Luck : A Short Story !!

Why can’t I get desired results despite working hard ??? Am I not lucky ???

Venkat asked this question to himself sitting in the last row of economy class. He was flying British Airways en route from London to New Delhi.

He counted numerous examples in his head where others with same level of competence and intelligence had achieved more in life in terms of fame, money, status etc. This included his best friend Sai. Venkat realized that the unconscious jealousy of his friend’s success was the reason he did not make any efforts to stay in touch. It was now almost 2 years since they spoke.

VENKAT !!!!!!! OMG what a surprise!!!
YOU!!!!!!! Venkat almost screamed. By now his chain of thoughts was broken.
What are you doing here? It’s been two years since we spoke. How have you been?? Yes Sai...It’s been long 2 years. I am good... just carrying on with my life. You tell me what’s up!! Am good Venkat...so where are you working these days?? Ahh ...Hmm well I am with ABC Technologies ….for last 8 years…
Ohh No... Did u say ABC technologies??? Here is my card... U would not believe it!!!

Venkat saw his Business Card and was astonished. Sai was the Business Leader (APAC) region for ABC technologies. Once again the jealous Venkat in him raised his Ugly head. Though he did not want to say these words it just came out ,Sai... You are lucky man!!!

Oh come on Venkat not again. We had this same discussion 2 years ago. I still believe that you are a victim of Law of Attribution. If I succeed I am lucky and it was easy for me. If you failed you were unlucky and it was hard for you.

We both know that while we were in college we both got same grades replied Venkat. We got our first jobs together and were selected for a similar role. We both had same level of competence and skill sets when we started. In last 8 years you achieved so much as compared to me. How is this possible if you were not lucky.

Venkat … Not again…. You very well know that you could have been in my place. I just thought that you lacked determination. While you kept waiting for opportunities to come. I walked halfway to meet the opportunity on its way.

Sai... let’s leave it there. How I wish you were in my place.

Venkat barely completed his sentence when there was a massive explosion and Venkat became unconscious.It was only after five days that Venkat regained his consciousness. He was told that he had survived a tragic Air crash. The aircraft has crashed in to a mountain without sending out any distress signal.

Suddenly he remembered that SAI was with him on board as well. Keeping his fingers crossed he asked the doctor who was attending him.Can you please find out the status of a passenger named SAI? Is he also being treated in the same Hospital?? Sir... The Doctor replied pensively “We are very sorry to hear that Sai was your friend. You are extremely lucky to be the only survivor”.

Venkat broke down and lot of things did not make any sense to him. How could this happen? Every thing seemed to be normal. No distress announcement from the crew or captain. Numerous questions were coming up in his mind to which he had no answer

However by now he did have answer for the one question "Am I not lucky" ?
He was indeed lucky to have got the gift of life.


PS: The inspiration for this story came from the two recent air crashes. One was the Libyan air crash and the other one was the recent Mangalore air crash. Both tragedies had in total of 9 survivors. I pray that the perished souls rest in peace.


Disclaimer: Any resemblance is purely coincidental. Apologies if this story has hurt any one’s sentiments.