“Yes sir, your order will be delivered on time. “, Nitin put down the phone and looked around himself with an air of satisfaction. His workers were working continuously as it was the festive season and there was a huge demand for traditional attires. Tired from the day’s labor he closed his eyes and relaxed on his office chair. Suddenly his imagination took him back to down memory lane. His father was an unskilled laborer who worked on a brick kiln and his mother was a homemaker. They were simple, uneducated poor people who had five children including him. Two of their daughters were already married and the father was fretting over the third one’s marriage. Nitin had a younger brother Shiv, who was a bright student.
When Shiv got a job in the Indian army the family’s joy knew no bounds but they were all unaware that unknowingly Nitin has stepped on the dark path of drugs. It all started in school with friends from a single drag of cigarette but now he had sunk into the hideous world of narcotics. He regularly consumed smack, heroin, LSD and what not. To quench his thirst, he borrowed money from friends, relatives and then from money lenders at exorbitant interest rates. Consequently, he got sunk neck deep in debt. His worried parents thought he might mend his ways if he got married and they found a suitable girl for him but to their dismay it rather increased the trouble as now his wife also became a victim of his misdeeds as when he ran out of money, he started selling whatever valuable articles that they had.
When he was left with nothing at home he started to steal from his own village. He joined a gang in which all the members were addicts alike him. Twice he was caught and arrested by the police but he could not mend his ways. It was humiliating for the family as their younger son was a source of inspiration for the village youth whereas the elder son was bringing them disrepute. He was a skilled tailor who used to stich very well but his addiction ruined his business.
One day an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) visited his village. They performed a play which was based on drug abuse and rehabilitation. Fortunately, Nitin met them and expressed his desire to shun drugs but told them he was unable to do so. The NGO people knew that an addict need both medical and moral support to get rid of drugs. They provided Nitin with constant counselling along with medical aid. He suffered a lot physically as the withdrawal symptoms were very painful. But with the support of family and his willpower he overcame the challenge. The NGO got him an order for 10,000 traditional dresses for a government organized festival. When he kept the money on his father’s palm there was a smile on his father’s face and tears in his eyes. Soon he started a successful business where he employed fifty artisans from his own and nearby villages.
Suddenly his mobile rang and Nitin opened his eyes. “Take a break for Lunch guys.” He told his staff. There was an affable smile on his face and content in his eyes.
(Based on true story)
-Ajay Sethi
Senior Teacher
GSSS 16-17 H, Ghanjatiya
