The Lawyer

Vallabhbhais cherished ambition was to become a barrister. But in order to realize this ambition, he had to continue his studies in England. But his family was in utter poverty. He did not have enough money evens to join a college in India.In those days a candidate could study in private and sit for an examination in Law. Vallabhbhais brother, Vithalbhai, also was a lawyer. He attended coaching classes before entering himself for the exami- nation. But Vallabhbhai did not even attend coaching classes. He borrowed books from the lawer of his acquaintance and studied their judgements.Occasionally he attended courts of law. He studied their judgments. He listened attentively to the arguments of lawyers. He observed keenly lawyers of all types - the timid ones, the dashing ones and the skillful ones. He listened to them all.Vallabhbhai passed the examination. Vallabhbhai had absolutely no facilities to begin practice of law. He borrowed some money from his friends and hired a room in a town called Godhra. He furnished it with a couple of chairs, and also mats for those who wished to squat on the floor.Before long clients were attracted to this enthusiastic young man. If he took up a subject, Vallabhbhai made a thorough study of it.In a short time Vallabhbhai made a name as a very eminent lawyer. By then he was married. Two children were born - a daughter, Manibehn, and a son, Dhayabhai. Vallabhbhais wife fell ill, and he sent her to Bombay for treatment.