The Leap

There are many kinds of people in this world.

There are nice people, rude people, negative people, and positive people; generous people and stingy people; submissive people and stubborn people.

This story is not about a nice, submissive person. It is about a very stubborn, almost rebellious person. Sometimes, to do great things, you need a little stubbornness, and to follow your dreams, you need to have a rebel heart.

"What unusual weather!"

"Yes, it seems like a storm is about to start. We'd better hurry up."

Two men were walking through the crowded market road while talking to each other.

"Did you get what you came for?" asked Puneet, the new friend Vijay had made. It was hard for Vijay to meet people outside of work because he barely got any time off. But since his wife was in the final month of her pregnancy, he wanted to spend some time with her, and luckily, he had received fifteen days off.

"Yes," said Vijay. "My wife is pregnant. She wanted to eat jalebi, so I came to get some for her," he explained.

Before they could talk any further, the expected storm began, and they had to take shelter. The newspaper wrapped around the warm jalebis had started to become soggy from the rain. Vijay was growing increasingly worried about his young, pregnant wife, who was home alone. He had planned to be out only for a little while, but he was late because of the sudden storm and heavy rain.

"What stubborn weather," said Puneet. "It doesn't seem like it will stop anytime soon."

"I should go now. I can't wait anymore," said Vijay, the worry clearly visible on his face.

"Yes, let's go," agreed Puneet.

Both of them started striding forward, no longer caring about the rain or the storm.

Suddenly, a loud scream coming from the direction of Vijay's house scared him out of his wits. He rushed through the main gate toward their bedroom, only to be stopped by one of the neighbourhood women.

"Wait outside. The dai is inside with your wife. Don't worry. She will take care of her."

Vijay paced up and down the corridor for what felt like kilometres before the bedroom door finally opened.

The dai came outside, her face covered with sweat.

"The baby is in a breech position, and the mother is getting increasingly exhausted. We need to call a doctor or take her to the hospital. Please hurry," she said urgently.

Vijay immediately rushed out with Puneet, but in that terrible weather they could find neither a doctor nor a vehicle to take Preeto to the hospital.

Inside the room, the midwife continued helping Preeto through the difficult delivery. Outside, Vijay finally managed to find a doctor and convinced him to come home with him. But by the time they arrived, it was too late.

The midwife stepped outside and said, "We don't need the doctor anymore."

Vijay's heart clenched. He lowered his head and stared at the floor.

"She was a true fighter. She fought with all her strength."

Vijay's heart sank even further.

"And the child didn't give up either. He fought until, at last, he won," the midwife continued.

Vijay's head shot up to meet her eyes.

"Congratulations! It's a boy."

Vijay rushed inside. He looked at the bed where his wife lay, beads of sweat still glistening on her face. Beside her, wrapped in a soft yellow cotton cloth, lay a tiny bundle of joy—the living proof of their love and togetherness.

Preeto opened her eyes and looked at him. No words were needed. Vijay finally released the breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. He stepped forward. This was the day they had anticipated the most , the day that had brought them even closer together.

He sat beside her and gently took her hand in his. Looking at his wife and their newborn son, he silently promised himself that he would protect them and care for them, no matter what.

The news of Vijay and Preeto welcoming their baby boy into the world quickly reached their families and friends. Soon, everyone gathered to congratulate the happy couple. Their house was soon filled with baby clothes, toys, tubs, and countless other gifts.

Blessings were poured upon both the child and his mother.

Some blessed the baby with a long life. Some wished him good health. Others prayed for wisdom and prosperity, while some wished him a successful career.

Vijay was happy and proud to have a son.

He said to himself, "My son is going to be a strong, wise, and intelligent boy, and like his father, he will one day serve his country."

Preeto and Vijay held their baby boy close to their hearts and closed their eyes with contentment, as happiness, pride, and thankfulness swirled within them.

Time flows like a river. The little baby boy was not so little anymore. Preeto looked at her little Vinu, her eyes glistening with an array of emotions. It felt like just yesterday that Vinu had taken his first steps and spoken his first word, and now he was getting ready to go to school for the first time.

Her heart skipped a beat. Will he be alright without me around? she wondered, as a flood of questions filled her mind. Will he make friends? Will he remember to eat? Will the teachers be kind to him?

Then she calmed her heart. Suddenly, she felt proud that her little baby was now going to school. She prayed, "May he become a great man."

At the school gate, she wanted to go in with him. What if he falls down and gets hurt? Vinu's teary eyes made it even harder for her to leave him at school. With a lump in her throat, she finally let go of Vinu's hand.

Vinu wanted his mother to go with him. Preeto squatted down to his level to comfort him. She gave him a warm hug and said, "You are my brave boy. You can do this. I am sure you will do very well. Now hurry up and go inside. I will be here to pick you up."

Vinu clenched his tiny fists and, with all the courage and confidence he could gather, walked inside to start a new chapter of his life.

Vinu walked across the school grounds carrying a backpack almost as big as himself, with a water bottle hanging from his neck. His eyes captured every detail of his surroundings—the tall pillars supporting the building, the rows of classrooms on every floor, and the brass bell that rang to signal the change of periods.

"Hello, are you a new student?" asked a woman wearing a neatly pleated white saree with a blue border. "Come with me. I will take you to your class," she added.

Vinu simply nodded, his eyes still scanning the surroundings. As they entered the classroom, Vinu looked up at the high ceiling. Large windows on either side of the room filled the classroom with light and fresh air. Rows of heavy wooden benches and desks occupied the room. At the front was a small platform where the teacher's desk stood, with a cane resting on it. Beside it were some pieces of chalk and a duster. Behind the desk, a large blackboard covered almost the entire wall. The cement floor was neat and clean. Many children his age were already seated at their desks.

"Go inside and take a seat. I will come in a few minutes," the woman said.

Vinu went inside and took a seat near the large window. Soon the classroom was filled with the other children, and the lady returned.

"Welcome, students. This is the first day of school for all of you. I hope you will not be scared. Instead, we will become good friends. You can ask me anything you don't know, and I will answer you. Now, let's start today's class."

With that, the teacher began the lesson. Vinu paid close attention so he could learn new things. When it was time to go home, he wanted to tell his mother everything he had learned.