A day that changed it all

By Savi Surana

I know this guy. He is tall, smart, and handsome. Always full of exuberance. Creates an aura of liveliness wherever he goes. Never seen him feeling blue ever.

I guess I hold a special place in his life. He confides in me, bullies me, respects me but more than anything else he cares a lot for me. If someone makes you feel so special you naturally start caring for them, don't you.

I remember the day he called me to announce that he has been chosen for one of the top universities in the US. He was on top of the world, his dream came true, all his hard work finally paid off. His generosity and innocence knew no measure because he gave entire credit to me for his own achievement. He said I was his lucky charm.

All of us bade him goodbye. Too many emotions were whirling in his mind, all positive, very very positive. Soon he settled in the US with few other Indians. College was hectic but fun. On weekends, it was either some beach or downtown or celebrity spotting.

Then came the real test. INTERNSHIP. It came with challenges on every step. First it was a challenge to find an internship, then the challenge was to survive through it. No friends. No fun breaks. Nothing to break the monotony. His heart wept out loud but there was no one to listen, let alone understand. He was completely engulfed in loneliness holding onto nothing but the slightest light at the end of the tunnel promising him a bright future.

About a month later: Day that changed his life and many others'

An unknown number flashed on his cell phone screen. He picked up the call indifferently. A lady was on the other side sounding very excited.

Lady: "Bless you my child. You saved my daughter. I am indebted to you. I don't know how to thank you enough."

Boy: "I'm sorry"

Lady: "Your app son, your app saved my daughter. Do you have 5 mins?"

Boy: "Sure ma'am."

Lady: "My daughter is an introvert. She never comes out of her shell. So it was really difficult to notice any signs of abnormality when she stopped talking to everyone. But I noticed a few distinctive changes. One day I came across the app developed by you to detect depression and heart problems by tracking pulse rate. I persuaded my daughter to do it and discovered that she was indeed going through a very bad phase of depression. When we took her to a psychiatrist, we came to know that she had broken up with her long time boyfriend and she was thinking of ways to end her life. If it weren't for your app, I would have lost my daughter. Son, you truly are an angel for us. I wish to meet you and thank you personally."

His heart was filled with warmth and joy. For the first time in his life he felt his worth. He knew he could make a difference to this world. He knew he could add some value to mankind in his own humble ways. And then there was no looking back.

A boy who himself was combating depression at one stage of life, thinking prospects of leaving everything and going somewhere to live anonymously has now given a chance to everyone to start life afresh. He channeled all his negative energy in the right direction and gave birth to an invention which saved others who are not strong enough to fight depression.

Three months later:

Cell phone ring pierced through his ears. He was sleeping after almost 90 hrs. His head was searing with pain and eyes were smoldering red. He somehow managed to pick up the phone.

Me: "Get up buddy. You'll go mad once I tell you the news."

Boy: "What happened buddy??"

Me: "Your app buddy. Your app. It has won the Webby Award."

Boy: "Ho..Howw..Whaa..Wheenn.."

Me: "I filled up the nomination form a month ago and guess whaaaat.. You won buddy, You won."

Boy sprang up from his bed, "Are you serious..!!"

Me: "Of course."

Boy: "Didn't I tell you, you are indeed my lucky charm?"

And the modesty & humbleness continues.... :D

Now this guy is working with one of the top healthcare companies in the US seeking ways to revolutionize world's health every single day.

By Savi Surana