Enjoying the life journey

When I started my career in a small newspaper in Mumbai, I used to stare at the gigantic Times of India building and ask my friend, “When will we land here?”

Land I did in just a year and spent 17 years in that organization, when I realized I could not afford to buy an apartment in the expensive city. We started off with kerosene stoves and one room apartments –No gas cylinder, first class travel, car or AC.

“Go to Gulf,” advised my senior colleague.

“Earn Rs300,000 and return in three years. Buy a house and settle down,” advised my dad. I agreed. I saved Rs300,000 in a couple of years, but the house rates had reached 1 million. I pursued and raised that amount. But the apartment rates had reached 4 million. The school and college fees thumped a big hole in pockets.

Fortunately, perseverance paid and we have now booked a small apartment in Chennai.

“Shall we retire?” I asked my wife.

“You promised to show me at least one other country,” grumbled my wife. “Dad, our college has warned that the fee has to be paid before this month,” warned my daughter.

“Bro, you agreed to visit Switzerland,” said my adopted sister on telephone.

I reached office.

“Boss, is there scope for overtime?

The fun is I am enjoying the moment and challenges.