It Ignited This Summer

Chapter 5

That night, I had my best friend Avantika over for dinner. We became friends back in 7th grade during recess. I remember sitting alone, eating my lunch while everyone else was playing outside. Avantika came in for her water bottle, noticed me, and began to chat. I was pretty shy at the time, and I remember responding to her questions in monologues. But her genuine curiosity made me feel valued, and the next day, she chose to sit with me again. It was then that I started to open up about the academic pressure I was facing.

During dinner, my mother brought up the idea of me getting a summer job. I felt a rush of excitement at the thought of getting outdoors and enjoying some sunshine.

Avantika, enthusiastic as always, quickly suggested, “She can work with me at the fun fair, Aunty! I’m sure they need extra help. I can vouch for her!”

My mother beamed with pride at the thought of me having my first job and eagerly shared the news with my maternal grandmother.

However, that conversation took a turn I wasn’t expecting.

My grandmother's reaction was swift and stern, questioning, “How will it look when our daughter goes out to work?”

Before my mother could respond, she added, “Isn’t it enough that she’s going to Yale? Why did she need to be cooped up in her room, studying for the SAT and getting a 1590? She could have spent that time learning how to cook and taking care of herself.”

Hearing those words stung. It felt disheartening to realize that all my hard work and dedication seemed to be overshadowed by expectations of being defined solely by marriage rather than personal achievements.

When my mother ended the call, I could see the guilt on her face, her eyes meeting mine as she realized I had overheard everything. It was a moment filled with unspoken understanding and empathy, knowing that our paths sometimes seemed to clash with the dreams we held dear.