In a small town, unemployment is not private. It is public. When Raju walked through the market, he felt as if eyes followed him.
Some people gave advice without understanding his situation.
"Learn driving."
"Go to another city."
"Start a business."
Advice was easy. Opportunity was not.
Festivals became uncomfortable. During Durga Puja, his friends wore new clothes bought from their salaries. Raju wore old but clean clothes. He smiled, laughed, and pretended everything was fine.
But inside, he felt small.
Social media made things worse. Photos of friends with office IDs, laptops, and city life filled his screen. For a moment, he doubted himself.
"Am I not good enough?" he wondered.
Yet deep inside, a small voice said, "Don't give up."