A Young Love Story...

Part 10 - Future...

Ananya wanted to study, for her exams, that were just 1 month away. All the celebrations at college were distracting. Plus, the events of her life recently, were not allowing her to concentrate on anything else. 

Suddenly she also thought, her college had announced April 10th as the last working day. Also, just one month more, after that the exams will begin, and then she would have a completely different life. She did not know how she will manage to meet her friends, and more specifically, Rishi or Vishesh. Also,  She was wondering what will happen after that. She did want to study further. She wanted to work as well. She was confused. In short, she said to herself, she was in a mess...She cursed herself for being so indecisive in every matter!

She did manage to study over the weekend. Rishi had not called that evening, and she had warned him against calling on Sunday, so she was a little disappointed.

Rishi had been busy that day. He used to assist his father, in his business. His father had a small business of grains and groceries, and he was ageing. Rishi, being his only son, was responsible, and had started helping him right from his teenage years. Now, he had become better at handling the business, and that evening he got held up as he was singlehandedly taking care of the store. He realized it later in the day, but decided not to call that late. He had to wait till Monday to speak with Ananya. 

On Monday, Ananya walked in to the class, as usual. She sat with her girlfriends. She attended the lectures as usual. She hadn't paid attention to Rishi or Vishesh. In break hour, she looked around. She found Vishesh, and smiled and said a "hi". He also responded with a smile. Nothing more. She wondered where Rishi was, and also remembered he had not been in class, even last week. He only came to give her the roses, that day. And on Saturday, he came in break, for the coffee date. She wanted to ask him why he was missing the classes. 

Rishi came into the class, for the last lecture. He waved at Ananya. She gave a broad smile. Vishesh was observing both of them, and felt uncomfortable looking at Anu's changed behavior and body-language. But he accepted it at face value. 

After classes, Vishesh waited back thinking Anu might come and talk to him. She did not. Instead, she walked up to Rishi and said..."Hey...where have you been? Why are you so irregular for classes? And why didn't you call me?" 

Vishesh did not hear their conversation, but he simply walked out of the class. Ananya saw him leave, and felt a little sad for him. It must be tough for him to see her with Rishi... But she herself felt helpless. She just shrugged, and looked at Rishi for answers.

"That day, I got held up with work at the store. Sorry! And classes...well, I actually used to go to the store only on weekends or sometimes in evening. But from last few days, I am going in morning too, because my dad is unwell. He is advised bed rest and I need to help him by taking care of the workload. Classes that I miss, aren't of much value to me. Because, anyways I am taking up dad's business. So lesser marks won't matter much. My responsibility lies with my father right now..." he said.

"Ohh... what happened to your father?" she asked out of concern.

"We don't know Ananya.. He hasn't been able to eat much. Even if he eats, he ends up throwing up, and gets weak after that. So we have been advised some tests. We are awaiting the reports. They have asked me to go to the hospital with the reports. So, I would know by Thursday."

"Ohh.. so till then, you will attend only some lectures, is it?" she asked.

"Yes... may or may not attend at all.. I don't know." he said clearly.

"Hmmm... so you have made up your mind to help your father... nice... I think I will study further! Or take up a job may be! Don't know!" she spoke lightly. 

"May be I am a little old-fashioned, but I feel, first you should learn some household stuff. Because most of the times, girls who start working or go on studying further, have no training on household matters. Then after marriage, it leads to everyday issues and also an insult to her parents. Just a suggestion, don't mind." 

Ananya did not like that suggestion, but she said nothing. 

It was getting late for her to go home, so they parted with a bye. Rishi also had to go to his store, so he left immediately too. 

Ananya walked out of the campus, called an auto and left. Vishesh was standing on the opposite side, and watching. He felt a tiny surge of relief when he saw his Anu leaving separately. He was hoping desperately that she does not go on any other date today with Rishi. He was jealous of him, though he tried to make peace with the fact that Anu liked Rishi!

Rishi got busy at the store, and Ananya got home and studied a bit. She did wait for his call, but he did not call. She tried to reason on his behalf, that he is busy. She liked that he was so responsible and focused. She spoke to her mom, that evening, about her future plans. 

"Ma... my college will get over in few days.. And exams in another month.. What should I do after that? I don't know if I should study or work?" she asked her opinion. 

"Beta... I am old-fashioned. Don't ask me... Ask your father...or your friends. As a mother, I wish the best for you, but also want that you become a responsible person. So that if and when you get married, you will not have any issues, and you will make us proud." She said the same things as Rishi! She got thinking. 

She was not convinced with Rishi or her mom. She wanted to speak with her friends, and her father. She decided to ask her father that night. 

Her father advised her to work, and gain experience. After a few years, she could take up further studies so that it will also help her grow professionally. She liked the idea. She also looked at her mother for approval. Her mother shrugged, as if to say, "I don't know". Ananya walked to her and reassured her she would learn household stuff too, simultaneously. Her mother smiled, with satisfaction.