Sharma Ji, ka beta

One day, Sharma Ji proudly told me the other day, “My son has settled abroad.”

I said, “Good to hear that.” (I felt jealous)

He continued, “My son has asked me to visit him. Soon we will be traveling aboard.”

I said, “That is wonderful.” (I felt even more envious)

Sharma Ji had posted many pictures on Facebook. That day, I decided my son should also move abroad. I told my son, “Focus only on your studies to get a higher education and a job abroad. Everything will be provided, food on the table, and no household responsibilities.”

My son became excited, especially after hearing from his foreign settled friends about their freedom, high salaries, and better opportunities.

Unfortunately, he did not pass the exams on his first try. He said, “I can’t do it. I will find a job here in India.”

I responded, “Are you serious? Try again. I will support you and manage the needed money somehow. What is here in India? After so much hard work, we get so little. Life is tough, and the culture is strict.  There is no value for life here; high crime, corruption, and people die due to lack of proper treatment”.

He replied, “But we cannot escape death, whether in India or elsewhere.”

I quieted him by saying, “Don’t make excuses.”

I borrowed money and got him the best coaching. Eventually, he succeeded. However, moving abroad required more money. I used all my savings. 

Now, I can proudly tell everyone, including Sharma Ji, “My son has settled abroad too” (This feels so good).

After two years, my son invited me to his home. He has a family now. My wife and I was very excited. I posted pictures from the airport to his beautiful home on WhatsApp and Facebook. I received many comments, and felt my trip was successful.

However, after a month, it became boring. I was eager to return to India. For the first time, I realized how much I love my country. Things are not perfect here, but people are kind and warm. They can be sensitive and touching, but these emotions are their strength too.

People have big hearts, feeding street dogs, birds, and even ants. Free food is available at every corner (Langar) during religious events almost every month. People are more relaxed. In India, the family includes parents, children, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and their families too. We don’t need any invitations to visit family.

Coming back home, I never felt so good before. Even the traffic noise seemed like a pleasant song. I told Sharma Ji, “Foreign vacations are good but not for long”.

Sharma Ji agreed (It came straight from his heart)

My son visits India once a year with his family on vacation. He enjoys meeting relatives and friends, sleeping a lot, and eating his mom-made food which he misses the most. 

In our difficult times, neighbors and relatives support us. Often, Sharma Ji and I enjoy discussing that children are selfish. Sharma ji is my best friend.