Ranjish | 𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒓𝒂𝒋

II. same coin, two sides

teri yaadein
woh saari baatein
tu hi bataa, kaise bhulau?

•

vanraj :

I stood, watching her stride away.
This woman was different.
Unlike any other I had come across.
She had the confidence that most modern, independent women had.
Yet, she adorned a saree, ever so gracefully.
She had the look and beauty of a demure woman.
Yet she was fierce.
Her dark brown eyes, the straight long hair down to her waist. Eyes fixed on her opponent, unwavering powerful gaze.
Although I hated to accept it, she was a force to reckon with.

I stood, wordlessly.
The woman had just insulted me and walked off like a boss, and yet I did not feel the usual raw anguish.
I knew, she was a worthy opponent.
I could not belittle her even if I wanted to.

I drew in a deep breath.

"Aapse kahan tha na sir. Ma'am is very strict.", The receptionist said softly.
I couldn't stand here and do nothing.
Although my daughter was an absolute brat, as a father, I should atleast try to save her future.
I said nothing as I walked down the same path that she had walked.

I had to stop the rustication, for now.
After the latest spat, it wouldn't be easy, but I did not have much of an option.

I walked down to the lecture hall she had just entered.
She was standing at the podium for the lecture.

"Let us start—"

"We need to seriously talk!", I said as I walked in.
She looked at me, irritably.
She shut her eyes, inhaled deeply, straightened up.
"Don't you think I am taking a lecture now?", She asked.
"Yes. I know. But.. I need to talk.", I said immediately.
"I will not cancel your daughter's rustication.", She stated coldly.

"Give her one more chance.", I said, trying very hard to sound soft, "This is her final year. If you rusticate her now, the last two years will be wasted."

"Your daughter has a 3% attendance, her marks are below average, she has no interest in studies whatsoever. Why do you think I would keep her here?", She stated in annoyance.

I drew in a deep breath.
Obviously, there was no reason.

"She'll come regularly from now on.", I said, mentally promising to forcefully send Pakhi to college from tomorrow itself.

She got off the podium.
I could see the frustration on her face.
She looked straight into my eyes.
"Aapko ek baat ek baar mein samajh nehi aati?", She asked irritably.
"Dekhiye.. agar kuch donation ki baat hai—"

"Mister Shah!", She shouted.

It suddenly felt like Deja vu.
Except that the "Mister" pronunciation was absolutely perfect here.
She shut her eyes, inhaling deeply.

"Aapki beti badtameez hai, kuch bhi seriously nehi leti, and she thinks everything going on here is a joke. Isiliye, we have decided to rusticate her. As a good parent, you should respect the decision.", She said calmly.

I gulped.
Now what was I supposed to debate about?
I agreed with her.

"Dr. Bhonsale-"
"Mr. Shah.", She said calmly, looking up, "I understand aap yahan apni beti ke future ko leke serious hai.. isiliye aaye hai. I did her background check, and I know, you are her only guardian. You have a business to handle, and it is difficult. I understand. But I am really sorry, for now at least."