True Wealth

                                   

 Sneha and Rama were daughters of two neighbors. Sneha was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raghavendra Rao and they had another child Srinivas, younger to her. Husband and wife were teachers in the local government school. Rama was the only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gopal Rao. Gopal Rao owned a small business which was doing well.

 The girls went to the school in which Raghavendra Rao and his wife were working. Both the girls were very close friends, always together found in either of the houses. Because of them, their parents also became good friends. Gopal Rao and wife were clear that they would get their daughter married as soon as she was 18 years of age and it was customary in their family to get their daughters married early. May be because of this or even otherwise also Rama was disinterested in studies and was an average student. For Rama’s parents everything revolved round her marriage. They were either buying gold for her or saving for her wedding or were in the lookout for suitable boys!

The girls finished their 12th standard. Rama got minimum qualifying marks while Sneha passed with distinction and was the topper in her school. Sneha joined degree course with an intention of joining civil services and her focus was firmly on that.  

Rama’s parents found a suitable boy from a business family wealthier than theirs and the marriage was a grand affair. Everyone in the neighborhood would talk about the grandeur for several days.

Rama’s husband was loving and caring but the in-laws ill treated her and there was always friction between them. Rama had to suffer silently as she and her husband had no financial freedom as the business was jointly owned between his two brothers and father. Time passed by in the turmoil and Rama had two children. She was the happiest when she came to her parent’s home, spending time with them and also with her friend Sneha.

Sneha, in the meantime qualified in the civil services exams and interview and was expecting her posting. And then there was a misfortune in Rama’s life. She lost her husband due to heart attack and was thrown out of her home by her in-laws and her entire world went topsy turvy. She came back to her parents’ home grieving and shattered. Slowly she overcame her grief and when her father suggested that she should get involved In family business, she expressed her wish to continue her education from where she left along with managing her dad’s business,” my parents thought that wealth would provide security for me. But now I realize that it is education that is true wealth, that which cannot be stolen by anyone and everlasting. In spite of being friends with a person like Sneha I failed to realize this reality. It is never too late to correct my mistake.” Saying so, Rama hugged Sneha and started crying inconsolably. Sneha put her hands around her friends shoulders and said, ”Where there is a will, there is a way. We are there to support you in your endeavor.”

“ I am going to be a strict teacher, Hurry up you three; time to study” said Sneha and laughed filled the room lifting up the mood of everyone. Before they all dispersed,” A friend like Sneha is one of the most valuable possessions one can have” said Rama and it was so true.