It was a pleasant starry night outside when Samarth returned house with vegetables and his office bag in his hands.But,as soon as he entered the atmosphere seemed silent unlike other days,when Ved kept chattering
"What's the matter?Why is the home so quiet today?"
"I was in the kitchen before you came and Ved slept early after having his dinner" Bhavani informed.
"Slept ? At this hour?He is well na ?"
" He is alright, don't worry. It's just that he said he doesn't feel like studying today,so I let him free after being sure that there isn't any scheduled homework for tomorrow. Then he dozed off keeping his head on my lap,so I fed him dinner and told him to sleep" Bhavani informed
"Oh okay,so bhaisahab must be really tired today" Samarth chuckled and went on to freshen up.
The couple had dinner later in the night while sharing the events of the day with each other.
Bhavani was washing the dishes while Samarth helped her with the cleaning when suddenly Bhavani remembered something
"Oh no,I completely forgot to arrange Ved's bag according to tomorrow's routine.Thank god I remembered it now" she held her forehead in relief
"Wait,hmm,yes I'm done cleaning the table, I'll organise his bag for the day.Relax." Samarth assured her and moved to Ved's room to do the needful.
He was casually turning over pages, looking through random class work and homework copies while putting the required ones in the bag,when a note in Ved's school diary caught his attention, written in red on the last used page, dated on the same day.
" Respected Guardian,
This is with reference to a serious issue concerning your ward Vedant Chaturvedi
You're requested to come and meet the Principal tomorrow before the school hours,by 7:30 in the morning, positively ."
At the bottom,it was signed by Ved's class teacher.
Samarth was very astounded at it.They were quite used to the complaints even if their son did a slightest of mischief and he or Bhavani would scold or punish him slightly then sign the note.All the times till then,Ved had courage enough to admit his mistake before they read ,or even if he didn't,sometimes,Bhavani would find it out while teaching him.And, moreover,the reason of complaint was clearly written everytime.But,this time none of all these things happened.By whatever Bhavani told,neither did Ved tell anything,nor the reason of complaint was mentioned,and they had to meet directly the principal.
That meant only one thing,Ved was in serious trouble and he was scared even to tell them about it.
Samarth looked at a Ved who was sound asleep and with the school diary in his hand,he went to his wife.
"Bhavani ye dekho.Give it a read" he said handing it over to her
One look at it and she shifted her tensed gaze towards her husband
"Samarth,ye. What must have happened? Principal? Ved ..Ved didn't even say anything about this.
What's going on ?"
"May be this was the reason why he didn't want to study today.But it's too early to jump into conclusions.Let him wake up in the morning, we'll talk to him before going to meet the Principal."
"We both must go tomorrow."
"As you say.Now don't stress yourself and let's go to sleep,okay"
Samarth took her away with him to their room, knowing how worried she must be.
It was only after feeding Ved his breakfast did Samarth raise the topic before going to school,the next morning.
"Ved,beta was your hands and come to me"
Vedant seemed effortlessly on his best behavior as he sat beside his father,if not for the note,no body could've found his sudden obedience at little things even a bit suspicious.
"Bachcha, consider this as your fair chance to explain your side, regarding whatever has happened "
Ved ,by then knew they have seen the note but didn't utter a single word
"Tell us, what's the matter beta.If you're innocent,we promise that we will do everything hing to stand your ground and no body will say anything to you.And whatever it might be,we always love you,and we rectify your mistakes, sometimes by being harsh, only because we do so " Samarth tried to assure in the most soothing words.
He still did not relent.
"Bachcha bata na,baat kya hai? I'm getting scared,please" This time Bhavani persuaded rubbing his back
Ved just stood their with his head bowed down.He knew whatever had happened,he was guilty in the process and hence,this gesture to accept it.
His parents could read his expressions and understood that he won't open up.
"Okay,I think that's enough.It's getting late and we should leave" Samarth said with a finality in his voice.
"Nahi,I don't want to go"
for the first time in the course of conversation did a voice come out of Ved.
"Beta toh bata na" Bhavani's really feared more now,if that was even possible.
Back to silence again.
"Bas Bhavani,no need to force him now,as it is we'll come to know after sometime.We should start for school now" Samarth accentuated while he brought Ved's shoes and Bhavani tied them.
"Chalo ab" she held her son's hand and the family left for the dreaded meeting with the school Principal.
~ ✿ ♡ ✿ ♡ ✿ ♡~
Here's a short introduction to the next chapter
What do you think has Ved done?
Guess and let me know till the time the next part unfolds
Stay smiling ♥
YOU ARE READING
Behind the rigidity
General FictionOne which revolves around a typical middle class family from the late 80s, consisting of a rebellious young boy and his parents
