My father had tears in his eyes when he told me about the days that he had been through in his life. From being a homeless wanderer in a new city.. to a person who now lives happily with a beautiful family (Touchwood).. his life was no less than a roller coaster ride. It was a few moments back that he narrated to me, a past episode of his life..
Being in a new city, with a passion for photography and films, it wasn’t easy for him.. he clearly remember those days and nights that he had starved without food. Without shelter. What remained in him (still remains) was his love for camera.
So when he met a photographer named Anil, he admired his life.. simple, beautiful, carefree… but what he admired the most was the camera he held in his hands. My father still remembers… it was a YASHICA CAMERA.

Being along with Anil for quite a few days, my father realised how much Anil loved his camera. He too was living a tough life. After running away from his hometown in search for a good job, Anil reached the same place where my father had reached, with the hope of starting a new chapter in life.
Months passed. My father, who returned to his room after a very hard day at work was naturally annoyed hearing a knock on his door.
He was quite surprised to see Anil at his doorstep. His smile seeing Anil after a very long time, faded. Anil looked so pathetic. He looked as if he was about to fall unconscious any moment, he was extremely fatigue.
All he said, holding his camera, was, “da… will you buy this camera?”
My father was astonished. He had to pinch himself twice to assure that it was Anil who was asking him the question. ANIL! The man who could give his life, but not his camera. Anil repeated his question, impatiently waiting for an answer.. My father, who didn’t earn more than 300 RS, was totally clueless. My father admired this camera so much but he had no adequate money to buy it..
“how can I buy it..? I don’t have enough money.”
“da you can give me anything..”
“but how much do you want?”
“give me 50 RS. I haven’t eaten anything for the last two days. Just 50. Please.”
My father knew well how it feels.. being homeless and famished. For Anil, his camera was his whole life.. and he was now selling it so that he could extinguish his hunger with a dosa of 25 paise then.
Papa, you have told me many stories. But this one. This was different. It was not just a glimpse of what life is. This is life. You’ve taught me things that I never hoped would change me. You’ve said once..
Life is like a journey. People come and go. They may or may not leave scars behind. But they will leave a story behind.
’tis true.
I have nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award! Here is the link to the post: https://myamazinguniqueself.wordpress.com/2020/09/20/mystery-blogger-award-2/
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😭😭🖤
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I have goosebumps while reading it
Don’t find words what to say
Indeed everybody has story and a learning
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TRUE!
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Such a heart touching story… Hope your father and friend Anil are doing good. We are all yet to face challenges in life.
Good post Aathmana. 💐
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Actually that was the last time my father saw him. but we do hope that he is leading a happy and prosperous life.
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so right..thanks jeremy
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Wow. I’m at a loss to explain that I’m feeling at the moment. Hunger can drive us to desperate measures. I hope that your father’s friend is found better. Beautifully written, Aathmana.
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we do hope the same. thanks shweta.🙂
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This made me tear up, Ammu! Such a beautiful story 🥺
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😢
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Omg, such a beautiful story.. you learn a lot from the hard times! 🥺🥺🥺
Stay strong, take care!❣❣
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Thank you so much Jyotsna!🤩🤩🤩🤩
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That was painful to read. But your dad’s experiences has helped you to be the person you are today!! And that’s where it all counts!!! Keep on going ma girl
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Thanks mate!
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Hmm 🤔 this is a very good story that got me thinking.
That’s just how life is 🙏🏾
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Our ancestors, parents did and does a lot of hard work to provide us with whatever we have now, we should listen to their old gold days of their struggle, learning.
A week before my dad was discussing various life incidences, and it made my eyes teary.
Anyways, great post. Keep posting.
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You are absolutely right. It enlightens me.
THanks for your wonderful feedback. Glad you liked it!
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A beautiful story, a lovely lesson, so wonderfully written 👍
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Thank you so much!!
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Brought tears to my eyes…thanks for sharing!
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Aww… Thank YOU for sharing what you felt.
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I wonder how a story can tell us so many things….😄
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