Dear Naina,
We are pleased to inform you that you have cleared the final round of interview.
Your joining date is 1st of September 2025. We are looking forward to working with you.
ABC Limited
Topmost Merchant Bank in India
Mumbai
The e-mail on the laptop blinked.
"Yes, yes! I did it, I got selected! I don't know why I’m so emotional, but... yes, my dream city — I am coming!"
I was overjoyed by this mail. I had been waiting for it for days. All my struggles, all those long nights — finally worth it.
And then it hit me — “I can't go.”
My inner voice screamed, Why? It's your dream city!!!
“I can't leave them here… my family. How will they manage without me?”
This was the same reason I had stayed a couple of months back. But now it was different. This was my dream. My dream city. My dream job.
I didn’t know what to do.
I was whirling in my own thoughts when suddenly the doorbell rang. I was shocked. Nobody was at home, and I wasn’t expecting my family to arrive so early.
I opened the door.
I saw an elderly man — maybe in his 70s or 80s.
"Namaste, beta. You must be Naina?"
"Namaste, uncle. Yes."
"Oh! You’ve grown up so much."
"Sorry, uncle... I don't know you."
"I know. I'm a friend of your grandparents."
"I'm so sorry, Grandpa is not at home."
"It's alright, beta. I'd love to wait for him — I haven't met him in years."
"Sure, please come in."
He came inside and sat on the couch. I offered him some water and snacks.
"You won't remember me, beta, but I saw you when you were a baby. And now, look at you — so grown up."
I smiled.
"So, what are you doing career-wise?"
"I recently cleared my final examination, and I'm waiting for job approvals," I said and took a deep breath.
"That's good. But... are you okay?"
"Yes."
Are my facial expressions too evident? I questioned myself.
"I don’t think so," he said, as if he had read my thoughts.
"No, uncle. I’m fine."
"Listen, beta. You can share. I’m just like your grandparent. It feels better when you speak your heart out — when you share what’s holding you back."
I smiled faintly. I was confused, terrified… but something in his calm voice told me it was okay to share. So I did.
I told him everything — about my job offer, my dream, and my dilemma. About how badly I wanted to go, and how guilty I felt for leaving my family behind.
He listened patiently. And then he smiled.
"Beta, you know... you remind me of someone."
"Who?"
"Your grandmother."
I smiled and took a deep breath.
"You’re a strong girl — a never-give-up kind of woman. But you're stuck between what you want and what others expect from you."
I got teary-eyed.
"Your grandmother was a wonderful lady. I know she had her differences with people, but she was always the first one to reach out when someone needed help. But she never did anything for herself. Always juggling between what she wanted and what others needed."
My tears started falling down my cheeks.
"You won’t believe it, beta, but your grandma has sent me — to tell you to choose you. Just once — not others, not responsibilities. Just you."
I started crying.
"It’s not possible… she passed away a year ago," I said, my voice shaking.
"I know," he said gently. "As I said, you won’t believe it. But it’s true. I’m here as her messenger."
"I can't believe it... how is she?"
"She is happy. She misses everyone a lot. And she’s very proud of her grandchildren , her son, her daughter-in-law, and her husband."
I was crying so much now.
"We miss her a lot. We are incomplete without her. Please tell her — my father feels her absence the most. My mother… she is incomplete without her. And my grandfather — he never expresses it, but he misses her the most."
"She knows. She is right there in your house, beta. As if she never left."
"I still can’t..."
"I know. Just remember — I’m a messenger. I’ve delivered her message. The choice is yours."
He stood up. "Now I’ll take my leave."
"Wait! Please… just a moment."
I ran to my purse and pulled out some money.
"Here — this is my first stipend. My first hard-earned money. Give it to her. I need her blessings. And tell her I’m so sorry for not treating her well sometimes. And that I love her so much... I — and everyone — miss her a lot."
He said calmly, "I definitely will."
And then — he disappeared.
Into the air.
As if he had never existed.
And I was there.
Crying like a baby.
But with no dilemma.
No fear.
And then…
I chose myself.
After 1 month
Today, it’s been a few weeks. And I’m here — in Mumbai. My dream city.
It still feels unreal sometimes, walking these streets I once only imagined. I carry her blessings in my heart, her love in every step I take. I miss my family. But I also know now — she is with me, always.
She gave me the strength to choose me.
And I will make her proud.
React
