“Did everyone enjoy their week-end?” asked Juhi.

She went around the class, and asked everyone what happened on the week-end.  She listened patiently, and as always, her face showed benevolence, patience, the desire to listen, and good cheer. 

The school taught all the subjects that normal schools taught, but with more individual attention; it was not uncommon for a class to have older children with younger children, or vice-versa.  The goal for each student was to reach higher and exceed his or her current abilities.  The readiness to learn the topics being offered was the key to dividing the children into groups, and it was not uncommon to regroup the children on a routine basis. 

Unlike Ravi, Juhi was committed to a life of selfless service... Enjoy this beautiful song from the Hindi Movie, "Taare Zameen Par"

It was a very unique approach.  The teachers met regularly and talked about what topics they might like to teach next, and discussed the preparedness of each of the students to learn those topics.  They attempted to maximize the educational value and experience of every child.

Juhi seemed to fit right into the family environment that the school offered.

Although her college days were aimless, she felt that she had picked the right field, and that she had found her purpose in life.

One night, Ravi shared his frustration with Juhi.  “I’ll never be something in life working for my dad.  But what can I do?!” he exclaimed.

Juhi didn’t follow.

“What do you want to be?” she asked.

“Important!  I want to be important!” he said.

“You are important,” she said.

It took Ravi a while to explain to Juhi his feeling of lack of worth, and his father’s silent refusal to grant him a senior role in the company. She was able to understand him after listening to him intensely.  But what could she do?  She didn’t know. 

Juhi hugged her husband.  “I understand your situation, honey.  I love you, and I care, and I will pray for you,” she said.  Ravi felt very good.  He slept very well that night.  He really was happy that his wife understood him, loved him, and was ready to do whatever she possibly could do within her means--even if that was no more than understanding and praying, it meant a great deal to Ravi.

Enjoy this old, but beautiful Gem of a song...

Similar struggles between Ravi and his father continued from time to time. 

“You keep saying that you will pray for me.  Nothing has happened!” exclaimed Ravi.

“God works in mysterious ways,” said Juhi.

Ravi was not convinced.

Sometimes, Juhi would make delicious foods  to him.  They would go see a cinema movie, or go out to eat somewhere to remove his mind of frustrating thoughts.  It was much like taking a routine pain reliever--there seemed to be no solution, but a temporary relief.  Juhi’s support was very valuable to Ravi, but Ravi knew that he had to start something of his own.

“Why don’t you talk frankly with your father, I’m sure he already knows, but maybe he just doesn’t know how badly you want to be important,” said Juhi.