Just Once!

It was a gala occasion and there were festoons everywhere. Seated in a corner was one of the security guards called Harilal. He was old, single and thin, but very alert too. Nobody paid him much notice, but he didn't care. It was a marriage occasion. He was asked to follow the procession where the groom was mounted on a horse. Now that it was over, he was resting till the food was served. Just then, an announcement came, which shook him. "The Magic show is about to begin and....". He did not hear further, but walked quickly to the hall where it was scheduled to happen.

And stood in a corner all the time when the show was on. The magician was young and charismatic and was smart to make people to participate in it more. Harilal recollected those days when he practised magic. He was addicted to it after seeing a show by a renowned magician named Jaikishen and begged him to teach magic. Pitying the orphan boy, Jaikishen agreed and treated him dear, allowing him to stay in the out-house, with servants. Seeing Jaikishen's lovely daughter Anu, Harilal had a wish. He fervently believed that it would happen too. One day, Jaikishen was very happy after seeing Harilal's performance and said, "I assure you now! I will give you a rare opportunity one day, if only you show the same passion and work harder!".

Harilal dreamt of that all along. Jaikishen went for a tour leaving Harilal that time and was about to return in 2 months time. While practising for hours on a difficult part, Harilal received a letter. Surprised [for that was the first letter addressed to him], he opened it and was elated in the beginning to see that it was written by Jaikishen. But his face fell after reading further. The content that was further found was: "As promised earlier, I like you to perform in Anu's wedding scheduled to happen on....".

p.s.1 - Harilal did that show and quit immediately after that.
p.s.2 - He didn't know that it was Anu's son who was performing then.

 

Yes, it was. But Harilal was to be blamed for expecting too much. Thanks for your first feedbakc Pallavi. -rgs

 

I agree to your view Pallavi. But I differ in the example you quoted. Kamal's character is that of recklessly abandoning itself, as there was no point in life worth living for [according to that character]. Devadas is another example - where the hero sees Paru suffering and could not take the guilt out of him. Thanks for your nice feedback. -rgs

 

Thanks Viji Madam, for your feedback. Sorry, for making it sadder this time. -rgs

 

Very nice quotes those Sunitha. And to admit, I was surprised to see you responding to a sad post.
As usual, your feedback was top class. Thanks. -rgs