I remember the day we sold our home vividly, there was an overwhelming sadness and a feeling of hopelessness in the air. We packed our things and bid goodbye to our home. I made a vow that day that I would buy a home for my parents.
I have happy memories of growing up in a small town close to Hyderabad in India. I’m the older of two children, and my parents have always supported my sister and me. I’ve loved running for as long as I can remember. I would run every morning for an hour before school. On one of my runs, I came across a group of people training. I was intrigued. I mustered the courage to go up and ask them what they were doing, and that was the day I accidentally discovered my passion – Karate and Kickboxing.
I requested them to let me train with them. I was only ten years old but committed. I woke up at 5 am every day, training for over two hours before school. This was the most exciting time in my life. As the years rolled on, I got better, more confident and competed in Karate tournaments. One of my most significant achievements has been to win a gold medal at the National Karate championship. My external ambition was to be a Chartered Accountant, but my secret dream was to be a sportsman and represent my country. Life, however, had other plans for me.
At the time, my father was the sole earning member. We were in debt and could not meet our financial obligations. We sold our home, and even though I was only fifteen, I decided to leave school and get a job to support the family financially. Even now, when I think about that time, my heart is filled with sadness and gratitude. I had to give up some of the things I loved – my home, education, training at the Karate centre, and career aspirations. But I had my family and friends. I always felt loved and never alone.
My first job was as an electrician. From there, I learnt different skills and moved between jobs. By this time, my dad had moved to Saudi and was keen I join him there. Even though I didn’t know anyone in the UAE, I came to the UAE with a job as a cleaner. I worked my way up in the company to the position of supervisor. In 2019, my contract was complete. I was disappointed at the time, but it’s the best thing to have happened in hindsight.
I tried finding employment unsuccessfully. I came across a few friends working as freelance cleaners. Unlike a fixed job, one’s income is dependent on the hours one puts in. I was skeptical at first but did it anyway. I was excited to earn more than I had ever earned working for someone else. I saved and put aside money to put as a down payment to buy a home.
And then the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, and with it, my dreams too. I lost half my income and struggled to make ends meet. As the restrictions eased, I found clients who paid more. Suddenly, I was on a fast track to achieving my goal.
My family is everything to me. My sister is my best friend, and I cried the most the day she left home after marrying. Even though I couldn’t complete my college degree, I ensured my sister graduated college. She hopes to teach someday, and that makes me proud. Despite all the unexpected curveballs life has thrown my way, I’ve managed to rise. Last year, I didn’t think I would be able to save enough to invest in a home for my parents, but I’ve done that this year. In a few months, my parents will live in a new home that belongs to us.
I look forward to my future now. I hope to start my own business, get married and settle down with my family in India. I may not have pursued Karate as a career, but it’s an integral part of my life, and I continue to practice it every weekend. I recognize how blessed I am to be on the other side of the pandemic, with a higher income, healthy and a fulfilled vow.
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