The Turning Point

The Turning Point

A Short Story by G.S.Vasukumar

“There's so much to do. And there's never enough time. I feel pressured and hassled all day, everyday, seven days a week. I also feel time is running out of my life and it makes me feel bad.” I thought.

It was one Friday morning, I was rushing to my office in my car. As there was heavy traffic jam in the main road, I took another road thinking it would connect me to my usual route somewhere. I soon realized that I was lost in this unknown road which had only greenery on both sides.

I found an old man walking by side of the road. Suddenly, I applied brakes and the car came to a halt near him.He turned his face looking at me with a frown on his face. I told him that I was lost and asked his help.“Alright, I will come along and you can drop me on the way” He said

I agreed and he sat next to me. I started driving again listening to the music.“Can you please stop it?” He said looking at me “Don’t you have old songs with you?”

“Sorry…I don’t have” I said switching off the music system and looking at him.

“Music of this generation is so irritating and boring. Gone are those days when music was melodious and nice. I used to listen to radio after returning from work every day.” He replied

“Gone are those days. Now where do we have time? There's so much to do. And there's never enough time. I feel pressured and hassled all day, everyday, seven days a week. I also feel time is running out of my life and it makes me feel bad.” I said.

“Son, when I was of your age I too was like you. I thought earning money was the most important thing in life. This took me away from my family and friends. You know, I kept myself busy in earning money and trying to make the life of my loved ones secured, but I failed to give them my love and affection. My wife loved me a lot. She passed away few years back. She was the only person who used to speak to me even if I didn’t. Now, there is no one to speak to me. My children have grown up and are busy in their life. I feel so lonely…I would like to speak to someone, but there is no one to listen to me…just no one.That is the reason why I wanted to speak to you in this short journey. Please stop near that tree. You go straight and then take a left turn and it will take you to the main road. Bye.” He said as he got out from the car, closing the door and waving his hand at me.

I started driving thinking about what he had just said. I realized that even I was thinking earning money was the only thing in life and it would take care of all other things in life.

Now, I felt that money was not everything in life….I dialed home from my mobile and heard my wife’s voice :-

“Yes? Did you forget anything?” She asked

“Nothing…be ready in the evening…we shall go out for shopping and also have dinner outside in some nice restaurant. If time permits, we can also watch some nice movie in some theatre. Also tell Sanjay to be ready when he comes back from school” I told her

“What? What has happened to you?” She asked me shocked and surprised “You never took us out in the last one year or so..”

“Nothing..dear..I love you,” I said smiling.

“You love me?” She asked

“Yes, I do” I said

“Be ready, ok?”

“Yes…” She said sounding still surprised.

I started humming my favorite song, thinking of the reason for being late to my office.Suhana safar aur ye mausam hasi, humme darr hain hum kohna jaaye kahin…………….

The End