A fault with my stars

 I completed my B.Sc degree. In all my past generations, I was the first college graduate, and I wasn't done yet. I applied and got accepted to Banaras Engineering College. I was oozing with hope and excitement for the possibilities that an engineering degree could kick open for me in the future. The day had finally arrived, and I was scheduled to catch the night train from Delhi to Varanasi. My few belongings were packed, and I reckoned it would be a good idea to carry a few stuffed paranthas for my train journey. That night, a friend of Bauji visited us, and Bauji shared his happiness for sending his son to an engineering college. However, his well-wisher friend snorted disapprovingly and chided Bauji for sending his able grown-up son away for five years just to sit in classrooms when he could be put to better use - let your son take on the responsibility of running the Delhi office. Convinced, Bauji cut off my engineering aspirations with a snap of his finger. That night, a train left the Delhi station without a young restless passenger. I was heartbroken but not bitter. We had not grown up challenging our father's commandments.

I resolved not to let a dream die for my family ever again. 

Hereon, I would be an enabler, a merchant of hope.