Today was a great day- I had a good time at college (for once, no one scolded me for sleeping during lectures), the girl I like smiled back at me, and even the little things like ‘Comment Wars’ on Facebook seemed to be working my way. It seemed like nothing could go wrong.
But that got me thinking. Today was a good day, but what about tomorrow, how would that turn out to be? Would it go the same? How about the future? When I step out of my college campus with a degree in my hand, will the world treat me well?
The world is a bad, bad place, irrespective of the path you choose. As teenagers, our lives are protected from these harsh exteriors. But sooner or later we will have to step out, be exposed and make a name for ourselves.
One sweet day I decided to step out and while away a few hours in the city. I stepped out of the campus gates and met an Autowala.
Me: Excuse me, mister.
Autowala: Where to, fellow?
Me: Burdi.
Autowala: 80 rupees.
Me: No, 40 rupees. Or should I go and look for another one?
Autowala: OK, 60 rupees. Not less than this.
Me: OK.
Me: So, Bhaiya, petrol prices rose or what?
Autowala: Yes sir. By 2-3 rupees.
Me: I’m thinking of getting bike soon so I can get around easier. What do you think?
Autowala: That isn’t such a good idea sir. You will need to take good care of it, and a lot of your cash will go in filling petrol and servicing. Plus on these roads, chances of getting into accidents are pretty high, so it’s pretty fatal.
Me: Hmm. So why don’t I buy an auto rickshaw? It’s kinda easy, and I’d be able to go wherever I want and earn money on the side.
Autowala: (showing his hand) Sir, look at this cut I have. One day, I had a big man as my customer. He had a 5-inch long knife, and when I stretched out this hand to ask him for the fare, he cut my hand with the knife and fled. Sir, my job is way more dangerous than simply owning a bike. Never take a job as mine if you are not strong-willed to do it.
Once, when I was travelling home to Mumbai by Howrah mail express, I met a millionaire. We had a little chat, and he made me realize that even as a millionaire, life wasn’t a bed of roses for him. There were much greater problems in store for him. He told me he had to be careful every time he stepped out of the house, for he had received many death threats. Now, for his security, he keeps a revolver with at all times.
So people, remember that wherever you go, know what’s right and what’s wrong. Identify the evils, and stay away from them.
And if you ever find yourself in a depressing state, try not to worry about it. There’s always Facebook.
