HIS OBSESSION-𝟏𝟖+

Naina Joshi

In Mumbai University

The college hall was buzzing with excitement. Students were standing everywhere, laughing, cheering, and celebrating. Why? Because today was our graduation day. But honestly, I was probably the happiest one there. Why? Because after this day, I could finally go to New York. My dream. Haaye. I know, I know, it's everyone's dream.

"Naina Joshi!"

The principal suddenly shouted my name, dragging me back to reality. I quickly jumped up from my seat and rushed toward the stairs. Honestly, you could say I was almost running. The sound of clapping filled the hall, and my friends shouted my name loudly. With each step I took toward the stage, it felt like I was moving one step closer to my dream.

That feeling... it made me so emotional and proud of myself.

Standing in front of the principal, I smiled as he congratulated me. But the very next moment, he shouted.

"WAKE UPPPPP!"

I blinked in confusion. "Wait, sir! Why are you sounding like my Ma??"

And then... SPLASH! Something cold hit my face.

Water??

I immediately shot up and looked around in shock. I was in my room. What the? I was just at college, right?

When I raised my head, I found Maa standing in front of me, holding a bucket and glaring at me as if I'd just committed a crime. That's when it hit me.

Great. That was also a dream.

"Oh god, when will this dream actually come true?" I groaned.

"Naina, you are getting late for college!" Maa shouted, making me jump.

"W-What? College?" I mumbled, still half-asleep and rubbing my eyes.

Maa slapped her forehead dramatically. "Hey, Parameshwara, what should I do with this girl?"

I rolled my eyes. Classic Asian mom behaviour.

And then Maa dropped the biggest bomb of the morning.

"Today is your graduation day. Don't you remember?"

"WHAT?!" I shouted, my eyes going wide.

Maa stood there with her hands on her waist, raising one eyebrow like she was about to kill me.

Panicking, I grabbed my phone and checked the date. Monday. But how? Yesterday was Saturday! How did the weekend run away so fast? Why, god, why does the weekend always come like a tortoise but leave like a rabbit?

Without wasting another second, I jumped from the bed, hugged Maa tightly, wished her good morning, and dashed straight to the washroom.

While brushing my teeth, I could hear Maa complaining in the background to Papa about how spoiled I was. Well, excuse me, but which father doesn't spoil his daughter?

After getting ready in record time, I ran into the hallway, technically, it's just a room, but I like calling it a hall to make myself feel fancy. Don't ask me why, even I don't know.

"Maaa, breakfast!!"

---

Ma came with breakfast within a minute. After giving me breakfast, Maa again went back to the kitchen. I was eating my breakfast when my mom taunted me about waking up early and making myself breakfast. What will I do when she goes somewhere?

After finishing my breakfast, I took my bag and went out of the house. But not before reminding Maa Papa to come to college on time, I hugged my papa and kissed my maa.