GRATITUTE IN FORTITUDE

His eyes were drooping and partially closed. With much difficulties he was trying to swallow his own saliva. His throat must have been dried and made it difficult to swallow his own saliva. Tears swelled from his eyes and mingled with the sweat that he was perspiring. He heard a faint sound of footsteps and realised that someone was approaching. He tried to open his eyes, the vision was blurred. His sub-conscious mind alerted him, could that be some authorities trying to chase him from under the tree where he was leaning? Mingled with the sound of the beating waves he could faintly hear a voice. “Are you O.K.?” He tried to answer, but words could not come out through the dried throat. Weekly he shook his head.

Akash took out his water bottle and gave it to him but the hands of the man trembled and could not hold the bottle. He put the bottle close to his mouth and said, “Open your mouth and swallow the water little by little”. He gently tipped the bottle as to drop the water into his mouth drop by drop. After a few drops, the dilation in the eyes were changing and he was gaining some positive colour. He looked at Akash and with profound gratitude mumbled the words, “Thank you. I FEEL BETTER.” He slowly stood up and clasping his hands in gratitude, in a crooning voice thanked him again.

With profound concern Akash asked, “How many days you did not eat.” With a pathetic look the man showed 3 fingers from his frail hand. Akash had nothing much to say, “I am going for breakfast, can you walk and follow me. I will buy you some food.” The man’s eyes shone with gratitude and with a stammer said, ‘I am sorry Sir, I can’t walk.

Besides the hotel staff would not allow me in. My two friends are also starving like me further up. If you could kindly buy some food we will share the food,” the voice shivered as he said.

Akash was back within a short moment and the hotel boy was carrying a big bundle of food and set it at the rear seat of the car. Akash pushed a tip to the boy who was reluctant to accept. “Take it boy, this is not a tip but a grateful payment for your job,” said the kind hearted man. The boy accepted the money and dashed back into the hotel. Akash called the man to get into the car, “Come my friend I will send you and the food to your friends, where you may satiate your hunger.” The man was hesitating to get into the car, ‘Thank you for buying us the food, but if you give me the food I will take it to my friends.” “I am rather dirty and do not want to mess up your car.” Akash gave a muffled smile and said firmly, “Get into the car and show me the way.” It was a firm command sounded like a heavenly order.  

The car turned to the rough and undulated lane and moved shaking and shivering, reached almost near the beach. On the broken concrete wall near the beach a man was squatting and starred at the car. The other was lying down in a small hut which had only a thatched roof that could give some cover from the blazing sun. They seemed unperturbed and just looked at the car. 

It must have surprised them to see their friend getting down from a new BMW car. He waved to them to come and help him to carry the bundle. The surprised duo got up and with glistened eyes of surprise, moved towards the car. 

Akash took out 3 bottles of mineral water and gave it to them to wash their faces and stiffen up. The water was a fountain of freshness to the three friends and they splashed the water onto their faces with great happiness. They stood up and their bodies vibrated with gratefulness. There were 4 food parcels and 4 coffees in plastic bags. He gave them one each and took one for himself, and said, “Help yourself but eat slowly, otherwise you may choke.” They looked very intently at their saviour and was surprised that he held a parcel in his hand and started eating. He smiled and said, “Why are you staring at me, I am hungry and I am happy to eat along with my friends.” The trio could not find any words for comment. Deep down they felt a tingle of happiness to have met a man with a sympathetic heart. Their eyes smudged with gratitude. 

Some brightness in their faces returned, there was a gentle caress of smile of gratitude on their dried down lips. The eldest of the three bowed down in gratitude and said, “Sir, we are grateful to you for your soft heart and happy to note that there is still a twinge of kindness in the world. You are an angel to us and may I say about ourselves. Akash shook his head. 

“Sir, we are not beggars and over the two months we have been walking around in search of a job but in vain. We three were working in the same company which was prospering well. The workers were well taken care but may be a tune of bad luck or a stroke of bad karma that turned everything upside down. The company closed down and we with others were left in the street. 

The management of the company gave 2 months’ salary as remuneration. With the hope that we would get a job, at least for one person, we sent the money back to our homes. We thought they needed the money more than us. We were wrong. It was not easy to get a job. We have been moving from street to street, factories to factories. It was the same reply, “NO JOB VACCANCY. We had no money, no place to stay but fortunate enough to get this little hut, which is a ‘castle’ to us. We came to the conclusion that God has terminated our life in this world and we vowed, if nothing positive happened by nightfall, we would walk into the sea and be some food for the sea creatures. God is merciful and gave us fresh hopes in life. It could be the food, but it is your kind heart that has made us feel and be confident. For sure there is hope ahead.

Akash was motionless but was listening to their predicament with concentrated concern. He looked straight into the eyes of the trios for a moment and asked, “What job were you doing in the former factory?

 Hope seemed to be seeping through. “I am KRISHNA NAIR, being the oldest they call me ‘ettah’(meaning elder brother) and I worked as a cook, the other is Ananthan, a hard working factory supervisor and the other is Ahmad Badsha, a sincere reliable security officer. Siva was moved by the unison and feeling of oneness among the three friends.

 He closed his eyes and was in deep thought for a moment. Meanwhile the three minds were praying that at least one of them would get a job.

He took out a card- a silver one engraved with the number 1 in bold and the words NEELAMAYILS 2004. He said, “A bus by the name NEELAMAYILS 2004 would be leaving tomorrow at 4..00a.m.from the terminal.  Show this card to the bus conductor and you would not be charged any fare. Come to the place mentioned in the card and I would try and arrange a job for you.

 He took out some money and gave it to Krishna Nair and said, “This is for your lunch and dinner. Krishna Nair took the card but was hesitating to take the money. “Take the money, and have some good food, you need strength for the journey.” 

He stuffed the money into Krishnan Nair’s shirt pocket and said smilingly, “You can pay me back at your first salary.” Krishna Nair’s heart was beating faster. Emotions overcame his pride. He stooped down and held Akash’s legs with heartfelt gratitude and said, “We hear about Gods, but now we see. We are blessed.” The other two rushed and bent down and held his legs, and said, “You are indeed our angel sent by God to save us. Thank you Sir, from the bottom of our hearts.” Akash lifted them up and said, “Do not be overwhelmed by feelings. Stand erect and belief and thank the almighty. Do not visualize me as God or angel. I am just like you- another man with flesh and blood. If you need a job, do as I say and go to that place.”

He waved his hands through the car window and whizzed off from there. The three of them stood erect in awe and said out happily, “Yes Sir, May God bless you.”

The bus conductor gladly and respectfully accepted the Silver Card and told them to take their places. He returned the card and said, “Have a happy journey Sirs.” “You look worn out, lean against the seat and have a good rest. I will alert you when we reach your destination. The extremely comfortable bus moved out of the bay and the passengers closed their eyes and dozed off.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, we are reaching Neelamayils Estate,” it was the bus conductor. The three of them, opened their eyes from the deep sleep they were enjoying after a long time. They were puzzled as where to go from there. The conductor smiled and said. “Do not worry, you will never get lost in Neelamayils. There is always help around. Go to the corner shop and show the Silver Card to the lady and your worries would be over”. The conductor was indeed helpful. The morning sun was generously casting its rays. Day was breaking. The emptiness in their feelings began to disappear like the dew on the lotus leaves and confidence crept in.

The three friends walked with their hearts in their mouths. Their minds were confused and unstable like a rumble of old dried leaves. It was a hotel, selling food for breakfast. A lady was briskly preparing the morning food for breakfast. They hesitated for a moment.

The lady turned and asked politely, “What do you want to eat, ‘idly’ or ‘thosai’. Krishna Nair nervously said “Good Morning madam,” We do not have money for breakfast”, but could you tell us how to go this place. He showed her the Silver card.  We are here seeking for a job. The card was given to us by a kind gentleman. We are lost, kindly show us how to go here.”

The lady looked at the card with utmost respect and said, “Do not worry, you have come to the right place. Wash your faces and have your breakfast.” “But madam, we do not have any money”. She smiled and said, “Eat as much as you want, the card will pay for you.” I will make arrangements for you to go to this place.” They looked at the card with awe and dapped it in their eyes, and said “Thank you Sir.”

It was a bright morning. They were anxious to know what was happening. “The lady had assured us, so let us wait. She is busy handling a lot of hungry stomachs. We will wait”. Krishna Nair was calm and seemed assured of help soon. The clock in the wall struck 7. A sound of an approaching auto rickshaw alerted the three. It was the first auto rickshaw sound they heard this morning, and probably there could be some hopes. 

The lady looked at them and said, “Brothers, I am sorry that I am busy, but do not worry I would arrange for your transport now. The auto stopped in front of the shop and the driver alighted from the auto with a broad smile and greeted everyone “Good Morning.” and moved towards the mother. She was glad to see her son, who was running an auto transport company and living with his wife and two children. She said, “ Appu, these two gentlemen need to go to Neelamayils for a job interview. Can you send them?” “Of course mah, let me have my breakfast, then I will send them”. The three were happy, but were worried about the charges. “Krishnan Nair said with a distressed tone.  “Sir, we do not have any money to pay you but have only this silver card.” 

Appu looked at the card and gladly said, “Do not worry about money, this card is worth a pot of gold and besides, I do not charge fares for trips to Neelamayils and back. “It sounds odd but there must be some good reasons for his gracefulness. Well, I think we are going to a good place to work and where we could meet the good man and thank him for his kindness. He must be a very influential officer in the company”. Their minds were muddled with confused musical thoughts with no proper rhythm. 

The extensive fencing where they could see some trees and plants shooting over and the length and coverage of the fence made them feel that they were going into a big estate. Their wondering thoughts were interrupted by the auto driver, “Sirs, we have reached the entrance of the estate. Please go and approach the Security room, show the Silver Card and explain to them for your reasons to be here. The rest would follow.” The three alighted from the auto. They thanked the kind auto owner and the auto made a U turn and moved towards where they came. They caught the sight of a draper hanging at the back of the auto, which read, “No fare for trip to Neelamayils and back, elderly people and pregnant ladies.” Krishnan Nair looked at the other two and said, “What a kind man, I feel that I am in the dreamland.” Badsha said, “Inshah Allah”. I feel I am in the holy land.” Ananthan confirmed, “Yes indeed we are in the land of God.”

The security guard accepted the card and told them politely to sit down. The names and other relevant particulars were recorded. The office building seemed about ½ a km. away. Krishnan Nair whispered to the other two, “It is still early, 7.25am according to the clock on the wall.” We may have to wait till 8.00a.m., the normal working hours.” The other two shook their heads. No sooner he said, there was a sound coming from the office area and a buggy was approaching the Security area. An energetic young lady jumped out from the buggy. The security man immediately came down and with full respect said, “Good morning Madam, sorry to disturb you in the morning. He introduced the three to her. The Silver Card was given to her and she took it with a smile and said, “You do not need it anymore. Let us go to the office”. The three hearts throbbing with anxiety slowly got into the buggy. The buggy started to move. What a twist of destiny?        

They got down from the buggy and followed the lady into a large room with chairs and sofas and tables. She gave a broad smile and said, “Sirs, welcome to Neelamayils Estate. Make yourself comfortable by sitting down in the chairs.  My name is Sri Valli and I would be happy if you address me SRI or Valli. I am the Human Resources Manager, who is going to interview you. The interview will be in 1 ½ hours. You may use the adjoining room and freshen up. We have arranged some new clothes for you and I wish you come for the interview fresh and fine. Please also read the printed profile of our company that we have set on the table. 

You may read and understand what we do here. Coffee and snacks would be served soon. All the best. I will see you in about in an hour and a half.” She left the room. The trio never expected such a warm welcome and their thoughts settled on the gentleman who made the arrangements. He must be either an angel sent by God or God himself who came to safe us.   

 Sri Valli walked in and was pleased to see the three men were already in the room. She gave a satisfactory smile and gave some instruction for the interview. “Do not be disturbed about the interview, it is a formality and fact finding effort. Please come into my room as and when I call you.” She walked into her cabin and one by one were called in. The interview was over within an hour. Sri Valli had got all the relevant particulars that she needed and came out to the main room. “

With the usual smile in her face she said, “Well, we are all set and now I will tell you your appointment that I have selected you based on your past experiences. If you do not like the post please tell me without any hesitation and we will try and make other arrangements.

Uncle Krishnan Nair shall be the Chief Chef in our kitchen and work along with Meena, who herself is a good cook. Ananthan shall work along the gardening workers as their Supervisor and Ahmad Badsha shall be in charge of the security of the estate. If any objection, please voice out. The room was brightened up with the smiles of three happy faces. The HR officer continued, “Well I take it that ‘silence is acceptance’. I have explained to you the terms and conditions of your employment and you may now follow me to the main office to sign the offer and acceptance agreement.”

The due formalities were over and the HR CHIEF congratulated and said, “The last formality now is to meet the CEO of the company, let us go.” She knocked at the door and in a pleasing tone, the CEO said “Come in.” 

They entered the room and before them being introduced, Krishna Nair with a surprised voice cried out loud, “Oh GURUVOOR APPAH, merciful deity who gave back our lives and shown us a way to live along. He lurched towards the CEO. He prostrated to him and the other two followed suit and bent down and held his feet and cried out “Guruvayoor Appah our deity you are our saviour. How are we to repay your kindness?

Akash, the CEO, who saved them and offered a sanctuary appeared to the three as deity Guruvayoor Appan, standing in all glory glittering with all the diamonds in the world. It is a glorified vision to their minds. Their happiness found no bound. Akash lifted them up and said, “Get up my friends, I am not a deity but a little leaf floating in the stream of love and care. Please feel yourself at home and do not turn back. Look ahead, there is a progressive future for all of us. Happiness overflowed like a cool mountain spring. A flurry of fire crackers bursting sound broke the stillness of the emotional silence in the room. The door to the CEO’S CABIN opened and the entire staff rushed in and said, HAPPY DEEPAVALI, which reminted that Deepavali is the next day. 

    Uncle Nair completed his story to Mahaletchumy as to why they show great allegiance to the boss and company. They are ready to sacrifice their lives to serve and protect the boss and company. Mahaletchumy, the newly recruited Secretary who wanted to know about the boss was chilled to the heart that her boss is a man with feelings and compassion. She thanked GURUVAYOOR APPAN who showed her the way to the company that flourishes with care and a boss with great passion and a golden heart.