What are you most proud of in your life?

It is the story of a self-made man who struggles against odds but never lets situations control him.

Inundation

There was a deluge. Pluvial water had inundated the whole area. Last night it rained cats and dogs. Every drain, canal and river of the city was overflowing and gushing. He lived across the rivulet, which flows across a part of the city. An embankment was constructed to save the habitation from floods. Nevertheless, due to some litigation, a small part was left. The gushing pluvial water made it way through it and inundated the whole area.

(a) Thinking the way

The overcast sky was harrowing. A few residents of the locality came running. They made a frantic call to leave the place at once. The floodwater was gushing fast. Standing at the gate of his rented house, he was contemplating the way to leave for a safe place. No one was on his mind except for the one who was living at the other end of the city.

(b) Packing and stashing

His mind was working fast. The water had started coming into the premises. He had to act fast. Swiftly packing his frugal belongings and books in a few cardboard boxes, he stashed them on a shelf. The shelf was about twelve feet above the ground. After it, he looked at his scooter. Thinking that water would not cross beyond a foot or two, he parked his scooter on a raised porch.

(c) Frugal material belongings

He finished his work and lifted his six-month-old baby in his lap. Along with his spouse, he came out of the house. They had just started their lives and had nothing that could be termed as “valuable”. A kerosene wick-stove for cooking, a few essential utensils, some books, and an old scooter. This was all.

Unexpected help

He stood calf-deep in water at his gate. His spouse and the sleeping baby were with him. While thinking about where to go, suddenly he saw an unexpected person approaching him. He was an older gentleman who was his neighbour in his old city. A kind-hearted person, the aged gentleman with a strong feeling of affinity, said to him to join. The way the gentleman arrived from nowhere and took them to his residence was unbelievable.

(a) Safe place

There was no choice. He hesitantly accepted and accompanied the gentleman to his residence. An old and decent woman, acquainted with them, greeted her guests at the door of the house. His spouse touched her feet, and they entered the house. It was a small government quarter, filled with strong positive vibes. The hosts were very kind and made the couple feel comfortable.

(b) Flood water yet to retreat

After a few days, the water receded a bit. The young couple went to see their house, which was still under knee-deep water. Their belongings were soaked with water, books were damaged, and the scooter was deep under the slush. All needed to be washed, cleaned, and repaired. That would need a significant amount of money, which he didn’t have. He had, though, to wait for a few days more to reced the water completely.

(c) Cleaning the house

After a few more days, the water completely drained out, leaving slush and detritus behind. The couple started cleaning the house and making it habitable. Life in the area had started returning to normal. The couple sat back and conversed after thoroughly cleaning the house. Later, he gave his scooter for servicing and repair. Cleaning was a task three decades ago, but now, with cleaning instruments available online on https://amzn.to/49eMm6n it has become a lot easier.

After floods

After the deluge, the area was desolate and prone to crime. His spouse used to stay alone for the whole day while he was away to his work. The time gradually passed and things became normal.

(a) Moving foreward

He has had no financial backup nor parental support. The couple had to manage on their own. The judgmental statements hurled from his parental side used to agitate him. Despite all odds, he did not give up and waded through.

Also read: Survival stories: Rising after losing Everything

Helping self

With a meagre income, it was hard to pull all the strings together. There were lapses, health issues of the child, domestic expenses, house rent and other bills. He managed them all. It was, and still today, it is the story of a common self-made man. There is nothing new in it, but here is a twist. He has no one around to help or, if need be, buttress financially. Even though he manage his hunger, what about the child and his spouse, who were solely dependent upon him? He can’t shirk with his responsibilities, he murmured in a voice audible only to him.

Owning a house

As time rolled on, his earnings inched further. Yet, the economic contributing factors nullified the increase. The management of domestic affairs was becoming easy, but without savings. His spouse wanted to have a house of their own, but his finances were very tight. He was incapable of getting loans from the loaning agencies because of his meagre income. He has been registered in a government housing agency. After a long wait, he managed to get an allotment. Still, after depositing the first amount with difficulty, he could not deposit the instalments. The interest was accumulating, and the danger of cancellation loomed large. It had to be managed, and it was done. It was a big step for a self-made man.

(a) Possession letter was received

The roller coaster ride ultimately came to an end. After a mix of fear, thrill, and amusement, finally, he got the possessions letter. The construction started quietly. Two and a half years later, he moved into his new house.

Gratitude

Struggles are part of life. He feels obligated to those who lent their helping hand in coming out of the cesspool of difficulties. Many faceless people came into his life when he needed help. They assisted him in their capacity. Then, they vanished into thin air. He is obliged to them all and is thankful to them.

Talking about oneself is not good

Once we had a long conversation. He told a lot about himself. That was quite helpful in understanding the quiet young man whose face looked sober. He is now an octogenarian but agile and ready to take a new venture. Shy about speaking about himself, for he belonged to the school of thought where talking about oneself was considered haughty. It was difficult to convince him and prepare him to talk. It was the story of grit, perseverance and above all simplicity. He was simple to the extent of being ignorant, didn’t know about worldliness and ways to behave in a society. A quiet person, he talks less and is hesitant about making new friends. Once a friend, he gradually opens like a bloom.

The Story

Telling his story, he had said that the thing he was proud of was that he was a self-made man. Whatever he achieved or acquired has no contribution from others except his efforts and sincere labour. His story has been the saga of a persistent struggle to get himself noticed and earn a livelihood with honour. He rightly feels proud that he was a self-made man.

A humble plea

Did you like the story? Please do share your story and experiences in the comment box below. Share it with others so that a chain of thoughts is formed.

Further Readings:

Overcoming Life’s Challenges: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Designing the Future City: Innovations and Sustainability

Defining the Common Man in One Word

-END-