid that his son might be hurt Rahul tried to snatch it away from his grasp, but he cut himself. Blood was gushing down his fingers. Aryan started crying, Tina was trying to stop the blood, it was pandemonium. Rahul fixed himself up and realised he will get late for work if he doesn’t rush. So he quickly finished up dressing and started having his breakfast. The hand was paining but Rahul’s mind was preoccupied with thoughts about the presentation. Hi s thoughts were punctured by a phone call. It was Aryan’s school bus driver. The school bus won’t be coming today. So, Rahul had to drop Aryan to school. He started his car and drove towards Aryan’s school. His eyes stealing nervous glances towards his watch all the while. He parked the car and waited for Aryan to get down. But Aryan was sitting and looking at him. Rahul said “Aryan school has arrived. Go now or else dad will be late for his work.” But Aryan kept on looking at him. Rahul got a little bit irritated “What is the matter Aryan?” “Daddy I want a chocolate” “Aryan go to school now, I will get you a chocolate in the evening” But Aryan was adamant. Rahul lost his temper and scolded Aryan “Go now.” The poor little boy started crying, took his bag and left for school. Rahul sighed and he felt bad about his actions, but he was helpless. He had to rush. Oh crap! He was never going to make it by road. He was late. Rahul parked the car in Aryan’s school only and rushed towards the nearby metro station. His office had a metro station at the basement. That will be his fastest route, but he needed to catch this metro else he was doomed. Rahul ran as fast as he could and then he saw it as he reached the ticket counter. A huge queue. Rahul prayed....if only he could get a ticket in time. He spotted Mike in the queue. Mike is his colleague but the truth of the matter is they never really got along with each other. However, Mike was Rahul’s last hope. He rushed up to Mike and requested him to get a ticket for him and explained to him the gravity of the situation. Surprisingly Mike agreed! Rahul waited patiently until Mike reached the counter. Yes he has got the tickets! Rahul ran up to him as he was entering the platform and put out his hand for his ticket. However, Mike simply smirked and returned him back his money. Rahul was outraged but couldn’t do anything as he watched Mike boarding the metro and waving him goodbye. His last resort was gone. Panic set into his mind as he fidgeted through his cell phone to call up his boss. His boss took the call “Rahul! Where the hell are you? The clients are here! We are waiting” “Boss I am having a bad day, I missed the metro, the metro comes in 10 mins.” Just then at the background Rahul heard a voice, it was Mike “Boss any problem? Can I help?” “Thanks Mike you are just in time” Bang! The phone was put down. Rahul was crestfallen. How could fate play such a cruel game with him?
Slowly Rahul moved out of the metro station, his feet and brain not in sync. After what it seemed like ages he realised that he has reached a quiet park. He sat down on a bench and started recollecting the events leading up to his misfortune. If only the school bus arrived, if only Aryan didn’t throw so many tantrums, if only.... The phone was ringing...it was Tina...What will he tell her? He picked up the phone...but instead of a hello he was greeted by his sobbing wife... Tina what happened? Oh Rahul, I just.I just saw the news... Rahul thought his missing an important meeting has come on the news?? Tina I can explain please listen to me...Rahul no need to explain anything...am so relieved... Tina is relieved that I have screwed up at work? She has lost her mind! What are you talking about Tina? Why are you relieved? Don’t you know Rahul?? Where areyou? I am at a lonely park....then go to the nearest shop and watch the TV...your office, the WTC exists no more! Rahul was dumbstruck. He rushed to the nearest coffee shop and he saw on TV his beloved WTC being reduced to rabbles by terrorist attacks. He tried to call his boss, his colleagues but all of their phones were not reachable...actually they were no longer reachable.
Friends, Rahul Sharma was alive on that fateful day because he was meant to be alive. If his son didn’t throw the tantrums, if his colleague would have helped him, Rahul would have been able to get a promotion but he would have been dead. In life often we face tough times and we wonder why me? But, life is a great leveller. Whatever happens in life happens for good. Enjoy the good times because it will not last forever....and face the tough times because that also won’t last forever.
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