My Parents…My Idols

Two Friends

Rabin, my classmate, never forgets the sacrifice of my parents ever in his life. That sacrifice of my parentshelped him to become success in his life. Thus he and his entire family are very grateful to my parents.

This is the practical story of my life which I will never forget in my life.  Then I was at the age of sixteen+. I studied in eleven standards. In my time, the education system of our province of West Bengal which is one of the provinces of India, one to eleven in school and thereafter three years degree course for graduation. Now the present system is 10+2 in school and another two years for general graduation or three years for honors graduation from any college.

We are one of the lower middle class Bengali families of India. These middle class families are having huge wish to help to needy people of the society, but they have no enough financial capability. We are also like that. My father was an ordinary police officer of Calcutta police and his salary was not enough to lead the family according to needs. My father’s salary as Government servant was not enough like today. Moreover, we are six members’ family, consisting my parents   with their four children.  I am eldest among my all brothers and sisters. It was almost unbearable for my father to meet all the expenses like education for all us and other expenses of the family. Still he tired at his level best and now we are all graduates and settled. My parents were died few years back.

In 1975, when I was preparing myself for final examination of eleven standards, I needed some extra classes from my teacher. I explained this matter to my mother; mother understood that was necessary for good result, but she also thought that it would over burden for my family. She then talked with my father and lastly told me “OK,  you can talk with your teacher, how much he will take for extra coaching class!” according to my mother’s instruction, I talked to my class teacher; he knew my financial condition, then he  considered me some concession in his fees.” I informed this news to my parents were also very glad to hear this news.
Few days back, Rabin came to our house and informed me that he also wants to take extra classes from our class teacher; but he has not enough capacity to give such fees.  Rabin was meritorious student in our class. He was my best friend. I took Rabin to class teacher and requested him to consider him also Rabin; but class teacher told me “I will not allow concession both of you. I have allowed this facility to you only as your father is my friend.”

There after many years have passed. Now Rabin is now senior officer in insurance company. He is married and having two sons.
Few days back, one day suddenly we saw each other at Lindsay Street. Both of us were glad and surprised and I told him “after many years, we are suddenly meet”.  Rabin also told me “Yes, this is fact, but in your absence I went to your house two-three times with my family and talked with your wife and little daughter and also to your parents and received their blessing”.  I told him “my wife told me. Where are you going now?”  Then Chandra, wife of Rabin replied me “Now winter season is going on, everybody is going out to enjoy this time.  I pressurized your friend to take leave for one day.  We are going to zoo. will you  come? I went with them as their desire.

Then Chandra told me   “Rabin should not reach today’s position if your parents would not pass on the offer of your tuition fee concession to Rabin on that day. We are thankful to your parents and also our entire family too. In this worthy world, who will sacrifice like this way to other? They are really hats off”.

I had nothing to say to Chandra, only told her “my parents are no more alive. They were died few years back”. Rabin and Chandra told me “we are very sorry to hear this news”.
They were planned canceled the movie program, but I request them and told “Please don’t do this, do not spoil the mood of your children, see how much they are existed.”