Long ago, there lived an architect called Raman, who became famous and rich by
his hard work, honesty and creativity. He had started his business as a small
time builder but soon, the excellent quality of work, made him the most sought
after architect of the city.
As his business flourished, it soon became difficult for him to manage it alone.
Hence, he recruited some young architects in his company to help him do the job.
Raman believed in ethical and moral values of the trade, and he expected all his
staff also to adhere to the same, religiously. In fact, his firm's name was
synonymous with "Excellence, reliability, & innovation" and it had developed a
very high degree of credibility and trust amongst the general public and
customers.
As time passed some of the young architects working with Raman, trained in all
aspects of the trade, started dreaming of a similar enterprise of their own. One
such ambitious pupil of Raman was Victor Thomas. Victor was quick to grasp
knowledge and learn skills that were required to be a successful architect. He
was really in a great hurry to make it big.
Victor could not contain his thoughts for long and one day, he expressed his
desire to run his own business enterprise to Raman. Raman being a thorough
gentleman and a real entrepreneur, appreciated Victor for his vision and said
that he would be too pleased to do whatever it required to have this dream
translated into reality.
So, Victor decided to embark on his maiden journey in the business world with
blessings of Raman and best wishes of all his colleagues, Raman advised Victor
to complete one last assignment before they could part ways. Victor was more
than pleased to oblige.
Raman took him to one of the sites located in the best part of the town and
asked him to design a model house for one of his friends. Victor was also
entrusted to personally supervise the construction and completion of the house.
Raman informed him that the house was for one of his very close friends and
nothing but the best efforts were to be made, as per the practice followed in
the organisation.
As the work progressed at the construction site, to an impatient Victor, it
started looking like an obstacle between him and his destiny.
Soon, his ambitions and his eagerness to make it big quick took over his
learnings and he started making compromises in every aspect of the job, to
finish the job as soon as possible. As a result, though the house was ready in a
record time, it could not conform to the excellent standards of Raman's company.
However, given Victor's intelligence, the house wore a wonderful exterior look
and any one except an expert could make out the difference. Raman could make out
and Victor knew deep down in his heart that the job was not well done.
However, as promised, Raman and his other teammates called for a small farewell
party for Victor to wish him success in his new endeavour. Raman made a surprise
announcement in the party.
Guess what? He, as a goodwill gesture on behalf of his organisation and staff,
presented Victor with the keys of the house, that he had made as his last
assignment.
The announcement was greeted with loud applause from all team members as they
all appreciated the gesture. They all were very happy.
In fact, everyone in the party was quite happy, except Victor, who was now
feeling bad about the fact that if only he knew that this house was being built
for him, he would have made a dream of a house instead of the one, low quality
job he did.
Many a time, God makes such propositions to us in life and more often than not,
many of us do things the way Victor did, only to realize later that whole of it
or at times part of it was meant for them also.
What a learning it was for Victor, who got a perfect result of his efforts, that
kept him reminding of his mistake, every moment he lived in that house.
What do we get out of this little story ?
Let every effort, action or job done by you, be a signature of your true self,
irrespective of the fact that it is being done for you or someone else, as you
will have to own your share in the final outcome.
It also proves the age-old theory that you always get back what you give out.
So, give out your best and let me assure you that you will never have to repent
like Victor.
An Article By Nitin Kulkarni
Nitinkulkarni@nascentdewdrops.com ©2001
www.nascentdewdrops.com
Special Note from the author :
The story "He Made Houses For Others Till....!" Is inspired by the central idea
of one story titled "The Carpenter's House". The credits of this creation are
equally shared with the author of the above story, who is yet to be known ! My
heartfelt thanks to the author yet to be known for bringing a wonderful thought
into being !
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