As soon as she entered her house, she saw the angry face of her father. It wasn't new but, today she was in a good mood and she thought of sharing her news with the family. Just then her father's loud voice reached her ears.
"What the hell were you doing outside with that boy? Don't think I will let this go easily. I have told you so many times, that till I marry you off, you have to think about our name in the society. You can't just do what you want and roam around with boys. Is this why I have wasted money and sent you to study Engineering ? Don't think you can hide the fact that you come home late and you roam around wherever you want! Your mother keeps telling me that you are not doing anything wrong, and I have been ignoring your behaviour. That doesn't mean that you can flirt with guys in the street and spoil the good name of our family! Don't just stand there like a mute! Speak Up! WHAT WERE YOU DOING WITH THAT BOY?"
Shradha could feel the anger boiling inside her, but today was a big day for her and she did not want to spoil her mood. So she tried to remain calm and answered, "You might have been mistaken Dad. he is just a friend and we study together. There is nothing else going on between us. He was just congratulating me for being able to get through a few rounds of a tough coding competition. "
"Don't you dare lie to me! I have seen you many times with that guy. Why does he always follow you, even when you have your own vehicle? And you keep giggling in front of him! How many times have I told you that, the one and only job you have is to maintain respect of our family. I am humoring you and sending you to that expensive coarse so that your qualification can be used to get you a good husband. No need to be happy about competitions or marks. As long as you get through 4 years, that's more than enough. In the end, your job will be maintaining a home and nothing else! So stop hoarding unnecessary thoughts in your useless brain and start learning to be a girl ! Learn cooking and all household work. Do you understand? Tell me! DO YOU UNDERSTAND MY WORDS?"
Each and every word coming out of Anil's mouth was like arrows, piercing through Shradha's heart. She barely managed to maintain her outer calmness and uttered few words to say that she understood her father's words. She turned around and locked herself in her room. Suddenly she felt that walls around her were closing in and it was suffocating to stay in the room. It was already dark outside and Shradha used her usual route to come out of the house. She was fighting hard to forget the things she just heard, but the damage was already done. All Shradha could think was her father's angry face while his words repeated in her ear on loop. She was walking on the road aimlessly and went to a park near her house. 'You know you are not supposed to let that man get to you. Listening to him can only bring pain to you. How did you even expect him to be happy about your success!. No No, how did you even think that there is hope in your life. Your own father is telling you that your talent or smartness doesn't matter because it's your destiny to spend your entire life between 4 walls of kitchen. Shradha, you might have lost your mind to even think that there is a happy ending for your story! Stop dreaming and accept that this is and will be your life.' Shradha was in the process of convincing herself to loose all hope when she felt someone tapping on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Nishant was there with a smile on his face.
"You had forgotten to take your phone from me. I remembered it when I was near my house. So I came to give it to you. When I saw you here.. " Rest of the words could not escape Nishant's mouth when he saw tears welling up in Shradha's eyes. So he suddenly felt concerned and started asking questions - "Hey what happened? Why do you look like that? Tell me please Shradha. "
Was it the tone of his questions or the genuine concern on his face, Shradha did not know; but she just could not handle her emotions anymore. She had always put up a strong face in front of people, even in front of Neeta- her counselor. Never show your weakness to anyone was her motto. However this time, just seeing Nishant there made her lose control. Tears started falling from her beautiful eyes and in that moment of weakness, she hugged Nishant and cried her heart out.
This sudden outburst left Nishant stunned for a moment. But he understood that something bad might have happened to Shradha to be this vulnerable. He wanted to be there for her, but he did not know how to help her. Hugging Shradha back, Nishant just patted her back but never uttered a word. He did not ask her the reason and just silently held her for a long time.
After a while, Shradha felt better and parted from Nishant. They sat down on the park bench and Nishant slowly asked her about what had happened. It took awhile for Shradha to explain things in between sobs, but she managed to tell him everything, including her own thoughts of how she did not deserve to hope or dream. Shradha could see how each and every word made Nishant angry. It felt strange for her, but those irritated and angry expressions somehow eased the pain in her heart.
"I know he is your father and I should not be saying things like this, but he is an idiot if he cannot see how smart and talented you are. Why do you even listen to his words? I know you are not made for a life in between 4 walls of a house; you are born to rule the word. Even YOU know that. Then what is the problem ? just ignore the idiot and show how wrong he is! He will come back to you one day begging you to forgive him for all these words! trust me!"
If Nishant's presence and expressions did not completely do the job, then his words did it; Shradha felt light after hearing Nishant's cute words. Yes! She found him cute when he was not trying to be cute. He was in fact very serious and meant every word that came out from his, usually silent mouth.
Shradha finally smiled and thanked him for comforting her. Nishant brightly smiled and said, "It's my duty as your best friend. Besides I can even ask you to buy me a shirt, now that you have ruined this one with your tears! " Shradha lifted her hand to hit Nishant when she realised that they were still holding hands. This was the first time both of them were this close physically but it was not awkward at all. On the contrary, Shardha had felt security and comfort in Nishant's presence; something that no one had made her feel before, not even her previous boyfriends.
Nishant just laughed and let go of her hand. He then held her shoulders with both hands and told her this - "You are the most valuable thing that I ever have. Do not think less of yourself just because people say so. I believe in you!"
Shradha looked Nishant in his eyes and those eyes hidden behind thick glasses gave her courage. She smiled and replied "Ok. I will believe you and will treat myself better. Now, quickly give me my phone back and get lost!"
"Fine! Take this. I am leaving now. Go back home and text me! Take care. Ok?"
"Okey okey! I'll be a good girl. Shoo.. off you go!"
Both of them went their way but their thoughts were filled with each other's. Nishant could not help but feel worried about Shradha, whereas Shradha could only think of how much closer she felt to Nishant. He was right; he was indeed her best friend. They had quickly passed the just friends stage and now they were besties! What was coming next? Only time could tell.
***