Pride vs Prejudice

Chapter 16

"Stop going on and on about this!"

"I wouldn't have to if you did what you were supposed to!"

"I am doing what I should be doing. I cannot go on and on about it, justifying my actions to you everyday"

"You wouldn't have to justify it if it was right!"

"And what would be right? Only what you think is correct, right?"

Ria stood in the passage leading to the study. She was trying to figure out if she should step in. There were some matters that were private – personal between a husband and wife and no one had the right to interfere, not even a caring sister. But this had been going on for a few nights now!

She sighed. She knew what was coming up.

"You have changed!"

"I haven't changed. It is just that I cannot fulfill all your whims and fancies now. I have to work as well"

"You think this is my whim?"

"Shikha!"

The door banged and Ria saw Shikha walk past her in a huff, unaware of who or what was around her.

"Enough Lav!"

"Mom! Please stop badgering me"

"I wouldn't need to if you didn't make me"

"I am not making anyone do anything. Can you people not let me work?"

"Work is all you can see right now"

"Because this is my responsibility"

"And your wife?"

"She should be understanding on this. Like you were when Papa was making something for himself and for us"

"He didn't drive himself mad with silly rivalry so much so that he forgot eating or sleeping"

"I would eat well and sleep better if you let me finish my work and not do this drama every night!"

Ria stepped out of her room. She couldn't see them like this anymore.

As she walked towards the study, she saw her father standing quietly outside. He saw her and motioned her to follow him. They went to the small terrace garden on the top floor of their mansion.

"Papa" Ria said softly "We have to do something. I am worried"

Sharad sighed and patted her cheek "Parent and child's relationship is very delicate," he said with a serious look in his eyes. "Till the children grow up, you are their protector; you stand between them and world," he said looking in her eyes, willing her to understand it. "But then they grow up; you have to change and become their support instead. You have to let them face the world, become strong; all the while you are ready, standing behind them, to catch them if they fall"

"Papa" Ria said softly, seeing her usually fun father don a very somber look

"There comes a time when you have to see them free and let them fly. And that means letting them make mistakes as well," he said, not letting Ria interrupt him.

"What if instead of falling, the child is destroying themselves?" Ria asked softly

"Then you help them pick up the pieces and rebuild themselves," Sharad said

"Can you see Bhai breakdown?" Ria asked "Mom is already on tenterhooks. I am not sure if Bhai's marriage can take the strain either."

"A child never breakdowns alone. His parents' breakdown along with him," Sharad said