.Episode 1 – A Journey Begins
933 Words
🧡Ahmedabad, Gujarat🧡
The first rays of the morning sun gently entered the magnificent Shah Mansion.
The fragrance of fresh jasmine flowers and sandalwood incense filled the air.
The melodious sound of the morning prayer echoed through the house.
"Om Jai Jagdish Hare..."
In the beautifully decorated prayer room, Lord Krishna (Kanhaji) smiled peacefully from the altar.
Rajesh Shah, one of Gujarat's most respected industrialists, stood with folded hands beside his wife, Justice Nandita Shah, a highly respected High Court Judge.
Their daughter Riya Shah, a Management student, and their youngest son Rohan Shah, who was pursuing his college studies, stood beside them.
Just then, Raman Shah quietly entered the prayer room.
Dressed in a simple white kurta, he closed his eyes and joined his family in prayer.
The aarti flame slowly circled before Lord Krishna as everyone sought His blessings for a new day.
After receiving the holy flame, each family member touched it respectfully to their forehead.
Peace filled the room.
Breakfast Table
The entire Shah family gathered around the dining table.
Although they lived in luxury, simplicity and togetherness had always been the family's greatest tradition.
As everyone began eating breakfast, Rajesh Shah looked at Raman.
"So, beta..."
"Have you made your final decision?"
Raman looked up calmly.
"Yes, Dad."
"I've already accepted the transfer."
Silence covered the dining room.
Justice Nandita placed her spoon on the table.
"Raman..."
"Please think once again."
"We are here to support you in every possible way."
Rajesh Shah nodded.
"Life isn't as simple as you imagine, son."
"Jaigram is a remote village."
"There are hardly any facilities."
"The government quarters may be provided..."
"...but they are nothing compared to what you're used to."
Raman smiled gently.
"I don't need luxury, Dad."
"I chose government service because I wanted to serve people."
"If engineers avoid difficult places..."
"...who will solve their problems?"
His parents exchanged emotional glances.
They knew no one could change Raman's mind once he had made a decision.
Rohan laughed mischievously.
"Our simple brother is going to become a village hero."
Riya smiled.
"Just don't forget us after becoming famous."
Everyone laughed.
Justice Nandita lovingly held Raman's hand.
"My sweet boy..."
"You've always been like this since childhood."
Rajesh smiled proudly.
"So..."
"When is your journey?"
"This evening."
"Can't you take a flight?" his father asked.
Raman shook his head.
"I love travelling by train."
"I want to see the people... the villages... the real India."
Rajesh looked at his son with pride.
"Then go..."
"But promise me one thing."
"If you face any problem..."
"...call us immediately."
"I promise, Dad."
Farewell
After touching his parents' feet and receiving their blessings, Raman picked up his luggage.
His mother hugged him tightly.
"I've packed everything you need."
"If anything is missing..."
"...buy it from there."
Raman smiled.
"Don't worry, Mom."
Rajesh placed his hand on Raman's shoulder.
"Remember..."
"Not everyone you meet will be honest."
"Be careful."
"Win people's trust..."
"But don't trust everyone too quickly."
"I understand, Dad."
Rohan loaded the luggage into the car.
"I'll drop you at the railway station."
🌹The Journey Begins🌹
The train slowly left Ahmedabad Railway Station.
Raman sat beside the window.
Green fields...
Small villages...
Flowing rivers...
Children waving at the passing train...
Everything brought a peaceful smile to his face.
Little did he know...
His life was about to change forever.
🌹🌹Jaigram Village🌹🌹
Far away..🌹.
Morning had begun in the peaceful village of Jaigram.
Women swept the front yards of their small houses.
Some balanced heavy water pots on their heads after walking several kilometres from the village well.
Children ran barefoot through the narrow streets.
Cows grazed quietly in the open fields.
The temple bell echoed softly through the village.
Life was simple...
But every smile hid countless struggles.
Arrival
By afternoon, Raman stepped out of the train.
Waiting for him were two men.
One stepped forward respectfully.
"Good afternoon, sir."
"I am Gokul Sharma, your assistant engineer."
The other smiled warmly.
"My name is Bhola."
"I'll take care of the government quarters and help you with daily work."
After a warm introduction, they loaded Raman's luggage into an old government jeep.
As they drove towards Jaigram, Raman quietly observed everything.
Dusty roads.
Dry fields.
Women carrying water pots.
Children walking long distances to school.
Bhola sighed.
"Babuji..."
"People here still walk miles every day just to fetch drinking water."
"Only a few wealthy families have their own wells."
"Electricity comes for only a few hours."
"The poor suffer the most."
Raman listened silently.
His heart became heavier with every passing kilometre.
Government Quarters
The jeep finally stopped before a small government quarter.
It was old...
Simple...
Almost like a small cottage.
Gokul smiled apologetically.
"Sir..."
"I know it isn't much."
"But we'll make sure you're comfortable."
Raman smiled.
"This is more than enough."
After taking a refreshing bath, Raman called his parents.
"I've reached safely."
His mother sighed with relief.
"Take care of yourself."
"I will, Mom."
After ending the call, Bhola brought him a steaming cup of tea.
Raman sat on the balcony, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Just then...
A tiny voice broke the silence.
"Are you the new engineer?"
Raman looked down.
A little boy, hardly seven years old, stood outside the gate with innocent eyes.
Raman smiled and called him closer.
The child asked softly,
"Will you bring us water..."
"...and electricity?"
Raman gently placed his hand on the boy's head.
His eyes filled with determination.
"Yes..."
"I'll do everything I can."
The little boy smiled.
For the first time...
Hope had arrived in Jaigram.
To Be Continued........❤
- Writer
