NIGHT TIME
A month ago, I came back from Cambridge because my grandmother forced me.
It had been so many years since I was living there, but my grandmother wished for me to stay in Hyderabad.
I had to leave the university there and return.
And as soon as I arrived, I got an offer from the chancellor of Scalar College of Education to become a professor in their college.
Scalar College, a prestigious institution, seemed like a good option for me. After thinking it over, I decided to join there.
Today was my first day as a professor at this new college and I was determined to give it a good start.
I sat inside my black Mercedes and drove towards the campus.
On the way, I stopped my car at a red signal But When it turned green, the girl ahead of me didn't move her vehicle. God knows what she was doing. One thing I knew for sure was that she was wasting my time, and I hate that. For me, each and every second of a day is precious. I hate unpunctual people. Punctuality is the first rule of my life, and I have been following it since childhood.
Upon arriving at the college, I was introduced to the other professors, both male and female, all older than me as expected. My first lecture was with the second-year accountancy students, and it went smoothly. I was glad that no one was disruptive there.
The second lecture passed too with a little bit of disturbance and the third lecture was with third year business students.
As I entered the lecture hall with Mr. Devesh Rathee, he gave a brief introduction about me to the students.
When he left, a knock on the door caught my attention. There she stood, the girl from the morning as I immediately recognised her but she was late. Late to attend the lecture, but I let her enter as I didn't want to punish anyone on my first day.
I introduced myself again and continued with the lecture. However, a sound disturbed me, and there she was again, creating a disturbance. She definitely seemed like someone who wanted to get scolded.
I indulged myself in teaching and Once again my gaze fell on that girl and I noticed that she didn't seem to be focusing on the lecture. She was talking and causing a disruption. When I confronted her, she tried to defend herself, but her excuses didn't matter to me. Rules are rules. If she didn't understand the importance of punctuality and discipline, she would have to learn the hard way.
As the day ended, I reflected on my first day. It wasn't as bad as I had anticipated, but it wasn't smooth either. I hoped that in time, the students would learn to respect the rules and understand the importance of punctuality and discipline. For now, I just needed to ensure that I remained firm and consistent in enforcing these values.
My thoughts were disrupted by a knock on the door. I walked over and opened it to find Sushmika Aunty standing there. She stays with my grandmother most of the time Her hushand nassed away a few years ago and her daughter is studying abroad, if I remember correctly. That's why she stays with my grandmother, and I'm happy that Dadi has someone to keep her company.
She told me that my grandmother was calling for me downstairs. I assured her I would be there in no time. As she left, I headed downstairs to the living room.
There, I found my grandmother, seated comfortably on the couch, with a warm smile on her face. Sushmika Aunty was sitting beside her, engaged in their usual chat.
"Veer, beta, come sit with us," my grandmother beckoned.
I walked over and took a seat next to her. "Yes, Dadi, you called for me?"
"How was your first day at the new college?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"It went well, Dadi," I replied, not wanting to trouble her with the minor hiccups of the day. "The students seem good, and the staff is welcoming."
"That's wonderful to hear," she said, patting my hand.
There was a moment of silence between us, then she began talking. "Veer, I have something important to discuss with you."
I nodded, urging her to continue.
"Actually, it's about your marriage."
And that was it-I lost it.
Anger surged through me.
I closed my eyes and clenched my fists. "Dadi, let's not talk about this."
"Why not talk about this? It's your age to get married now, to settle down with a family. How long are you going to run away from this topic?"
"I don't want to settle down. I just don't want to marry," I declared.
"But life doesn't work like this, beta. You have to move on from some things, and I want my grandson to have a happy family, to have someone he can rely on."
"Dadi, I've told you before, I don't want to get married. I've seen what happens when marriages fail. I don't want to go through that."
"But Veer, not every marriage is doomed to fail. You can't let the past dictate your a family can sing so much joy to your life."
"I appreciate your concern, Dadi, but my mind is made up. I'm focused on my career and taking care of you. That's enough for me."
She sighed, her eyes filled with concern, "I just want to see you happy, Veer. I want to know that when I'm gone, you'll have someone by your side."
"You don't need to worry about me, Dadi. I'm perfectly fine on my own."
There was a heavy silence as she looked at me, her expression a mix of sadness and resignation. "Alright, beta. I won't push you anymore tonight. But please, think about what I've said. Promise me that."
"I promise, Dadi," I said, even though I knew my decision wouldn't change.
We sat there for a while longer, the tension gradually easing. Eventually, I excused myself and went back to my room, my mind swirling with thoughts. I knew my grandmother meant well, but she didn't understand the depth of my fear and reluctance. The scars of my parents' failed marriage ran deep, and I wasn't ready to take that risk.
As I lay in bed, I tried to push the conversation from my mind, focusing instead on the day ahead. But Dadi's words lingered, a reminder of the future she envisioned for me-a future I wasn't sure I could ever embrace.
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