Emboldened by the lit lamp

I woke up even before the morning bell called me, followed by a quick shower after which I lit the lamp and prayed for a promising day. I reported to the kitchen by 5:30 sharp, kept a cup of rice to cook in the pressure cooker, fried onion, ginger and tomato allowed it to cool. The kitchen started to fill with aroma of flavours. The cooled mixture went to the mixer jar along with some soaked cashew nuts and I started to grind them imagining the silky gravy. Suddenly the cooker exploded, with fear I jumped out. The gravy splashed all over the kitchen wall which was cleaned by me the previous day. The cooker lid struck the coffee filter making it to spill completely on the clean floor -Dystopia!

I walked towards the bus stop with a sad face and boarded the bus after ten minutes. The honking vehicles, dust, hungry stomach, disgusting traffic, anxiety everything added to what had happened in the morning. I stepped inside the large gate and was allowed to proceed after been interrogated by the watchman. As told by the receptionist I awaited my turn. There was another man who was just called to the chamber. After fifteen minutes he came out of the chamber, immediately I was called by the attender. There was only a person sitting for the interview who simply asked a few questions and nothing else. The interview was for the post of an assistant professor but even the demo session was not arranged.

I reached the bus stop with hunger as well as anger. I felt so frustrated for travelling 3 hours for this! I saw the same man in the bus stop I could not stop myself. I asked him if he had attended the interview. He said with a smile “The war is won even before it is fought”. It took a few minutes to understand what he said. I asked if he knew it would be so. He said that he simply attended the interview as his guide wanted to know where he stands and not to get through it. I did not say anything but simply smiled at him. He asked me regarding my previous work experience and subject. We both conversed till the bus arrived. He said to to try at RK group of institutions where he is currently working as an assistant professor which would be the best suit for me. He took me along with him to RK Mandir where I met Dr.Anuradha, a dynamic personality. I also liked the premises very much as it was calm and serene.

In the evening I cleaned the whole kitchen with Taylor singing for me, took the long shower thinking of beautiful the day was! I felt recharged after talking to Dr.Anuradha for which I thanked god while praying that evening. I sat with the lit lamp as Dr.Anuradha had suggested; the sight of the lamp in the dark was so soothing. After spending enough time there my thoughts were clear. I was emboldened by the lit lamp.

Dr.Thara Kashyap could not continue her speech as she became too emotional. There was a thunderous clap by the students after her speech on her farewell ceremony at RK group of institutions.

“Just like a lamp emboldened you, we all are emboldened by your wisdom and love” said the student anchor.

She was surrounded by hundreds of students who loved her .They gifted her little lamps as a token of love.