A young and enterprising Richard possesses abundant zeal and energy.
He was in his twelfth grade and keen to become a naval officer.
His burning desire has got the boost by the impact left on his heart and mind by an officer he observed at a naval really.
An immaculate speck and span turnout and his physical appearance were attracting everybody in the parade ground.
His marching was perfect and his orders to the battalion were precise and commanding.
He gave a short and sweet speech that was spoken softly yet firmly.
There was an absolutely pin drop silence and everybody heard him with all seriousness.
In the end, the refreshment was served, and Richard went up to him and introduced himself.
Richard said, excused me Sir? I am Richard.
The officer looked straight into his eyes and gave a smile and extended his hand.
Hello Richard, I am Commander Anderson.
I am indeed, glad to meet you.
Richard without hesitation and any loss of time asked him if he could spare few minutes with him.
Anderson's experience has read the urge in Richard's mind.
He at once replied, of course, and asked Richard to wait for some time as he will return shortly.
Richard was feeling immensely happy and dreamt many scenarios which he formulated since a year or so.
Richard totally engrossed in thoughts about naval professional and social life.
He did not realise what was happening around him until a gentle pat on his shoulder brought him back to realities.
Commander Anderson understood and felt that Richard should be made comfortable in the surroundings.
He asked him to accompany him in the recreation room and made him feel at home.
He ordered coffee and some snacks.
Anderson started general discussion and slowly brought the academic discussion.
Richard has narrated synopsis of his schooling and family background.
At this point, Anderson asked Richard, what made him to decide to join the navy.
Richard without conversational mitigation replied to it was his personality and his conduct.
He also emphasised that he observed him on few occasions and that left a profound impression on his mind.
Anderson gave a smile and said it is nice of him to say good words about him.
However, looks alone is a deceptive and brief encounter always gives inconclusive results.
He was happy and hopeful that his desire and sincerity will pave good results.
Anderson asked Richard to visit his home for breakfast on the following weekend.
Richard was overwhelmed.
Richard was cautious and tried to be on time.
He dressed up suitably and arrived at Anderson's home.
He was two minutes earlier than the schedule meeting.
He slowed down his space and exactly at eight in the morning.
He knocked the door.
A lady opened the door and gave a broad smile.
She said, Good morning Richard, I am Jennifer: please come in.
Richard shook hands and bowed down his head; it is a pleasure to meet you madam.
He said, while looking around the home interiors, it is tastefully decorated making the ambiance very pleasing and memorable.
Jennifer thanked him and they settled down in the living room.
Anderson entered the and welcome Richard.
He got up and shook hands and said good Morning Sir.
All three were exchanging general views and discussing weather.
The steward announced that the breakfast ready.
All three of them got up and went into the formal dining room.
They sat down on the respective chairs, and breakfast was served.
Richard was impressed by the lifestyle, posh environments and mannerism of Commander Anderson's home and his family.
He said without any conversational mitigation that it was his best day in his life.
Anderson and Jennifer smiled and appreciated Richard's concerns and his attitude towards life.
After the breakfast Jennifer excused herself and left while Anderson and Richard proceeded towards study and library dedicated, achievement room.
They settled down and Anderson started the conversation on the predetermined topic.
He asked Richard, what are his desires? Richard replied that he wanted to be an accomplished person and pursue his career in the navy.
Anderson enquired, what steps do you plan to achieve your desires and fulfil it successfully? Richard said, I will allow my desires to face the challenges until positive and favourable results are achieved.
Anderson was happy to hear the answer and simultaneously read his face.
It shows honesty, sincerity and determination.
At this juncture, he felt that Richard should be made comfortable and encouraged at the same time.
He said well done Richard.
I am glad your approach towards life is positive and courageous; keep it up.
He thought it is the time to advise this young man.
He said, Richard just remembers some important points in life; defeat is only the state of mind, because failure is the only road to success.
You must have realistic desires and plan well in time to fulfil it.
You should know what you want to be after ten years henceforth? The most important thing in life is accepting things, which are realistic and authentic rather than abstract and vague.
The greatest quality in life is patience and ability to hear what others are saying.
Finally, prior to calling it a day, he said that he is available for any help he needed.
Richard thanked Anderson and Jennifer for the sumptuous and delicious breakfast, in addition the most valuable advice and encouragement.
After a decade Anderson received a call from Richard, and he informed him that he got commissioned in the navy and achieved dramatic results.
He was awarded with a sword of honoured for his excellence and subsequently given command of a ship.
He informed him that he was getting married, and wanted them to be his guest of honour for the occasion.
Rear Admiral Anderson and Jennifer graced the occasion and made their presence felt.
Richard announced that he dedicated his achievement to Rear Admiral and Ms.
Jennifer for shaping his life in a meaningful way.
He thanked them for being the beacon of light in his life.
For Richard, he was a real officer and a gentleman.