A Common Man's Dream

 

The Morning Light

In the bustling city of Pune, a humble two-bedroom apartment was home to the Sharma family. The dawn broke with the first rays of sunlight piercing through the thin curtains of the small bedroom, casting a warm glow over the modest furnishings. Raghav Sharma, a 45-year-old office clerk, stirred in his sleep, feeling the gentle nudge of his wife, Meera.

"Raghav, it's already 6 AM," Meera whispered, her voice tinged with affection and urgency. "You need to get ready for work."

Raghav groaned softly, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. He stretched his arms, feeling the familiar ache of a hard day's work. Meera, a graceful woman in her early forties, had already begun her morning routine. The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air, mingling with the scent of incense sticks she had lit in front of the small home temple.

Their children, Aarav and Aisha, were still asleep in the adjoining room. Aarav, a bright and ambitious 18-year-old, was in his final year of school, while Aisha, a bubbly 10-year-old, had an infectious smile that could light up any room.

Raghav dressed quickly, donning his well-worn office shirt and trousers. He moved to the kitchen, where Meera handed him a steaming cup of tea. "Here's your tea. I'll get your breakfast ready," she said, her eyes sparkling with love.

"Thank you, Meera," Raghav replied, taking a sip and savouring the warmth. "You always know how to make my day better."

As he sat at the small dining table, Raghav's thoughts drifted to his daily commute. The crowded buses, the noise, the chaos—it was all part of the routine. But amidst the hustle, there was a sense of purpose. He worked hard to provide for his family, dreaming of a better future for his children.

The Daily Grind

Raghav kissed Aisha on the forehead before leaving. "Study well, and be good to your mother," he said, his voice firm but kind.

"I will, Papa," Aisha replied, her eyes twinkling with innocence.

Aarav emerged from his room, still groggy from sleep. "Good morning, Papa," he mumbled, heading towards the bathroom.

"Morning, son. Have a good day at school," Raghav said, patting Aarav on the shoulder.

Stepping out of the apartment, Raghav joined the throng of people heading to work. The streets were already alive with activity—street vendors setting up their stalls, children in school uniforms rushing to catch their buses, and office-goers like him navigating the urban maze.

The bus ride was a blur of jostling bodies and honking horns. Raghav found a spot near the window, staring out at the cityscape. His thoughts wandered to the upcoming office review. It was a crucial time, and he hoped for a promotion that would ease their financial strains.

At the office, Raghav was greeted by his colleague, Vikram. "Morning, Raghav. Ready for the big day?" Vikram asked, a friendly smile on his face.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Raghav replied, forcing a grin. "Let's hope for the best."

The day passed in a whirlwind of paperwork, meetings, and deadlines. Raghav's mind kept drifting back to his family, their faces giving him strength. When the clock struck six, he gathered his belongings and headed home, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation.

Evening Solace

Back home, Meera was preparing dinner. The kitchen was filled with the savoury scent of spices, making Raghav's mouth water. Aarav was at the dining table, engrossed in his textbooks, while Aisha played with her dolls nearby.

"Welcome home, Raghav," Meera greeted him with a warm smile. "How was your day?"

"Long and tiring, but I'm glad to be home," he replied, sinking into a chair. "What's for dinner? It smells amazing."

"Your favourite—dal makhani and roti," Meera said, her eyes twinkling. "And some paneer curry for Aarav."

As they sat down for dinner, the family shared their day's stories. Aarav talked about his school project, while Aisha excitedly recounted her day at the playground. Raghav listened, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

Dreams and Sacrifices

After dinner, Raghav and Meera sat on the balcony, enjoying the cool night breeze. "I got the call for the office review tomorrow," Raghav said, breaking the silence. "I hope it goes well."

"I'm sure it will," Meera replied, squeezing his hand. "You've worked so hard. You deserve this."

Raghav smiled, feeling a surge of hope. "Thank you, Meera. I couldn't do this without you."

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the stars. Despite the challenges, they had each other. And that was enough.

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