Nishant wasn't in a good mood either. He was in his room trying to study, but he wasn't able to concentrate on the words. He kept reading the same words but nothing made sense. He closed the textbook in frustration. "It's all because of you Shradha. Why did you have to say all those things? Now I can't stop thinking about your words. I have to say, you are proving my mom right by successfully distracting me with that fight! " If someone saw Nishant talking to himself, they would think he was revising something. Poor guy had that good image!
It was true that Nishant had prioritized parents over his wants, from childhood. From the clothes he wore to his bike, everything was Sheela's choice. Only choice Nishant had was food and sometimes even there Sheela liked to interfere. "Eat spinach more; It is healthy. Don't eat junk food as snacks. I have read somewhere that junk food is bad for students." But food was all Nishant had and no one could force him there.
When Nishant recalled Shradha's words, he felt maybe she was not completely wrong. She had told, "Why do you have to take things so seriously? I understand they have expectations on you and you want to fulfill their dreams. But that does not mean that you give up on everything else."
Was he really giving up on everything else for his mother? This question forced Nishant to think back about his life so far. He just sat there; in front of his study table staring outside the window, lost in thoughts.
Shradha went home after work around 10pm at night. She usually ate outside as eating at home meant listening to her parents and Shradha always tried to avoid her dad. 'When you know every word coming out of someone injures you, then try your best to avoid that person. Prevention is always better than cure.' This was Shradha's explanation. She crashed on her bed and she laid there for a long time. She wondered what Nishant might be doing.
"Hi" Shradha sent the message after hesitating for a bit. Fights with your friends are common. But one should always put an end to a fight. After all what is life without friends? Shradha felt that she had to speak to Nishant and explain to him that she just wanted what was best for him.
Nishant was back in his room after dinner and watching TV for sometime. He was happy to see Shradha's message. He replied immediately.
"Hi. Did you get home safely? "
" Yea. I did. Listen... about today afternoon.. I am sorry. I didn't mean to say those words. It's just that… you know how I get when I am angry right. I am really sorry."
"Its ok." Nishant replied after a short pause. "I know you had good intentions in telling me to lead my life in my way. But you have to understand, that I cannot afford to disappoint my parents. They have given up so much for me and I don't mind giving up on 'some fun' to fulfill their dreams."
"Sure. I understand. But you have to know that you are already serious when it comes to studies. Its not like you are dumb or anything; you don't need to spend ALL of your time in studying. You can plan your time wisely and study regularly. Once in a while you are allowed to have fun and do something that makes YOU happy. "
Nishant smiled looking at his phone. He was surely not dumb and she was right. He could spend some time for himself while ensuring to keep up with studies. Nishant was still thinking about all of this when Shradha sent one more message.
"I know we became friends recently, but I can say I have got to know you a little. I feel that you do want to experience student life and have fun like everyone else. But you hold yourself back thinking about other things. What I am trying to say is, you can ease up a little bit, like 30-40% and have fun. Remaining times, you can continue to be your mama's boy. Think about it. We live only one life and it should never be full of regrets. Even Kishor Ji[1] has sung - Zindagi ek safar Hai suhana, Yaha Kal kya ho kisne Jaana[2] " .
Shradha was trying her best to convince Nishant. She did not know the reason behind her worry. Was it because she would miss hanging out with him or because he was suppressing his own mind; Shradha really did not know. But all of this did not feel right. She would have been ok to leave him be, if he had said "I am doing this for my future and dreams. " but instead it was "I do not want to disappoint my parents." and that phrase just did not seem right. So there she was, quoting Kishore Kumar songs and uttering words that seemed mature for her age.
"I know! What you are saying is not wrong and I am seriously thinking about it. " Nishant replied honestly.
"Ok. Why don't we keep thinking about all this, while we focus on both studies AND student life. For example, you can stay back in college for 2 hours after the classes, instead of rushing home. This way you will enjoy sometime in college and focus on studies after going home. "
Nishant thought for a minute before responding, "1 hour. "
" Bargaining are we ? LOL "
" Fine, 1.5 hours "
"Come on man! Be reasonable! I am also compromising here. Have u forgotten that I have to work at the clinic also ? "
"1.5 hours, take it or leave it. "
Honestly, Shradha was just trying her luck. She would take whatever she would get. After all Nishant was her only true friend.
" Fine, I'll take 1.5 hours and show you what fun is. "
" oh God. Am I going to regret this? Correction, I am ALREADY regretting this. "
Shradha sent devil emoji. They chatted for a while before saying good night. After all of this, Shradha felt that the night had turned out to be good.
***
[1] : Kishor Ji : Way of addressing Kishore Kumar, a famous 80's singer
[2] : Zindagi ek safar Hai suhana, Yaha Kal kya ho kisne Jaana was a very famous hindi song.