Krishna earnestly desired to start an orphanage and fulfil his father’s dream. He wanted to quit his corporate job and devote the rest of his life to the care of orphans. But destiny had other plans. His wife died soon after their daughter’s birth, leaving him to raise their child alone.
Post-retirement, Krishna began pursuing his father’s vision and eventually established an orphanage. His daughter Karuna, assisted him in running the institution until she married.
One of the well-known philanthropists backed Krishna’s efforts. However, due to his untimely demise, things came to a standstill. Besides, his son, based in the middle-east did not show interest and firmly declined any support.
Krishna approached myriad organisations and strived to raise funds but failed.
His affection for the children pushed him to take ownership and not leave things to fate. He decided to use his savings to administer the orphanage.
But, gradually, his savings started whittling down, and so did his hope. He often sobbed and spent sleepless nights.
One day while Krishna was tossing and turning in bed, his father’s words echoed, “Where there is a will, there is a way. Step out of your comfort zone, even if it meant to stand alone.”
He instantly woke up and rummaged through the drawer for a paper and pen. He jolted down a few names that came to his mind.
The following morning, Krishna got ready wearing a white dhoti and a short khadi kurta. He tucked the neatly folded paper, having names written on it, in his pocket and moved out to meet them.
He moved from one office to another to raise funds, but the response he got was either a NO or SORRY.
He continued with his quest without giving up hope. He walked miles in the scorching heat to save money on transportation, resulting in his worn-out shoes.
The humidity and thirst made him feel sick. He quickly reached for a water bottle and drank it in one gulp to quench his parched throat.
The same evening while Krishna was seated at the reception area of a firm, Amar, a young man in his early thirties, noticed him. A compelling aura around Krishna drew Amar in his direction. Amar asked him to come into his cabin. Krishna swiftly wiped the sweat from his forehead and rushed.
Krishna gave a brief introduction about himself and the orphanage. Despite his age, he was ebullient and had the urge to rise again like the Phoenix. Without further ado, Amar pulled out a leaf from the chequebook and handed Krishna a cheque for fifty lakhs.
Krishna rose from his chair with a teary eye. He folded his hands in gratitude and thanked Amar profusely.
Amar came close. Holding Krishna’s hand, he said, “You are doing a great cause, and I will be more than delighted to be part of this.”
We all get hit by rough patches, but not everyone follows the phoenix path. You did it, which is praiseworthy.
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She writes poems in English and Hindi. Some of her poems and articles are published in the Book Speak Your Mind, You are my Valentine, The Road Taken, Hat tip, The teacher I will never forget, Yes boss, Life on track and Lockdown Diaries. She has contributed to many other anthologies which are in the pipeline. She also writes for YourQuote.com. Her poems are deeply appreciated on Social Media. She also writes for the Asian Literary Society group and has received many certificates for the same. She received 2nd prize for her story “Doctor's Prescription” in the Annual wordsmith award 2021, organized by Asian Literary Society. She won 2nd prize for her poem “Never be defeated” and 3rd prize for her article “Ways to Happiness”. Organized by Impish Lass Publishing House.
She loves to listen to music and watch comedy shows/theatre. She can be contacted on shelshri@yahoo.co.in
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