Au Revoir Paul!

Hello friends!

My short story novel - 'The Happiest Boy in the World' has been successfully written and published on my blog. I'm really happy with the response.

Hope you learned a lot from my story. One of my main aims was to motivate, which I think I've been successful in.

Keep waiting for other stories by me!

Gauri

#Têtê-a-Têtê with ME
Your Everyday Blog.

The Happiest Boy in the World - Ch 5

He couldn’t wait to get home. He trudged on through the city. During his journey, everything started seeming more defined. Everything had started showing its own importance to Paul. The vendors, who sold open food on the street, were important so that the slightly poor people could enjoy such sweets. He couldn’t criticize the street vendor. It was an important source of living for him.

He saw the people fighting with the cops, for not being able to arrest the guilty. Instead, he believed people should cheer them on. They could do it; they could carry out their job properly. Nothing is impossible. Reaching home through such a big city and walking such a long distance was possible for Paul.

He started thinking what he would tell his mother on reaching home. Firstly, he would apologize, apologize with all his heart. Then he would tell her about his journey. “No, bad idea”, he thought. He didn’t want to make her cry.

The sun was beginning to set. The sky had become a shade of pinkish-orange, and the clouds were arranged in such a beautiful manner that it was a sight worth watching. This brought peace and quiet to Paul’s mind. He had now crossed the city, and had reached some familiar parts near to his home. He was in no such hurry, but he couldn’t stop missing his parents. Such positive nostalgia pacified his heart and made him feel happy.

He inhaled the fresh air of the fields, refreshing his lungs.   He started thinking about the few days that had passed. He had learned so much from kids, who were younger in age than him! He promised himself not to judge anyone from his size or age. Being judgemental is so not cool, he thought.

Now he entered his district. Butterflies were fluttering inside his stomach. Meeting his parents after such a long period of isolation, he couldn’t wait. He trod on the roads, greeting many people he knew on the way, until he looked at his house.

He was in front of the front door, hands stretched out towards the bell, trembling. He drew a deep breath, and pushed the bell. His mother opened the door. Before he could say something to her, she threw her arms upon him and hugged him tightly. He returned the hug. Tears were in their eyes, but no, not of grief, but of happiness. He was the happiest boy in the world.

  

The Happiest Boy in the World - Ch 4

“We came from a well-off family. We loved our parents and our parents loved us. All of us showed great affinity to each other. You can’t deny it, but we were no doubt one of the happiest families. You know, that’s what a family is all about – supporting each other, curing each other’s mistakes, sacrificing for each other.

“A day came when someone very close to us was about to get married. So, a special bus had been set for all of us relatives. We were going towards the farmhouse where the wedding was going to take place, celebrating, chatting with each other, having a truly gala time. Well, a pretty steep road came in the path. The driver was probably too sleepy, or our chitter-chatter kept disturbing him, we don’t know, but there came a turn. One mistake by the driver and all of us fall into the trench. And that’s exactly what happened. The bus was rolling down the steep slope.

“It’s a miracle, but only our parents and we survived. They were lying safely, but we were holding on to the cliff. Our parents quickly started trying to pull us up, not a moment to lose. I was holding my brother, my father was holding me and my mother was holding him. They pulled us up. We came safe and sound on the land, but a sudden slip sent Dad and Mom, who was holding his hand, down into the trench. We were shocked.

“That’s when we realized that life isn’t as easy as it seems. One mistake and poof! We got to know that’s its worth fighting for, and we never lost hope. The people who found us sent us to the Homeless Training Centre. We get our education there and learn how to earn, so that our life doesn’t go waste. We lost one thing that day, and that is love, of our parents. They sacrificed themselves so that we could live. Love cannot be truer than that. We all agree that they scold us, but did you ever think that they do this for our own benefit, so that we can grow up well? That day we recognized their importance and mourn to this day.

“Life can teach us many lessons. Learn from your mistakes, learn from life.”

This left the three of them tearful. Sure it was an emotional story. However, Paul was happy now, for he came to know that no one can replace his parents, and they will come to his rescue one day. Determination set inside him to find his parents. He would meet them again.

He asked many people the way to his district, but not many knew. Once he found out, he set out for home. He could not feel happier. It surely was a long way by walk, but it was worth.

Before going, he bid farewell to the two little boys, who opened his eyes. However small a person may be, they can always make themselves shine. During this time, he had given his trust to them, and promised them that he would come to meet them at the Homeless Training Centre.

Before departing, he asked their names. For alas! He had forgotten to ask their names after being with them for so much time.

“Jack,” said one, “and Jill”, said another.

He laughed at how much forgetful he was, and all the three had a heavy dose of laughter before taking leave.

  

The Happiest Boy in the World - Ch 3

So the three boys made their way through the busy streets of the big city. This was so different from what happened in his district, Paul thought. Now he understood the real meaning of busy traffic. Also, he saw many new cars on the wide road, big ones. All types of people, from beggars to traders could be seen. He kept walking, gaping at the sometimes uncomfortable phenomena of large population.

They walked through different lanes and streets. They came to a lane with houses on either side. Paul saw a toddler in the front garden of a house. Holding his arms was his mother, trying to balance him on his legs, probably thinking, “That would be it, now he will take his first step. Oh, my little Neil Armstrong!” The boy’s father was beside, not uttering a word, just noticing the tender movements of his son’s legs. Paul’s eyes were flooded with tears. He too needed his parents in this moment. But, would they help him? He quickly consoled himself and walked on briskly.

On the way, they happened to pass in front of a school. Some boys were making fun of a student. But the student, pride visible on his face, kept walking on. Nobody could affect me, he seemed to think, who are they to do that? I am my own boss.

For one moment, Paul stopped, and recalled what had happened to him. He was ashamed of himself. He really was a sissy, a big one.

It seemed to be a pretty long walk. “How much more time is it going to take? WE DO NOT HAVE ALL DAY!”

One of the boys answered, “Well, just think, you really have all day. Are we tight on schedule for something? As for the answer, don’t expect to reach the Centre now. It is located on the outskirts of the city, which are quite far.”

Paul ignored the last line the boy said. He did seem to have all day, with absolutely no work to do, and no company to talk to (there were the boys, of course. But Paul thought them to be too small for him).

Intentionally forgetting about all the matters in his mind, which were making him tense; he tried to concentrate on the city. He had to come here in his future. He was awe-struck by the diverse people found street to street. In one lane you find rich people wearing intricate clothing, and in the next lane beggars were begging for food.

Then he remembered the two boys. To which did category they belong to?

“So, who are you and where do you come from?”

“Well, that’s a pretty long story.”, said one of the boys. “Our life is not easy. The slightest sign of unruliness can bring the lot of us down.”

“Oh, am I not fond of long stories. So, what are you waiting for?”, Paul said.

  

The Happiest Boy in the World - Ch 2

When Paul opened his eyes, all he could see was a complete blur of things. A few seconds more and Paul was aware of his surroundings. Above his bed were two naïve-looking boys staring at him with their large, inquisitive eyes. Alarmed, he quickly got up and sat on the bed.

“Where am I? What happened to me?”

One of the boys reluctantly answered, “Well can’t you see? You’re in a hospital, of course. You had met with an accident.”

“Oh, come on, now!” Paul said, “Me? Accident? Don’t try to fool me. I know I’m one already. “

“You can ask the doctor himself. DOCTOR!”

“What now, child?”

“Tell him the truth. He doesn’t believe in us boys.”

The doctor said, frowning, “Well, these little boys found you lying on the road, unconscious. Kind souls, they have. Didn’t waste a moment in thinking. Brought you right here, to this hospital. Apparently, a car had hit you.”

Was this a dream? Firstly, why was he trying to cross that busy road himself? He had been warned against doing that. Secondly, was he out of his mind? How can he cross a road in such a state? And then, he remembered what had happened to him. His mockery at school, his mother’s angry phrase, how he thought his life was a waste, he had not forgotten a thing. He let go. After all, what would he do now?

“Come on, come with us. We saved you, you are our responsibility.” The two boys giggled.

Paul got up from the bed, and followed the younger boys. Wait and watch, he thought.

Their inquisitiveness was brought to life. “So who are you?” Paul stood still. Who was he? Was he a foolish, disobedient boy? Seeing the disturbed expression on Paul’s face, they said no more. “Fast now. Come behind us.”

Slowly they came out of the hospital building. Paul hesitated on hearing the loud buzz of traffic and blinding flash of daylight after coming out of silent, dim-lit surroundings. He wondered where they were going. Were the two boys leading him to his home? But why would they know where he lived? Or was this yet another trap, testing his foolishness? Wait and watch, he thought again, and let go.

After some time they spent walking, Paul couldn’t help asking them, “Where are we going?”

“To the Homeless Training Centre. You will learn to earn your own living. You’re homeless, aren’t you?”

“What?” Paul was alarmed. “Do you think I’m an orphan? I WANT TO GO HOME!”

“That’s alright. But first we should know the details of your house. And, this isn’t cakewalk.”

Paul looked around him. He had never seen this city before. Then he remembered, there was no such good hospital in and around his district. These immature boys, not understanding the need of emergency, must have brought him to this far-off hospital. Now what should he do? He was lost. “Well, I have no option but to move on.”, he said to himself. 

The Happiest Boy in the World - Ch 1

It was a cold, foggy evening one day in December. He was walking, face down, on the street. Not aware of his dangerous surroundings set ablaze with cars and all types of vehicles. He just walked. Paul was the most forsaken boy in the entire world. His parents weren’t talking quite properly to him, and one could not imagine his reputation at school. According to him, his life was as miserable as could be…

It was Paul’s first day at his new school. He was very, very nervous. All the other kids seemed like aliens to him, as if he was the loneliest alien on the planet. However, he walked to his class. But now, where is it? He took the trouble of asking the first child he saw. He smelt like a spoiled child, someone with whom you won’t want to mix up. So when he asked him where his respective classroom was, he winked to his friends and gave Paul the directions. Paul went through the hall according to the directions, and came straight in front of a door. Not waiting to read the sign on that door, thinking he might be getting late for class, he opened the door. The whole world around him became a blur. Everyone was laughing at him. Oh! Such a fool he was. How could a boy, a grown boy, enter the girl’s washroom? All he could see around him were girls. Girls in groups. Who were laughing at him. And that was his shameful first day ate Blossoms Middle School. He was pranked upon. Ignoring what had just happened, he walked to his class. He could not stop thinking about his ‘dangerous’ encounter. He lost his presence of mind while the professor was teaching.

“Stand up, new boy! What’s your name?

No answer. The professor lost his patience. “Are you listening to me? STAND UP!”

Paul quickly reacted. “Griggs, sir. Paul Griggs. I am a new admission”

“You would know about lenses then. You would have studied about them in your previous school. Tell me, what are they?”

Again no answer. Paul could not help thinking about his insult in the girls’ washroom. That too among teenagers, and girls. What could be more humiliating? But the worst was yet to come.

“BRING YOUR ALMANAC. NOW!”

This time Paul knew what was happening. He quickly gave his almanac to the teacher, who wrote a note and signed. “GET OUT OF THE CLASS!” He shamefully walked out. What could possibly be worse than being thrown out of the class on the first day itself?

And this was how school lasted.

While at home, the family was sitting on the dining table of their house. Except Paul, everyone was enjoying the food consisting of bottle gourds and green vegetables. In other words, the food served was a child’s nightmare. And that’s when the telephone bell rang. TRIING, TRIING. Mrs Griggs picked up the receiver. Her face turned from happy to sad, sad to angry. She put the receiver down. She shouted one sentence at Paul – “The place where you go is called school, don’t treat it like toilet paper!” Paul’s father too understood something was wrong at school, and both Mr and Mrs Griggs left the dining table. Paul was taken aback.

So that’s how Paul was the most miserable boy in the whole wide world. He kept walking on the street, and turned right to cross the road. A car was coming at full speed towards him. CRASH! Paul fell to the ground, and woke not again that day.

(Second chapter online soon!)

  

The Happiest Boy in the World - Forward

Hey guys!

Get ready for my short story novel - The Happiest Boy in the World! It will contain a few chapters, and is being written to entertain you! Please do read! The first chapter will be uploaded sooner than you think!

Great expectations, right?
Goodbye!

The war is won, the peace is not

All have heard of the two World Wars. Just think about them for a minute. Can you review their result? What was the conclusion? Instead of becoming allies, which was the most appropriate thing to happen, most of the nations bacame each others' foes. The effect of this can be felt even today.

The Boston bombings were carried out by Russians. Maybe this was was because of the age-old enemity of the States and Russia? Why was the Cold War fought? What about the space race?

Now think for a moment. If all this had not happened, if we all were celebrating, helping each other today, wouldn't the world have been a much better place? Even if a country won a war, would the dictator win the hearts and obedience of the people of that nationality? Conclusion- complete waste of time.

Wars are not fought between powers, they are fought against humanity.

"The war is won, the peace is not"
That's what I want to tell you, folks!