Gangaram Puranik was nervous. He was stranded at the immigration counter. He was standing in the foreign passport holders’ line. It was moving ever slowly. Finally, he got through both the immigration and customs at 4.30 AM IST. He walked out of the T2 of the Mumbai Airport.

***

Ganga was born into a poor family. His father’s earnings as a clerk at the Indian Institute of Technology were barely enough to sustain his family of five, including his two siblings. His mother worked as a household help at the residence of Dr. Ananthasayanam, a professor at the institute. The bright boy occasionally accompanying his mother caught the eye of the professor. He mentored Ganga from his days at the campus school onwards.

Ganga was a prodigy. He aced his plus 2 exams as well as JEE. He was admitted to IIT, Kanpur. Ananth sir fully aware of Ganga’s genius, supported him morally and even financially. Four years passed in a jiffy and Ganga had come out with flying colours.

Prodded by Ananth sir, Ganga applied for admission to four prestigious business schools in the US and received scholarship offers from all of them. He told Ananth sir that he had decided to take up a job so that he could support his family and help his young siblings with their education. Dr Ananth promised him that he would take care of his family. He helped him get a student loan to cover his travel expenses.

Ganga finished his business finance studies and got an internship with a prestigious financial giant at the wall street. He gradually lost touch with Ananth sir. He met Savitri, an anaesthetist practising in Queens. It was love at first sight and they got married at a traditional wedding in Patna. Years passed. The young couple were blessed with Ramya. Savitri had progressed well in her career and was a chief anesthesiologist at the city hospital.

It was the early hours of one Wednesday. Ganga answered the insistent ringing on his mobile. It was Sujata, his classmate and best friend from IIT. In a voice choked with emotion, she said, “I have distressing news, Ganga.  Ananth sir had been trapped in a paper leak. He is dismissed without pension benefits and is in great financial distress. His house has come under the hammer. I am forwarding the picture of the same. Please rush to India.” The picture showed a modest house painted in mustard colour. A blue scooter was parked in front.

***

Sujata was waiting at the arrivals gate. She drove Ganga to her house in Kalina. After a hurried shower and breakfast, they rushed to the head office of the Debt Recovery Panel. They met a board member in charge of auctions. He gave them a patient hearing. He stayed the auction and gave them 48 hours to clear the dues owed by Prof. Ananth. Ganga arranged for a transfer of 42 lakhs within 24 hours. The house was saved.

The next day found both of them ringing the bell of the house in the picture sent by Sujata. They were welcomed by a young lady of twenty-five. She was Akila, the daughter of Professor. She told him that the scandal had shattered both her parents completely. Mother passed away broken-hearted and father was on his last legs. Although she was an excellent student, she was working as a nurse in a private clinic.

Dr. Ananth was lying in a bed. He brightened up seeing Ganga. Looking at his emaciated condition, Ganga broke down. He said, “Sir, we have cleared the dues. I shall get you shifted to a good hospital. After you recover, we shall arrange for household help to take care of you. Sujata will handle things in India. I shall take Akila with me to the States. We will put her through medical school. She will join my wife in her clinical practice. I shall spare no expenses to fight the false allegations against you.”

Ananth in an emotion-choked voice said, “It is too much to ask. So much money, so much effort!”

Ganga said,” Sir, you have been for me every moment of my life. It was remiss of me to have lost touch with you.  Most importantly you have given me Education, the greatest wealth. Vidya Dhanam Sarva Dhanam Pradhanam!”

Relief writ largely on his face, Prof. Ananthasayanam drifted off into a peaceful sleep.