Saturday, July 23, 2011

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.

27 comments:

  1. you be there, keep earning, because our wants never end:). I also want to retire but something keeps coming up like you say.

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  2. we are contemplating to buy a house in Mumbai...lets see when the contemplation turns to reality!!!

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  3. This is 'kahani ghar ghar ki'
    The wants and needs of everyone in this modern world have increased.

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  4. Ramesh,

    Deep down, we are fighting within ourselves. To achieve, to enjoy, to retire and relax, it doesnt happen when we wish to.

    There has to be an end...

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  5. Your post is so touching. It's amazing how you find the courage and the humor to cheer so many of us with your stories that offer a real slice of live. Truly admire the spirit and the strength of conviction. Am sure your dreams will come true and that's just a matter of time.

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  6. hahaha.. congrats ramesh...hmm..life is challenging at all times..

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  7. "One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men, but no machine can do the work of one extraordinary man." --- hey not me but Elbert Hubbart said it .Keep enjoying the moments and challenge ,you are an inspiration .Cheers :)

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  8. definitely LOLS.... now i get why it gets harder to save up..lolzz

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  9. Visit USA too please! (Thought I might as well add to your growing list... :) )

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  10. hehe. Wonderful! At least you are enjoying the moment.

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  11. So real, the more you earn, new needs crop up or your dreams are out of reach. but the happiness we get in striving to achieve, is immense

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  12. It is very true. It is the same story everywhere with everyone. Things are always beyond our reach. However, it is good to look back and appreciate, how our ambitions, dreams had made us come to the present level, step by step.
    In Mumbai it is still not possible to own a decent flat.

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  13. "Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory."
    - Mahatma Gandhi

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  14. very well said...its time to retire..But looking at the expenses we need overtime!

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  15. isn't that what life is all about!!

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  16. Every person who reads your story will have a similar personal story, Ramesh!

    Your are enjoying challenges and that is the true spirit! Carry on, all the best!

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  17. A very blissful post.. I visited you a bit late... A very nice piece and yea i loved the way you have written about the struggle.. its when i see some world famous hospitals and dream about being there, well i loved it :) :) And yes great blog :)

    Cheers,

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  18. We are all soldiers in this battle against tyrant called “Desire”…the harder we fight against, the farther we drift away from reality…lets plow the roads  As your nephew “oh-i-knew-this-guy-once” all I could do is courier you one HOLIDAY PACKAGE to Egypt. You may use it to tour your wife in another country as she desires for ….good luck ROBOT

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  19. Lot of them have said what I intended to. However just want to say - Life is beautiful in its own way. Our "wants" and "needs" sculpt it out into a marvellous statue and we are here doing the right thing. Carry on until you feel terrible about it. :)

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  20. How true ... this is the story of all indians who work hard to achieve their dreams and retire happily....congrats on ur new home in chennai...

    Super Yummy Recipes

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  21. Moving target stays moving. :)) You will never retire and I never think of retiring.

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  22. So much agree with nona , Pursuit of Happiness. Its a vicious cycle ! the more we go through it, more we get accustomed an find happiness in.

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  23. Kudos Rameshji. u said a great truth

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  24. Life goes on eh?

    Love the new background - spotlights. Funny thing.. I was just thinking of spotlights. :)

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