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!:-)

EPISODE 11-ELIXIR OF LIFE

As the morning dawned,the warm shower of ray from the sun pierced through the window of the little house,John opened his eyes.careful not to awaken his parents he quitely got out of bed and tiptoed carefully.In a couple of minutes Johns parents also got up, by that time john got ready in his new blue dress(the only article of clothing he had except his school uniform) for his first day of business...with determination and with very little experience, he made up his mind and was ready to set off,In executing his business plans,in every walk "he reasoned to himself" i must succeed.The cool wind from the horizon perfumed his face as he stepped out into the sunlight.He looked upward, and witnessed several small clouds scudding across the sky, as if bent on a happy errand as he was himself. The path from the little house led to a street teeming with trucks and cars . John looked about him. People were walking down the sides of the road,carrying Briefcase in one hand, and rushing to office , few people taking the air .John followed the road, keeping a lookout for anything resembling an apartment.The busy street did not bother him.In fact he was glad to see so many people.Since this i sthe first time John was coming out for a business every little thing that appread to his eyes was a milestone to him..hence he noticed every little thing very cautiously.

"So this is what a Appartment looks like.," he mused. John's was an individual hoz, its a government quarters given to his dad,moreover his house was inaccessible to public and sparsely populated he almost spent al of his time in his house watching his parents face ,he couldnt find any friend living outside, so he have no idea of how those people ll behave and ther attitude . Mostly his dad carried their groceries for everyday cookin,so he missed that chance even to keep in touch with the outer world. He entered a place to sell his works it was a huge appartments wit a 10 blocks each block had 5 floors and in each floor 3 domiciliate.The doors slid open as he walked through, and a gust of cold air chilled his face. The huge hallway clamored with the sounds of music playing over the loud speakers, and the sounds of squeaky carts slowly making their way down the aisles. He walked to the closest aisle and scanned.For the first time that morning, he felt out of place. Unfamiliar labels proclaimed the virtues of unfamiliar products. For a second or two, he felt like retreating. But, his desire to succeed in life , made him stand fast. Suddenly a Security guard came in and said,"you are not allowed to carry any thing with u sir" John said,but i m am an artist i am here to sell my paintings...the guard laughed and said, sir we dont buy or sell paintings...at this juncture only john came to know that it was not the entrance of the apartments and it was a departmental store.

"God, please help me," he silently pleadedsince his first attempt itself became seen of comedy."May I help you,Mr?" asked a short portly man with a balding head. He wore a Black coat from his accent and body language John understood he was from a well-off family .His short stubby fingers clutched a brown clipboard as he waited for John's reply. Are you looking for any paintings...??? canvassed John..he started explaining the painting,from his conversation John came to know that he was the secretary of the Apartments situated behind the Shop and was the owner of the shop.He showed a little interest but then didnt encourage John's idea.he called in the security and asked him to take John along with him .Poor John fele depressed and walked with a blank mind..he stopped on the way with a new thought flashing..what was tat???

TO BE CONTINUED......

EPISODE 10-MIGHTY (H)ART

The cold night air enfolded John as he slowly walked back to his little yellow house.

Chaumont Bay reflected the moonlight, giving the appearance of two moons. John rested his head on his pillow,with some cryptic mind. The peacefulness of the night mirrored his heart.Is it possible that i could prove something,or will i be able to bring out my talents ?? wat should i do for that?? all these thoughts were running in John's mind..Suddenly a bright Idea flashed upon John's mind, "i m good at paintings ; if i can paint for hobby why not as a business???"yes this is the right thing that i can do for now to stand on my own for my everyday needs.John's decision was clear and he was very confident that it will definitely help him a lot. From the next morning john was not just a school student but a rookie business man too.Since not a professional in business, john's aim is not amazing wealth but just a little profit to earn his livelihood....."well. .well. .well.."plan is very gud John but how am i gonna implement it??"" John was in serious dilemma whether to start business or not ,becoz he know not even the methodology of business.moreover he was uncertain; when,where and how to start the business.

Moreover he was pretty much sure that his parents would not allow him to start on with a business for and on his own.

As the Fresh day set out the first Somehow John made up his mind that he should definitely bring out his talents , so he approached his parents with his plan for it to get zpproved , for his surprise his parents readily agreed to start of with a business on one condition.,that is they ll not provide even a penny for his business and also they ll not support if he brings in any loss or problem with the business.they also said they dont want any money that he earnes from the business and expected him to use it for his own needs. John was very much confident that he ll be successful ,and ll not bring in bad name for his parents.Ultimately john took up his first step reckoning into a small square woody box with plenty of currencies and coins concealed in it,which he had saved since from 2nd standard.He had around 1000 bucks in currency note and about 300 bucks in coins..He took that 1000bucks alone kept it in front of god prayed before he embarked on his business plan.He took his cycle and pedaled towards a shop named contemporary gallery which was about 4 kms from John's hoz ,where he purchased materials like canvas, paints, brushes and stuffs required for painting.

The same evening John started his lively touch with a extemporize skill.John was very keen on establishing himself in the society,so he worked hard towards that.Ultimately he had few hindrances as we say every lock has a key and viceversa, john had a barricade in in the path of his success,painting requires peace and repose,which was curbed in his househis parents frequent quarrels disquieted him,"Never mind those things John,we have our future in our hand les concentrate on that"he boosted himself .In a couple of weeks his paintings was ready for sale but now da barricade is in findind a buyer for his paintings.Either he has to display it in a exhibition which is impossibe since it requires huge amount of investment and for now he has just 5 paintings which can only be sold in person..so he decided to approach the nearby apartments .Hence he decided to proceed with that idea, where he experienced quite a lot of humiliation,which actually served him as a gud experience.

A DAY I'LL NEVER FORGET

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.”

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”

I'LL NEVER FORGET TO REMEMBER THESE THINGS BECOZ THIS PARTICULAR DATE MEANS A LOT TO ME,THANKS TO MY FRIENDS & MY WELL WISHERS....

  SATHYA

CHAPTER 9 - BLISS OF SOLITUDE

"Thanks for the easy paper god and thanks for ma dear friends for helping me,make them fetch high marks god "prayed John.This was rthe happiest day in my life. He looked up at the sky and began counting the faint stars that were fast appearing with the approach of night. Anything was possible, today.But John smiled weakly, refusing to take part in his own happy spirit.He knew, from observation, that his parents could put out any happiness John was feeling right now, with very little effort. The closer he reached his home, the more John grew concerned. When his home was finally in view, John pulled his thoughts aside.John closed the front door to find his mother pacing the floor.After that days exam,he went out with his friends enjoyin the last day of his high school education,even though he was he was very much sure that his mother is going to blast him for roaming about the streets ,he went out with his friends,hence John was prepared to give answer to any kind of question that sandra gonna shoot upon him.But to his surprise Sandra didnt ask any question but at him with an intense hatred that scared John,he held on to his conscious so tightly as if his life is dependent on it.

"It's your fault," said Sandra, twisting the pillow she held tightly in her arms. "I never had any trouble until the day you were born." John Froze.,We had a happy family" she stated firmly, pacing the floor once more, "until u born." John sank to the floor, stunned by what his mother had just said.Even though his mother had spoken so hardly John knew it was just because of the agony and pain of his heart she is speaking like this.But then he couldnt find out the exact reason for his mothers violant behaviour.She really cares much aout the family ,but often she fights with his father ..all these made John Worry about his future.What ever happens life needs to be kept going, keeping this in mind John walked silently to his couch without his supper.

John quickly found his way to the justice of the peace,Since John is a gud artist he decided to practise his strokes,so that he can develop his skill as well as pass time too.John had a terrible summer vacation.Almost all of his friends left the town for vacation hence John stood all alone without any company to pass time.Moreover John's parents had a belligerent life,having new theme to battle everyday.John felt like running out of house,though he cannot do so.In their busy engagemet often they faild to remember they had a child named "John" for whom they have to feed.John is no more child but a teen who could sustain hunger as well as anger of their parents buty then sometimes he felt "What a life have you given me god,instead you could take me back along with you" muttered and grumbled john.

John was lying down in his couch in a vacant and pensive mood,for the first time in his life a bright idea flashed upon his mind.

Keep waiting till the next post

Till then Guess wat s that Idea ???

To be continued in "Bliss of solitude-2"