"Tell us honestly, where were you all this time?" Sheela asked right away.
"What do you mean? I had college today. And after that I went out with a few friends. "
"Don't lie to us Nishant. Our neighbor Sarita saw you at the mall today. IN THE MORNING. Have you stopped attending classes now? Huh!? Tell me.. "
Nishant sighed after listening to his mother. So they knew about the mall. This seemed like the right time to discuss about his thoughts. Nishant was about to answer their question when his father spoke.
"We trust you Nishant and we know you would not have done anything wrong. It's just that your mother felt upset after hearing this from someone else. We just want to know what happened and if you need our help with anything. "
"Thank you for saying that dad. I have been meaning to talk to you both about something. I just did not know how. So let me tell you about today first and then I'll get to it." Nishant turned towards his mother and tried consoling her.
"Amma, we had sports day in college and most of the classes were cancelled. So we went for a movie and then they decided to go for a joy ride because the weather was good I joined them and that's why I am late."
"So you went out after class was cancelled? You could have come home and prepared for the exams right. Your sem exams are just 1 month away! Nishant, why are you doing this? Is this because of her? Shradha? See I had told you before only that she would be a bad influence on you. I can't believe my precious son has gone off the rail!" Sheela started rambling.
For the first time, Nishant was irritated instead of feeling guilty of her rambling. He had always tried his best to please them; especially his mother. But she did not even trust him and she had assumed that he was influenced by bad things.
"Amma why are you acting like this? I would have told you about the movie if it was planned before. Everything was sort of impromptu today and I did not think it was so big of a deal! In fact, I was really happy and excited on the way home, thinking about talking about today with you."
"Don't mind your mother's words. She is just angry that Sarita mocked her a little. She will be fine. You tell us about everything. Also you said there was something you wanted to discuss?"
Mr. Shrama was a wise man who knew how to handle his wife. But he also had noticed the changes in Nishant lately and he had been meaning to talk to him.
"Well you know how I have never really had real friends or I had never gone out or had fun. It's not that i could not make friends before; it was just that I never used to agree to go out or hangout after classes. I used prioritize studies over everything else. "
"You should prioritize studies over everything else!" Sheela interrupted.
"Sheela, let him speak. " Even though she did not agree to their words, she sat quietly after that.
Nishant resumed, "So eventually people assumed that I have no interest in any other topics and they would speak to me about only studies. But I did want to have fun just like all of them. I was just afraid of letting you down if I did any of that. So I never tried to change that. I have to say I really feel that was unnecessary and I have very limited knowledge about the outside world. I have been thinking about all of that lately. So when they planned for movie today, I really wanted to go and I went. It was the best day of my life so far! We had so much fun! I even danced a little. And no we did not drink alcohol. But I did enjoy a lot. So I guess, what I am trying to say is that, I want to do this more often. I want to explore new things and know more about myself. "
Mr. Sharma smiled and nodded while Sheela was losing her temper again.
"What are you saying Nishant? What do you mean by exploring? Trying new things? What will happen to your studies then? Will you give up on you dreams? What will happen to masters in the US? How can you do this?"
"I never said I'll neglect studies. I am confident that I can still maintain my grades. I don't have to study every day and I can plan my schedule better to keep time for other activities. And what about my dreams? I don't even know if I have any dreams. Masters is certainly not my dream, rather it's yours. I don't know if want to go abroad. That's why I said I need to figure out a lot of things. And trying new things will help me. "
"How can you say you do not want to do masters abroad?"
"Mom, I am not saying I will not! I am just confused right now. Please try to understand what I am saying."
"Oh so now I don't understand you anymore !? I knew this would happen to me one day when you get married, but I never thought the day would come so early! I know you are saying all of these because of her right ? Did she tell you to stop listening to your mother ? Huh!? I am telling you now only, I DON'T WANT HER AS MY DAUGHTER IN LAW"
"Mom , stop twisting my words! And do not bring Shradha into this. She had nothing to do with my decision. This is something that I have to do. Or I don't think I'll ever be able to live peacefully. You know I am an adult and I need to be able to take decisions on my own. And what's with daughter in law talks? We are just friends!!!"
"Oh so you have become an adult now. You argue back with you mother! Fine, do whatever you want. Spoil your life!" Sheela stomped towards her room and closed the door angrily.
Mr. Sharma who was quiet all this time, spoke. "Don't take your mother's words to heart. She is just used to you listening to her every single thing. But I am happy about your decision. I always knew that masters might not be your dream, but I want you to figure that out for yourself. So I fully support your decision to explore new things. But just promise me that you will be careful and don't be reckless. Okey?"
"Yes dad. I won't do anything stupid. I promise. Thank you"
"Don't think too much. Go freshen up. You might be tired."
Mr. Sharma went to the room thinking of ways to console and convince his wife. Nishant sighed and headed towards his room. It was a long day!
***