The Wasted Talent

Ramesh was a 10th standard boy. His parents always wanted him to become engineer or doctor but he was not at all interested in engineering and medicine. The subject of his interest was English. His parents always motivated him by giving examples of children of friends and relatives who have become engineers or doctors. As he finished his 10th standard, fearfully he went to his father and said, "Dad, I do not want to become an engineer or a doctor. I want to become a writer and for that I want to pursue MA in English and also PHD in the same. I will not opt medical or non-medical in 11th class." Listening to him his father Ram Naresh said, "How silly! Only these two streams have a good future, rest everything is useless. You will do nothing by doing MA in English. It is good for nothing, there is no job scope after MA in English." Ramesh said, "Dad there is a huge job scope in English. But since all our friends and relatives are becoming engineers and doctors, we are not looking at other professions. We need to change our outlook dad, that's all." His angry father said, "Ramesh, do whatever you want, but I don't support your decision." Saying these words his father left the room.

Ramesh was determined to do MA in English. As the friends and relatives of Ramesh heard that he is not opting engineering or medicine, they started visiting Ramesh's home daily just to tell his parents that what a silly decision their child has taken. Enjoying tea,coffee and snacks they used to humiliate Ramesh. They used to say to his parents, "Your child will do nothing in his life. He is good for nothing. Leaving engineering and medicine, he wants to do PG in English. What a brainless decision. Be ready to see your son as unemployed wanderer after he completes his graduation." Ramesh used to listen to all these things in the adjacent room but never said anything to his dad. Ramesh's close friends used to say,"Why don't you tell your dad not to allow such people inside your home?" Ramesh said, "Nobody can force you for anything in this world without your consent. If my dad is not saying anything to them and they are doing it daily, how can I stop them?". From that day Ramesh started living in depression. His concentration power was getting spoil and due to this his scoring in school examination was also deteriorating. Somehow he completed his 12th and asked his father,"I have selected one college in some other city from where I want to complete my graduation and PG. I will not live here." His father said," I know why you want to leave. It is because you will feel ashamed when you will see the children of our relatives becoming great engineers and doctors and you will be a jobless wanderer after completing your MA in English. Do whatever you want but remember, after competing you PG, you will not be able to show your face to anyone because it is sure that you will never get any job."

Ramesh was very upset. Everyday he was lining in a trauma in his own house where nobody was there to support him.Everyone just humiliated him. Nobody ever said few words of politeness and care to him, jut because of one silly reason that he was not interested in Engineering or medicine. Ramesh left his home city. He took admission in some college and after 5 years he completed his graduation and PG in English successfully. Throughout these 5 years, his parents did not even call him. He used to cry often but he could not do anything. He just concentrated on his studies and successfully completed his PG in English. Time went on. One day he returned to his home. As he ringed the bell, his mother opened up the door. Looking at hos son, she started crying and hugged him,"My sweet son, I am sorry I did not even call you once. You know your dad. I know how you felt these days, but I could not help it. Your dad did not want me to talk to you, nor did he allow me to talk to you. How is your life going?Are you working somewhere?" Ramesh said, "where is dad?". His mom said, "Taday is party at Mahesh uncle's home. His son got selected as Engineer in a highly reputed firm. We have to leave for his home within 1/2 an hour." Ramesh said, "Ok mom, I will leave. I will come again when dad is here". saying these words Ramesh left.

After sometime, Ramesh's dad came back home and with his mom, moved towards Mahesh's home. It was a party atmosphere. Ramesh's dad said to Mahesh's son Ram, "So Great Ram, you have become an Engineer in a highly reputed firm. many congratulations. What is the name of the organization?". Suddenly Ram heard a car horn. He said,"Uncle I will tell you everything and there is a surprise for you. The owner of my organization has arrived. Let me receive him and then we will talk.Thank you." Ram rushed towards the car and with his boss he came inside his home. He said to his parents, "Mom-dad, please meet my boss. I have been selected as engineer in his firm. His name is Mr. Ramesh and the name of his organization is Ram-Naresh Publications". Listening to his words, Ram Naresh looked towards his boss. It was Ramesh. Looking at his son, Ram-Naresh started crying. Ramesh rushed towards his dad & hugged him. Ram-Naresh started crying,"I am sorry my son, I am sorry. I thought that by doing MA in English, you will do nothing. But you proved me wrong. Me and your mom are so happy today."

Ramesh was crying. He had waited so many years for this day to come in his life. His past was full of regret, tears, humiliation, hatred and insults. Many times he felt like he should die, many times he felt like he should commit suicide, but today the situation has reversed. Today everyone is just appreciating him. He was extremely happy that he is not a wasted talent but he knew that his past will always keep pinching him throughout his life.