“Life Lessons” by R. S. Chintalapati

I wake up sharp 4:30 in the morning and finish my morning routine for a span of half an hour. I take my dog and go walking at sharp 5:00 AM and return at 6:00 AM. Later I get refreshed and would take a look at newspaper. Later demands begin like son who is doing his engineering comes for his money of Rs. 200, daughter who is pursuing her B.Sc. come for her Rs.100 and last son doing intermediate comes for Rs.50. I never felt bad in giving them money but I feel bad in offering them the earning by bad means. I start working by 8:30 AM in R K Beach in Visakhapatnam. I have a job of which is most expected by many for the sake of side earning. I am a Traffic Police. 
                              
I assure you that I catch at-least 10 teenagers, 5 family holders daily for not wearing neither their helmet nor carrying their license with them. I assure you as this is my personal diary; I never made a mistake that most people intend in doing by taking a bribe for the cause of not following rules. You won’t believe me; my own wife says that "What is wrong in taking money when they don't follow the rule?” My children urge me that "What has honesty brought you? You belong to the same department which is being much offended by the public as cheaters to the government". I feel bad of being a part of a community of friends in which I am laughed at for by bare sincerity. I am the head of a family that doesn't understand what honesty brings me. I am part of society which pays me to break a rule that is meant to be followed. I don't bother what all of them say, I don't bother how many make fun of my behaviour but I really feel contented when I sleep at night for what I am. I am a true honest police officer from the day I started my duty to the day I end it. 

By the time my son reads this diary, I feel he would truly understand the value of honesty and self-satisfaction. If I would have accepted bribe all along my service, I would have gifted my children with houses and money but I am truly happy that I gifted ethical values which are ultimate apart anything. He would really feel the way I enjoyed as an honest man than the most who did not. I hope he makes his way by his own choice.