It was a sunbaked mundane morning
and she was wandering around in her contemplations of being flattered as a
luminary in the Country. She was the megastar of her fantasies, projecting a
verbal elocution, on how she had gained the prodigious success in the
contemporary world.
“Nonetheless, it wasn't a piece
of cake at all, yet indeed I survived to hit the glare of limelight,” phrased
Ridham in a joyous yet haughty tone.
“It entails plenty of the 3 E's
to reach here. Endeavor, Effort and Endurance,” she said standing in front of
the mirror, holding the talcum container single-handedly, up right in front,
assuming it as a microphone.
Her mood was about to extend into
the paradise of ecstasy but turned into utmost rage when a prompt disgruntled
voice broke her reverie.
“Get out of the lavatory you freaky giant cow.
You aren't supposed to live there for your entire lifeless life,” yelled Rohan
struck by the urgent call of human nature for loo.
Ridham got loaded up with annoyance
but being prudent opted to stay quiet and calm instead of getting into needless
wastage of time in arguing with her dull-witted younger brother. She came out
of the loo and apologized for occupying the washroom for that long.
Thereafter, she went straight
away to her mother to resolve her fancy illusions and suspicions of becoming a
famed figure.
Geeta was a diligent housewife
and a mother of two children, who have lately started arrogantly scorning and
mocking her decisions and viewpoints for they have stepped into their
adolescence and are too old to obey their mother.
“Hey mom, I need to talk to you on
a very, very serious subject,” said Ridham impatiently.
“Dear, I'd love to help you in
any matter, but as you can see I'm a little preoccupied with cooking supper and
the main meal for your father's boss since he's going to join us for dinner
this evening. I reckon, if he likes it, your father may get promoted to a
higher rank,” replied Geeta in her gentle voice.
“It's good to know that, but mom,
this is much more important than that, it's about my future, it's about my
prominence in this world,” she said. “Though, I'm sounding futile but it's not
just the bare intuitions. Perhaps, they are haunting me everywhere in my
daydreams and night fantasies.”
“Ahan? Sounds quite interesting
though. But, how about considering my idea of having your favorite oreo Popsicle
for now, which is lying right over there on the shelf and we'll chatter on this
matter in detail after I'm done with my duty calls?” asked Geeta.
“That would be quite convincing,
mother,” replied Ridham giving a glimpse of smile to her.
It was 7:15 in the evening, the
noisy sounds of traffic and the children playing cricket in the street were so
loud that it was piercing their house. Although, its residents were quite used
to it. Rohan, was busy playing the video game and Ridham listening to her
favorite music. Geeta, still busy with her household chores of cleaning the
messy areas so that it could leave a nice impression on her husband's boss.
As soon as the clock's hands hit
8'o clock, Ratan arrived home with his boss.
Ratan Arora worked for an
Insurance company owned by Mr. Bonny Thomas. Ratan had been trying very hard
from last five years to get promoted but consistently failed every time. Still,
he was not penniless and somehow managed to sustain his family of four with the
handy low income he earned. Presently, he was on the verge of being crestfallen
and was giving his last attempt for impressing his boss.
Rohan perturbed by the presence
of a strange man in their house, rushed to the kitchen.
“Mom, he's here, a short plump
man giving his grumpy looks. I'm not admiring his snobbish behavior towards
Dad. Despite of his imperious conduct, Dad is listening to him as a minion,” said
Rohan.
“Oh dear, he is the kingpin of
the company in which your father works. Perhaps, you're aware of our financial
condition. You must behave agreeably in front of him,” said mom asking him to
stay calm and polite.
“I don't find any need of acting
as a dogsbody for a pompous little man. Thanks for your advice,” grumbled Rohan
and dashed inside his room slamming the door as hard as possible on purpose.
“What's the matter with the boy,
haven't you taught him the lessons to greet his guests gentlemanly?” asked Mr.
Thomas noting the impertinent behavior of Rohan.
“I apologize for his behavior,
Sir. He was nauseated by the thought of food since his stomach is not very
sound right now,” uttered Rattan, red-faced since he was ashamed of Rohan's
lack of showing the etiquette to Mr. Thomas.
“I request you to ignore the boy's behavior
Sir.”
Rohan was ill-tempered while
Ridham was quite tolerant and supportive. She decided coping with the situation
and acknowledged the presence of Mr. Thomas. Also, she put the supper and the
drinks before him.
Geeta was finally ready to serve her appetizing dinner. The
aromatic flavors of the savoury snacks were mouthwatering for Mr. Thomas. They
enjoyed having dinner. Mr. Thomas was quite impressed by all the arrangements
done by Geeta. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Arora accompanied Mr. Thomas to the door
to see him off and he left for his home.
Subsequently, Geeta knocked at Rohan’s door to enquire if he
was awake, so she could provide him with dinner but Rohan didn’t answer
intentionally. He was still mad at his parents for flattering Mr. Thomas just
for the sake of getting promoted. Geeta turned desolated on comprehending the
fact that she spent her entire day in pleasing and entertaining an outsider and
she did succeed but failed to pay heed towards her children’s interests.
Then, she went to Ridham’s room to gaze at her while she was
sleeping. Ridham was lying on the bed facing upside down. Geeta kissed her on
the head and realized that Ridham was still awake.
“What’s the matter mom? It seems something is bothering you.
Your doleful looks are making me anxious. Are you alright?” asked Ridham.
“I’m absolutely fine honey,” assured Geeta in her breathy
voice. “I was upset that I spent the entire day fulfilling my job as a wife but I
guess I failed as a mother, I’m really sorry for that, dear.”
“Oh come on mom, you
don’t need to apologize. I utterly understand the reasons for every action of
yours. So, you don’t need to worry about anything,” said Ridham.
“And as far as Rohan’s actions are concerned, perhaps you
should ignore his juvenile behavior. May god bless my thick-headed brother!”
she said giving a fruity laugh and sleeps after greeting her mother good night.
Geeta got relieved
after having this talk and the day ended on a mild happy note giving a reality
check to Ridham’s imaginations.