EPISODE 18- A SEQUEL TO JOHN'S JOURNEY!

John had a tough college life especially those with the first year subjects but later he started enjoying those beautiful moments. Since john was not good with maths, again in college he had few practical difficulties with the subject. As in his old school here also john was considered a genius by his college and by few of his professors but his real color languished when his first term results came in and john miserably failed in all the subjects even in practical’s which none of them imagined. John belong to a different major when he changed his course of studies from commerce to computers he found the subject to be difficult. But these things were common in the life of a student. On the other hand Kenneth never fazed off by anything. It was then all began in john’s life. Yes it’s the start of everything…the beginning of end. Kenneth had a younger brother who was doing his 7^th grade ,his mother a home maker and his father a classical singer, who was actually striving hard to get a job was simply sitting at home commanding his wife to bring money from her home and ill-treating her. These things brought in a mental change in Kenneth’s mind which ultimately ruined not only his life but also the one’s surrounding him. Kenneth was attracted by a girl named Martha. Martha was from the country side and was located in a women’s hostel which was located in john’s neighborhood. Slowly john understood that Kenneth was in serious love with Martha, john kept quiet and waited for a moment where he can make Kenneth understand that it’s neither his age nor it was the situation to fall prey for all these things but it was all too late for john to let him understand.

Kenneth and Martha started moving close, that the whole class knew that both do love each other. But john was in a dilemma whether or not to leave Kenneth as such, it’s so because Kenneth’s entire family depend on him ,not only that but John had a slight doubt about Martha’s, to add his problem Kenneth never concentrated in studies. He was not regular for college also; whenever he was absent Martha too won’t be present. Remember something john had allocated few customers for Kenneth to take over? Even they were left without care. John was very busy with his first semester exams, that he didn’t carry out his regular inspections in his customers place; Kenneth knew this very well and utilized this opportunity. After the exams john carried out his regular business works as usual The first ever big shock came to john when the real fact came to light. So John was more worried about his business, slowly Kenneth father and mother started inquiring john about the girl who kept ringing Kenneth. As soon as he reaches home Kenneth makes himself isolated and was over the phone all night with that girl. His number of visits to john’s place slowly decreased. Things were going smooth except with Kenneth. Slowly new friends started moving around John’s life few of them are Miguel and Steven. Miguel a soft timid guy who is from a very traditional background, and Steven a guy of hard work, these two fellows joined the college very late as they had arrear in 12^th grade so they joined the college only after 2 months from the date of college reopened. Well… well… welllll here is the important person in the class trouble maker, the baleful beauty of the class Kurt. He consider himself as the mobster but the fact is he is a lovable and harmless Wight ,but when you say this to him he’ll not accept it,in face he is the class comedian, with a fierce tone ,ehhee ,rest of his gang fellas are Sean ,Garry, Nelson. Sean was in love with Rachel who again belongs to a different character,which you ll come to know in the later part of the story . Apart from this john had few good friends among girls who are Susan ,Ellen ,Sharon ,Ashley, Donna. Sharon and Garry belongs to different group but since their total was less(10)they were combined with john’s group for the first one year. Almost the first one year went on just like that no odd feelings no differences, no enmity; mainly no Ego. All of them took life as it came. But it was a good beginning for all, except few sad things. No one can ever forget a life like that, if experienced it once. “Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.”This is all John learnt in the First year of graduation! But there is something more….

EPISODE 17-A TRUE MANIFESTATION

John had completed high school, his parents expected him to go to a Christian college. John, however, was unsure if college was in his future. He had long planned to continue his education, but when it actually came time, John was unsure. Much to the annoyance of Wilson, he couldn't explain his feelings. John didn't know it, but the Holy Spirit had given him a small still voice that told him to wait.This is so because John wanted to achieve something big in Fine arts but he also had a desire to give his business a new dimension so do he Joined in a near by college to pursue his under graduation, John got seat in the famous Christian college but considering the distance his parents objected his idea and made him study in a nearby college.John's day dream came real one day...yes its the day when john entered his college for the first time.John was had high school friend Kenneth also joined alone with him. so john was a bit relaxed in this new environment,John also had his 9th grade friend Errick in 2'nd year BBA, so do his childhood friend Marcus in the final year B.Com.But john didn't find the environment comfortable more over he was afraid about Maths and the Lecturers there.Every day classes was like hell to him.since John was sound in his grammar and vocabulary people thought he is a bright guy.But None except John knew he understood nothing from what they teach,since John from a commerce background with computer science as his major in his high school, he felt that the subject too hard to follow.John had too much of pressures in his mind .

John does not possess constant mind to decide things on his own,But he decided to move on to another college where his other friend Perry was Studying.He approached his principal along with Mr.Wilson and applied for Transfer,It was just the 18th day since college reopened so initially principal didn't accept John's Request but then she granted the certificates on a condition that the amount paid as fees 'll not be refunded.Wilson with a Furious face accepted it and John successfully Joined B.Sc with ISM as major in the college where Perry is studying.Here another big horror was waiting for John.From his first class he learned that his class consist of 10 Students in which 4 are Female and 1 androgynous(Rose) and 4 Chinese last but not the least is John.The first day class went on well but John found something fishy about 4 guys and Rose. the next day class started John was seriously listening to his lecturer soon something happened to him when he got up the class was empty it was 3 in the evening...John wat da F*** happen to u man?? y the hell u like this !!!!!! exclaimed Perry who fortunately came by his class to say bye for the evening..It was then john realized that he was dozed off by his class mates..it was nothing but some light narcotic Drug something like cocaine or Ganja.He learned this from his class mate Johnsy!!He took this matter to his principal But got no proper response; though John wants to quit the second day itself, he was asked to pay all the 3 years fees to get back his certificates. !!!Ultimately John took this matter to Wilson and then to Chief of the institution- he was well known to John as he is none other than the same person who selected John as the School Pupil Leader when he was in Higher secondary final year. John made up his mind and Decided to get back to the previous institution itself.Moral that John learned is ""Look before you leap"" and don't Look back once u step forward S tart small; T hink tall; R each over the wall; I nvest your all; V isualize the mall; E xpect you may fall; but, if you fall, that's not all; get up and STRIVE again

"ITS GUD TO PLAN YOUR WORK BUT ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO WORK YOUR PLAN"

So do John started off with a clear Mind to succeed!!

EPISODE 16-AN INCIDENT(contd)

"This is 911 emergency. How may I help you?" asked a woman's voice. For a moment, John's tongue glued to the roof of his mouth.

"Please get an ambulance to the corner of Radison right away! There's a man in the alley... he's lost a lot of blood!" John pleaded frantically.

"Stay calm. An ambulance is on it's way," the woman's voice assured.

"Thank God!" exclaimed John. The emergency dispatcher asked who he was, and then hung up when the sirens were within hearing distance. John dashed out of the bookstore, heedless of the oncoming traffic, and stood at the entrance of the alley. An ambulance pulled up beside the curb, it's red lights flashing.

"Over here!" he called. Two men jumped out of the ambulance and followed john down the alley.He watched as they unwound the limp arms of the stoplight panhandler.

"It's a knife wound," he heard one of the men say. When a policeman tapped John on the shoulder, he jumped.

"Were you the one who called 911?" he asked.

"Yes, I was," replied John, nervously.

"Did you know him?" the policeman asked, pointing at the limp form being lifted onto a stretcher.

"No."

"How did you find the body?" he asked. John felt faint. The walls of the alley began to spin around him.

"I was walking..." he began. Suddenly, everything became black.

When John opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a stretcher, with sirens screaming loudly in his ears.

"Do you feel better?" asked a voice. At the foot of his stretcher stood one of the emergency workers who had arrived in the ambulance. The stretcher suddenly bumped against the wall. It was then, John realized he was in an ambulance.

"I'm all right. You can let me out right here," he said pointing to a window.

"I think it would better to have a doctor examine you first," he explained.

"But, I'm late for School," he protested. The man did not hear him, for he was busily engaged with a person in the stretcher beside him. To John's surprise, it was the stoplight panhandler. A clear hose had been placed over his mouth, pumping oxygen into his still unconscious body. The emergency worker turned his eyes to a little monitor with a jumping green line. John lie quietly on the stretcher. Suddenly, the green line stopped jumping, and a flat line took it's place. The emergency worker grabbed two white discs and placed them on top of the panhandler's chest. His body jolted upward and then slammed back down onto the stretcher. He continued to do this until the green line began to jump again.

"He almost died, didn't he?" asked John.

"His heart stopped beating. But, for now, it's working again," the man said, sitting down. Soon after, they arrived at the hospital. The doors opened, and the stoplight panhandler was lifted out. John climbed down on his own two feet. A rush of activity surrounded john, as nurses rushed the unconscious panhandler into the hospital. John was led inside, and checked over to make sure he was really all right. Then, the police had him answer some questions. He told them what had happened.

"If I were you," warned the police officer who had been asking him the questions, "I would stay out of dark alleys. Especially, if you are alone."

"But, it's Providential I did, this one time," smiled John

"It's just another transient," shrugged the officer, tucking the clipboard he had been writing on, under his arm. "If this one lives to be discharged, he'll be out on the streets again. Bums like him die everyday." The police officer checked his clipboard one more time, and walked away.

A sick feeling crept over John. He navigated his way to the main exit, and quickly left the hospital. John looked up at the sky. Usually, the air was filled with smog, but a gentle breeze sent out from God's heavenly chamber had carried the man-made poison away. John gratefully thanked God for the safety He had given him that morning.

In spite of the pure air and the warm sunshine, John's heart was crying.

He arrived at work

The policeman's words echoed in his mind.

"Just another transient." A crowd of people exiting a nearby building, shook John from his uneasy solitude.

Fortunately or Unfortunately this incident made a deep encroachment in his mind ,that John drew stoplight panhandler in his next round of painting competition and won the first place fetching him the entry ticket for the next future rounds of the competition."Every single moment of life is precious"John whispered to himself.Ultimately his school days also came to an end.John secured good total and got a seat in the nearby college with computer science as his major.

EPISODE 15-AN INCIDENT

The busy city awoke to Monday morning, ready to face another hectic week of work and life. Like most city dwellers on such a weekday, John started off on his daily trek to the school. John had spent the weekend with his parents something he always did, for he was never so happy as when he returned home. The love he felt from her parents, would tide him over to the next weekend. Unlike most people, John never disliked Mondays. It just meant he was one day closer to Saturday. It was with these thoughts, that he walked down the sidewalk, on his way to work.

However, when John came to the stoplight, his thoughts changed course. This day had started like most others, but somehow, something felt different. Then it came to him.John looked around for the panhandler who had chosen that place as his spot.He had grown accustomed to his silent presence at the stoplight. He would greet him with a smile and drop lose change into his cup. The man would nod and look down, never saying a word. John had observed his long, unkempt brown hair.He had noticed his beard reached the top of his faded blue jacket. John saw he always wore the same pair of worn sneakers - ones with duct tape wound about them, to keep the soles in place. To his horror,John even observed he never wore slippers, no matter how Hot it was outside

But today, the spot where he always occupied, stood empty. Every day, without fail, he had always been there. John looked at the other people that waited at the stoplight. Most of them he recognized, for they too, made the same route to work, every day. As the light turned green, John saw none of them had noticed the missing member of their daily gathering. He looked at his watch. Yes, he had a little time before School. For the first time in months, John did not cross the street with the others when the light turned green. Instead, he searched the side walk on either side of the stoplight. It was then, he saw a dark alley separating two tall buildings near the panhandler's spot.

By nature, John was not intrepid. However, his concern for the stoplight panhandler, and His desire to not be late for work, propelled him forward in action not typical of a generally, thoughtful young man. In his haste, though, he remembered to pray before entering. "Safety is of the Lord," he reminded himself. He wrinkled his nose, for everything smelled of foul odors, and rotting trash. Cardboard boxes were piled up high against trash cans; a small stream of water ran down the black asphalt. John slowly walked to the end of the alley.

As he turned to leave, John noticed a huddled form crouched between two trash cans. He gave a sudden start, but the form did not move. It did not seem to be aware of his presence at all. John took a step closer, careful not to make any noise. As dark clouds softly parted overhead, a ray of light fell upon the huddled form's face, revealing the stoplight panhandler. His eyes were closed, and his arms were wrapped around his torso. The faded jacket was no longer blue, but soaked in a dark red substance. Alarmed John knelt down beside him on the damp asphalt. John bent down and put his ear up to his chest. His heart was beating, but it was very faint. This man was dying. John jumped to his feet, and dashed out of the dark alley. He had to find a telephone, quickly.

No one noticed the boy as he frantically ran down the streaked gray sidewalk, searching for a pay phone. Across the street, he spotted a secondhand bookstore. John quickly crossed the street, forgetting to look before he did so. A yellow taxi screeched to a halt, narrowly missing John. The driver stuck his head out and yelled at him in a language he did not understand.

"Sorry!" John called back. he opened the bookstore door and ran to the counter. "May I use your phone? It's an emergency!" he hurriedly asked an old man sitting by the cash register. The old man looked up sleepily.

"Just so as it's not long distance," he replied grumpily. John nodded as he grabbed the telephone receiver. His fingers trembled as he dialed 911. To his disbelief, the number was busy.

"Please, God, make them answer!" he urgently pleaded. The old man opened his eyes again, curiously observing his anguish as one would passively watch television. John's heart pounded loudly in his ears. The sound reminded him that with every passing moment, the stoplight panhandler lost more blood. "Don't let him die, God!" he prayed outloud. After what seemed to John to be an eternity, a voice answered.

************TO BE CONTINUED**********************

EPISODE 14-OPEN THINE HAND WIDE

Wake up dear," Mrs. wilson coaxed, nudging her sleeping son's shoulder. John, former secretary of contemporary arts and crafts have come to meet you,saying so she pulled the covers over his head in silent protest. "There's a reporter from 'America Weekly' downstairs and he wants an interview. You aren't in any trouble, are you, Love?" asked Mrs.Wilson.

John pushed back his long, brown bedsheet away from his face and looked into his mother's troubled eyes. "Of course not!" smiled John. "Go back and keep Dad company. I'll be there in a minute," he reassured.

Mrs.wilson went back downstairs while John got dressed. He took a deep breath and descended from his room. A casually dressed man stood up and approached John as he entered the living room.

"Mr.John?" he asked, holding out his hand, in a friendly manner. "I'm Jose Fernandez of 'America Weekly.'"

"Mr. Fernandez," replied John, shaking his hand.

"Call me Jose," he smiled, taking out a tape recorder. "May I record this interview?" he asked, looking up for his permission.

"Why not?" replied john dryly.

"Do I sense reluctance, Mrs.Wilson ?" asked Jose, taking out his note pad. "I thought everyone loved publicity."

"Some more than others," replied John evenly, accepting the cup of tea his mother handed him. Jose smiled grimly. He could tell this wasn't going to be as easy of an interview as he had hoped.

"Mrs. Wilson," he began, "are you currently employed or are you a house maker?" John took a sip of tea, his hand slightly trembling. When Jose first mentioned the fact John won the city level art competition which is gonna be a turning point in johns life , he had an uneasy feeling of which direction the interview was going to take.

"No, I am not," replied Mrs.Wilson rashly. Mr.Wilson looked up from his newspaper. This was news to him! He had thought his son had merely enjoying at home having shared the joy of winning first place in the competition with his family and friends.

"See Mr.Jose we never knew that our son John participated in that painting competition,and we are sorry to say he ll never take part in any such competition hereon and you may leave now.thank you for bringing this incident to our notice" ferociously said Mrs.Wilson.Jose understood the mind set of John's Parents, and he explained that John had a great future in Fine arts.But nothing fell into the deaf ears of Mrs.Sandra.John held the tears that failed to fall on the earth.John was on his Christmas vacation,so his parents held him up in the house,there by to prevent him from taking part in painting competitions,but John didn't stop his works he decided to start his computer business in a wider scale,So he worked over it.Meantime many of his friends and relatives appreciated John for his creative works and paintings.This bought slight change in MR.and Mrs.Wilson's mind .They never restricted as well they didn't appreciate for his painting works.Meanwhile Kenneth started visiting John everyday,they become intimate friends.John Trusted Kenneth more than anyone so do Kenneth Believed John. Year passed by and John is now in the final year of high school.He had a great responsibility as he had to prove himself and his mind constantly thinking about his vows.Even though he already taken few steps and succeeded successfully by fetching good name and fortune he wanted to prove more.On June 14th 2004 to every ones surprise John and Laura was announce as the School Pupil Leader of his school.It was the first time in the 128 year history of the school that a student who got detained and a student who was titled worthless was made head boy .More over John studied in that institution only for 4 years,there were many other students like Jones ,Brown, Miller, Anderson.But the board members was keen on selecting John as SPL.

John Felt that he was the happiest person in the world for a second,he remembered the day when his dad and grand pa was insulted.John took a turn around and saw the ones who insulted him for Most of them John was the best student now.but few still had their grudge in their Mind.But John didn't worry about that as he was sure he could prove himself. what ever and how ever the case be Johns and the schools Glory is now in thyself.

EPISODE 13-VANTAGE LIFE

John had never before experienced what it was like to be loved and cared for by someone unselfishly.He was safe, and protected. As a little wildflower, who was wind-blown and burnt with the sun, abused by this world, he found shade, at last, from a tall green tree who took notice of something so tiny and insignificant. And instead of ignoring the flower's pain, (which it could do very easily from so high a vantage), the tree sheltered it, and tended it. To be content with a discarded bloom, and find in it beauty and fragrance, everything to be desired - only true love can perform such a transformation .But then john felt lonely until he got a seat in commerce department and rest was sweet.Eventhough John scored very well in science ,he wasnt given the first group as he had a inadequate knowledge in Maths,so his teachers decided him to put him in commerce.Ofcourse John wanted to get into computers field ,so he took commerce with computers as allied and stepped ahead.

It was a usual introduction session,where John met few new friends namely Kenneth, Marcus, Hector and he had one friend from his previous class he is Perry.John and Perry are good friends they use to study together during exams,hang out around with friends and so they seem to have no problem with the change in group.John found the same thing with Marcus,hector and many others.But Kenneth stayed all alone,he was new to the school and he had problem communicating in English.John and Perry introduced themselves and over a month they became a good friends.Perry even though didn't like the moves of Kenneth,he never showed it out to Kenneth.But John understood that and advised Kenneth not to mingle too much with girls as it ll affect his studies.Kenneth took up his advise and This made John and Kenneth more close.John had taken a oath that he ll definitely make his parents proud when they were insulted when he was in 9th grade,just getting Good marks is not enough to succeed,he worked hard in all aspects like cultural , academics ,sports.side by side he did finished his hardware diploma also which fetched him more confidence.John Started training Kenneth how to communicate properly,Kenneth showed more interest,They both spent almost the whole day together and learnt new things.Meanwhile Perry also Joined them.

John Shone well in Academics ,for everyones surprise John got second Rank in a class of 52.He took up many competitions in intra and inter school competitions ,People wondered whether it was the same fellow who miserably failed to speak English ,who failed in all walks of life.With added confidence John started his career as a computer administrator assembling ,and pre-formatting computer hard disks for friends and relatives.He earned a very good name and Respect from all his friends and his teachers especially Mr.Noah who was his commerce and accountancy professor.Johns Mind was invariably thinking about achieving something big ,big in the sense like touching the sky high in whatever field he gets on to.He was also keen in participating the All india Artist association competition that is conducted national wide.John Enrolled himself with the money which he earned from assembling few computers in the vicinage.But he didnt reveal this to his parents as they might curb his desire.

He took up the competition which consist of 6 rounds which will ultimately take a year and half to reach the final 6th round.John is the happiest person in this world now,he got everything what he wanted starting from happy family,good friends,peacefulness,money of his own,everything he enjoyed .He was perfect in his duties so no one questioned him neither debated for what he says.To be more clear everyone started envying seeing John's Success.

EPISODE 12-DAYS OF GLORY

John thought Thank god ! atleast they set me free without berating! "But I wish they could have seen my painting ," . By the time he left the appartment campus, the sun was burning hot in the sky. Cars sped by him, as he picked his way through the crowd on the side of the street, his mind bent on getting back home before his parents come to know about this. After he had walked some distance, he realized that none of the surroundings around him were familiar.

"I must have went in the wrong direction," he thought, making an effort not to panic. "Help me, God!" he again pleaded.

A young man wearing a white T-shirt passed by him and then abruptly stopped.

"Excuse me,are you the artist who came to Downtown apts ?" With a surprised face, he nodded. "Richard has been looking everywhere for you! You better follow me." He motioned to John to follow him, as he turned in the opposite direction from which he was headed. "I never thought Richard might allow these kinda things inside apartment," he said, shaking his head. "I don't think he's ever looked twice at anything in his life, He turned to look at John as they walked. His head was bent, and he remained silent. The young man was obviously curious, but refrained from asking any questions. The walk that led to the big apartments, soon told John that he was near home.

"Hey! Richard! Get out here, I got you the artist!" he shouted. John became even more embarrassed than before. When no one came out to meet them, the young man sat down on the porch swing. John walked out 'f the campus, and quickly squeezed his eyes &

immediately wipped da falling tears from his face with a hankey .John buried his face in the handkey and let the tears he had been holding back, burst through. John soon made his way up the walk, confident that, wherever meets him and what ever happens we must not loose confidence and stick on to our goals".

"So you lost him on the first day," the man on the porch swing joked when Mr.Richard came out.

"Did you find him, Terry?" asked Richard.

"Sure did." He descended the steps, and whispered in Richards's ear, "I think he was embarrassed. I mean, after all, to go the wrong direction when there were only two directions in the first place! There's only one main road in all of Three..."

"Thank you, Terry," interrupted Richard and asked but where s the young man??.

"There he is ,pointing to John,said terry"

"But, just don't lose him again," said Terry, grinning ear to ear. "Aren't you going to go in?" he teased @ John.

"Aren't you ever going to leave?" asked Richard, half-jokingly. Terry threw his arms up in the air.

"I know when I'm not wanted!" he exclaimed, sauntering down the walk, mimicking someone who just had his feelings hurt.

"Terry!"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

He smiled, and left.

John opened the door, and looked looked out for Richard. He rccollected the face it was none other than the owner of the shop in front of the apartment and the secretary of the appartment.In the beginning John thought he called him back to advise him or to berate him for his act that morning.But to his surprise he enquired about john and his whereabout and he also enquired about the painting rates."asking So," he muttered to himself, "wow that's nice work young boy ! John soon discovered that he is on some plan to promote his painting sales!. "here opens the door for you young man " he said gently lookin each and every painting of his. "thank u,thaks a lot Mr..Richard ." The heartfelt tone in his voice did not fall on deaf ears. The door opened behind John with a squiggling sound, and the security who took him out of the campus the same morning serveh him a cup of coffee!Richard embraced him, and all was well again.wow ! how much these paintings costs ?? inquired the security to John!!! nothing other than that would have comforted John.

John was countenanced to Display/sell his paintings in that campus! there started a good deed to John!He soon earned peoples appreciation for his art works,even though he did not aim to make profit out of his talent, the situation necessitated him to do so!Simultaneously john Joined Advance diploma in Computer Motherboard technology. He took orders to do interior wall designings for bedrooms and drawing hall based on customers wish.John's Summer vacation came to an End, he had to concentrate on studies again.So he belittled paintings but did not stop painitngs completely ! In a couple of days He got one more happy news soon that had cleared his 10th grade in first class,which made John and his family members very happy!John recollected the day when his maths teacher said they would get centum result if ind looses in world cup finals-even though that was a stupid thing, it actually boosted John's confidence! "Thanks mam" Months and weeks of Hard labour finally saved us,now gotta get ready for our next mission John .whispered to himself!:-)