The Struggle........

Prakash Gupta came to Mumbai to be an actor, but he could not be able to make that. He got married to Sujata and settled in Mumbai. Prakash is working with a private company and Sujata is a teacher. Both of them are blessed with a son Akash and a daughter Asha. Akash is now 10 years old and Asha is 7 years old. Both of them are going to the same school where Sujata is a teacher. Suddenly there was a brake in their happy life. Sujata fall sick and got admitted to the hospital. Prakash used to do complete his work and attend Sujata in hospital. Here in the house two children without their mother and with the stressed father started getting neglected. Prakash was very much worried for them. Doctors told Sujata is suffering from blood cancer and will be in hospital for treatment. Both Akash and Asha had gone to hospital with Prakash to see their mother.

Sujata gave a smile with tears in her eyes and spoke to Akash,’’ Son, you are the elder brother and always try to take care of your sister. I know that you are my brave child and can do that. I don’t know when will be released from this hospital, but you remember my words. will you dear?’’ Akash nodded his head and promised his mother. Then from that day onwards Akash started taking care of his sister Asha with lots of love and affection like his mother. Here the medical expenses started growing and with the salary it became very tough for Prakash to maintain both hospital bills and family expenses. Akash could understand the pains of Prakash. One night Akash started thinking of helping his father to meet the expenses. There was a garage near the house. The owner of the garage Shamim is father of Akash’s friend Akhtar.

Then Akash decided to meet him and ask for a job. Next day Akash dropped Asha in the school and he returned to home. He went to the garage and met Shamim. There he told Shamim the problems of his family and asked for a job. Shamim knew Akash as his son Akhtar’s friend. He knew that Akash is very good in study and intelligent too. He was socked and asked,’’ Son, if you will work here then how can you go to the school? Did your parents know about this? If you don’t mind, I can do some financial help to you, but at this age don’t miss your study.’’ Akash listened to it and replied,’’ Uncle, I know I can’t be able to go to school. But during night time I will do the study and appear for examination as a private candidate. I will explain this to my father this. Thanks for your generosity of expressing your interest to do financial help to us. But that will never be a permanent solution. I want to work and earn. Yest it will take some time for me to learn the work and I promise you that I will never let you down. Now if you agree then I will discuss with my father and can join from tomorrow.’’ Shamim was looking at the Akash and his confidence.

He gave a smile and said,’’ OK dear. If you desire then I can give you a job here. you will have to learn the things, which may take at least six months’ time. During this period, you will be paid Rs1500/- per month. And if your father agrees with you then bring him with you tomorrow for his consent.’’ Then Akash thanked Shamim and left the garage. On the same day evening when Prakash came home with a worried face, Akash gave him a glass of water and sat near him. Prakash gave a smile and could understand that his son wants to speak to him. He asked Akash,’’ Do you want to say something son? Tell me dear.’’ Then Akash looked at his father and explained him everything. He assured Prakash that he will continue his study in home and will give examination as private candidate. By doing this his school fees and other expenses can be saved and his earning can be spend on Asha’s education. Then Prakash started feeling guilt

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y for the situation. He could now feel that his son is getting matured at very early age.

His son now wants to share his burden. This was giving him some happiness, but to spoil his son’s childhood was giving him pains. He took Akash and hugged him. Prakash was crying and saying,’’ I am not a good father my son. You have to take pains to support me at this age. But we have to save your mother’s life. Thank you, son.’’ Next day Akash took his father Prakash to the garage and introduced to Shamim. After a brief discussion Prakash gave a written consent. Then Prakash left for his office. Akash started working there. With this arrangement the treatment of Sujata continued along with Asha’s schooling. Like these two years passed. Sujata got discharged from the hospital, but was advised to be under medication and strict bed rest. Here Akash now became a very good mechanic and his salary now is Rs5000/- per month. With his salary Akash is taking care of Asha’s school expenses and part of family expenses. Sujata was socked to know everything about Akash and blaming herself for this.

She started teaching Akash in night time. After four years Akash gave 10th examination as a private candidate and secured very good marks. Prakash and Sujata are very happy to see the result. Akash expressed his desire to take admission in a diploma course of automobile engineering of an evening government institute. Prakash and Sujata agreed to that. Shamim was so happy with Akash’s result that he distributed sweets to all. Now Shamim had increased the salary of Akash to Rs10000/- per month. Akash is working as a supervisor now. After two years Sujata became serious and doctors advised for bone marrow transplantation, which is very expensive. Again, the financial crisis cropped up. Here while working in garage Akash’s body was build very nicely and he became very handsome. One of the customer of Shamim , who is a noted director of Hindi Cinema once asked to Shamim about Akash and expressed his wish to give a role in his upcoming cinema. Shamim told this to Akash and took him to the director’s office. Their the director took his little audition and selected him.

Then Akash signed the contact and hot a signing amount of 10lakh cheque. He was very happy and thanking God for this. He thanked Shamim and said,’’ I will be continuing my job with you. Now this money will help me for my mother’s treatment.’’ Akash rushed to his house and gave the cheque to his father and told him and Sujata about his contract of signing for a film. Prakash was delighted and told Sujata,’’ Now my son is going to fulfill my dream. Which was not been achieved by me, now my Akash has achieved the same. I am proud of you my son.’’ Sujata looked at Prakash and hugged her son. Now Prakash admitted Sujata for the bone marrow transplantation. The required finance was with him. Here Akash started his film suiting and also joining garage to do his job, whenever getting time.

After six months Sujata was discharged from the hospital. Akash had completed his diploma and given the final examination. His first film will be released in next week. Prakash, Sujata, Shamim, Akash and Asha are excited. Asha had also given her 10th examination. Next week on the date of the release of film two more good news brought the smiles on everybody’s face. Akash had passed his diploma and the topper; Asha had passed 10th with the best result of being the topper of the school. At the same time the first day collection of Akash’s movie had broken all the records. While on dinner table Prakash was saying,’’ Now after The Struggle ,we could get this happiest moment in our life. Let us thank the God for this.’’ Everyone looked at Prakash and joined him with his happiness.