It was the very first time in my 9 years of life, I had a chance to stand on sea shore with waves touching my feet repeatedly. I was watching the waves arriving and leaving in a moment . The air was swift as if it was competing with the sea waves to prove it's power, making contact with my scalp, with my hair , with my skin and my eyes. I started deep breathing keeping my eyes closed and then I opened my eyes and started walking on the sea shore. I saw my footprints behind as I walk forward on the mud, but sooner they were erased by the water waves, I desired to leave my permanent marks on the mud,so with vigorous contractions of my leg muscles and with utmost force I started keeping my foot forward but the salty waves seemed mighty and stubborn. After numerous attempts I got tired and I sat on the shore with tears on the inner corner of my eyes as it felt like a failure. A coastguard whom I think was watching me came to me and said "You have to be consistent if you want to leave your foot marks here". I listened to him with peak concentration and then I left for my home. Reaching my home I saw the mud on my feet which reminded me of the continuity. Everytime I went to the beach I tried again and again. I followed the same for my coming years the words of the coast guard kept echoing in my ears. Years later even after failing again and again in the prelims, I finally scored a top rank in the Union Public Services Exam. As I sit in my office today, and left a mark over my criticizers after becoming Indian Administrative Services Officer, the words still echoes in my ears.
