Post # 38
[image error]
“How are the preparations going on at your level, beta?” Aaina’s mother asked her. Aaina was trying to concentrate on the newest novel of her favourite author, which she held in hands while sitting on bed in blanket, but couldn’t. Her mother had understood this, while entering the room itself. “Going well, Ma” Aaina replied, trying to hide the storm of thoughts that was taking place inside her. But a mother is mother, she just knows her kids so well, often they can’t hide. “Doesn’t seem so” sitting beside Aaina, she said. “Just little nervous and excited at the same time. Don’t worry, please take rest. You must be tired” gently putting the book aside, keeping her hands on her mother’s, said Aaina. “Ok, if you say. But if there’s anything bothering you at any stage, just let me know, don’t hide it, ok?” said her mother. Then she planted a kiss on Aaina’s forehead, switched off the side table lamp and left.
Aaina got drowned in the pool of her thoughts again and gradually fell asleep. Next morning, after waking up and going through all her daily morning activities, when Aaina sat at the table for breakfast, she looked lost. Her mother had sensed this but didn’t say anything. What she did was to plan the breakfast in such a way that after Aaina’s father and brother left for their respective workplaces, it was just both of them sitting besides each other. So, she just took a place next to Aaina and gently moved fingers through her hair.
“What’s the matter, beta? Tell me now” she said.
Aaina sighed, made an eye contact with her mom and said “Ma, I’m stuck in a dilemma”
“Ok and what is it about?” her mother asked.
“Ma, remember that interview I had attended last month? I have cleared it. I just got a call from there yesterday” said Aaina
“Wow, this is a good news. I knew you will make it through. But why are you telling me this way? Are you not happy about it?”
“Actually the problem is that the date of joining is coinciding with my engagement. Plus if I join this organization, I will have to move to other city. I’m afraid Hriten will never agree to move with me post-marriage. He would prefer to continue living in this city itself. I really don’t know what to do. I am so very confused”
“Oh, is it? Yeah, this might be a problem. But don’t worry, we will talk to your father and sort it out. Now have your breakfast and get back to your routine”
Aaina did as instructed. Later that day, all of them sat together at the dinner table. Aaina and her mother shared the problem with Aaina’s father and brother.
Aaina said to the rest of them “I thought a lot about it but really can’t come to a conclusion. I don’t know what to do. Please help me, you all.”
Everybody looked at her father, waiting for him to say something as everyone else was equally confused but knew he would be having a solution.
He thought for a couple of minutes, took a deep breath and said “Beta, I think everyone comes at such crossroads in life, at least once. Whatever decision we take, we should have faith – in the decision, in ourselves as well as in the Almighty. Now if we take a closer look at the situation, the choice is between career and family. So, I would like to assure you that your family is always in your support. We understand that it’s more important for you to be independent than give it up for your family. I know we have made some expenditure for the event already and in worst case, we will have to face a lot in society if we break the alliance. Don’t worry, all of us will face it together but YOU, my child, don’t give up!”
Now all eyes there were set on Aaina’s face, waiting to see if she agrees or not. She looked at everyone, one-by-one and bent her head downwards.
Her brother took the turn now “Di, being younger to you, it has always been me who sought advice from you. Today, I would like to give you one. Please do as Papa says. He’s right. We are with you” Their mother nodded in agreement.
Aaina finally felt relieved. “If I say, I am blessed to have been born in this family, I would be underrating the bliss. Thank you all. Yes, we will face it together. And I promise, I will never let you down” Thus, one more freebird set her wings broad open and started her journey to soar higher, with the belief – even sky is not the limit.
You might be wondering what happened to the would-be-groom party. Well, of course, they couldn’t have agreed to move to another city and hence had to give in to the decision. But surprisingly, instead of blame game and bad-mouthing about this family, they welcomed the decision with open heart and appreciation. They were no less strong souls and also decided to face it all together.
This story is partially fictional. That is, not exactly based on a true incident but inspired from one. But I wish we had more people like them in our society. I don’t mean to say more marriages break, but I mean more parents understand how important it is to let their children stand on own feet first, before settling into marriage. I have many such parents in my circle, including my own. What about you?
