It is a belief that adulthood is marked by a sense of responsibility, the ability to effectively handle tough situations without self-doubt and the confidence to overcome any adversity. Since childhood I have understood the importance of having faith in my own capabilities and competencies to trounce challenges. But one incident really crystallized that belief and marked my transition into that world of responsibility where I could take on any adversity. .
During the summer vacation of my 9th grade, I was spending time with my grandparents at their house in Moga, Punjab. One day while I was in my room playing video games, I heard my grandmother call out frantically. As I rushed down the stairs, I could feel the knots in my stomach tighten. With my mouth dry I could barely get the words out, but managed to ask my grandmother what had happened. She was shaking like a leaf and couldn't speak; she pointed to my grandfather who was on the floor. He was holding on to his chest, coughing profusely; his breath was arrested and he had turned pale. I brought him a glass of water and lifted him to my lap to help him drink. .
However, the coughing continued and the pain in his chest worsened. My parents wouldn't be able to reach my grandparent's house in time and my grandmother was succumbing to her fears. In our part of town, no doctor makes house call. I knew I had to act and very quickly. There was only one thing to do, take him to the hospital. First I called a cab to the house. While waiting for it to arrive, I made my grandfather as comfortable as I could and comforted my grandmother. She was in a state of shock and I didn't want her to accompany us to the hospital, lest she got ill too. .
When the cab arrived, I asked the cab driver to help me carry my grandfather to the cab. From then on, time seems to have flown by as we rushed towards the hospital at lightning speed. Upon reaching we went through the emergency drive through and caught the attention of the people there.