The first memory that always comes to my mind is of my teacher from the First Standard. I’ve written about her earlier. What might have happened if she hadn’t suspected that I had vision issues? It could have taken a year or two before we realized what was wrong. I might have failed the tests. At that young age, when you’re just starting to learn and read, how could one know they couldn’t read what was on the blackboard because of vision issues and not a lack of learning? So, this angel appeared in my life.

I was working in a small-scale industry with no pay for some time and then a nominal one for a few months. I needed to earn, so I was always on the lookout for opportunities. I never spared anyone who had even a remote chance of recommending me for a job or offering one. In fact, I was once waiting at a bus stand on my way to the small-scale industry when I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who, as it turned out, owned a small-scale industry himself. Wow, what a golden opportunity, I thought, and eagerly offered my services. His first question was how much experience I had. With great pride, I told him two months. He started laughing, patted me on the back, and said, “Your turn will come.”

There was a salesman who often visited the place where I was working, selling spare parts and other tools used in industries. I couldn’t let him go without trying my luck. After learning that I knew how to type, he promised to get back to me. Within a couple of days, I was offered a job in his company as a steno-typist. In my wild imagination, I thought I was joining a wonderful company with great prospects. After giving my resignation following a long tenure of six months, I joined the new company. Oh no! It turned out to be a 10 ft by 10 ft space with two partners and a constantly mobile salesman. They somehow managed to give me a table and a chair. I worked there for six months in a windowless, airless, lightless, and stuffy atmosphere.

My mobility was great, though. I managed to catch the attention of another visitor at that place and moved on to a "bigger" small-scale industry. This new place was nice and fairly large, and my desk, complete with a typewriter, was in a prominent spot just outside the partners' offices. I had direct contact with them, and feeling very important and liked, I thought I was the lord of all I surveyed. And then, within fifteen days, this happened.

My elder brother, who was three years older than me, was very popular at his workplace and well-liked by his bosses. One of his bosses had great contacts, and while chatting with a visitor, he called my brother over and asked, “Hey, didn’t you say your brother is looking for a job?” How did they know I was on the lookout for better prospects every day, if not every minute? My brother confirmed it, and the visitor wanted to interview me the next day! So, both of us took leave, and off we went to this company after I picked out the best of my two dresses.

It was an advertising company dealing with huge hoardings, a concept I didn’t even understand at the time. I was selected not because of any extraordinary abilities but because of strong recommendations. And believe it or not, I received a 50% increase in salary compared to what I was earning before. Feeling already rich, I tendered my resignation. The partners didn’t take it well and said, “You guys beg for jobs and then never stick around.” I thickened my skin, faced their onslaught, and made my escape.

To be continued in Part 2.