Dear granpa was always more towards people outside his home. Helped neighbors, office colleagues and many other people in cost of hours that he should have spent cozily with his six children. Granny complained and complained. Finally she became mum regarding these matters. Gradually granpa became secretary of his office union. Next came the rickshaw pullers union outside his office. Then the industrial labor union. He immersed himself totally for public causes, grievances and development. He attended gatherings and conferences, made speeches, traveled profusely and smartly forgot his duties for his home. He got job promotions one after another in his office and dutifully refused to accept them. Sticked to one place and fought for people.
Still life persisted for his children. They supported each other, derived strength from their gene pool and courageous mother. As they grew, granpa sometimes encouraged them, derived satisfaction from their achievements. Still he was left with no time for home. Today all his offsprings are happily established in their self-made niches. All through these years only he worked for his people. Yes I have heard it many times from him "His people". Never once he aspired to hold a good post in the party he worked for or tried to get a ticket in election. His believe was someday will come when his people, his own people will request him to stand on their behalf.
We were skeptic about it. But he persisted with his belief. At the age of 62, he got the chance for the local counselor vote. His party members selected him for his social service. We all, of the big family got worried. Can he bear the pressure and rat race at this age? He sailed through the election unhurt and came third. Still he was unperturbed, said "It happens". May be people want some more from him to accept him as their representative. That night he ate his meal peacefully and went to sleep early.
The next day morning local newspapers blasted with headlines "Votes sold @ Rs 500/- per head in the counselor election with colorful pictures."
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