"Congratulations Nandini beta, you have made all of us proud" Nandini was greeted by her father's collegue as soon as she entered the living room to call her father.She quickly mumbled a thank you as she moved towards Alok. But was stopped by some never seen before aquiantance of her father.
So, Nandini which college are you joining? "asked the unknown uncle.
" I'll get to know about that after counselling only uncle." Replied Nandini controlling her irritation with great difficulty.
Before any other million dollar question could be thrown at her way she quickly exused her father.
"Papa, I want to talk to you something very important. " said Nandini somewhat nervously.
Alok nodded his head gesturing her to go inside. He excused himself from the guests and moved inside wondering what does Nandini want to talk about.
"Nandini, what happened beta? What is it?"Alok asked entering her room.
"Papa, ummm actually I..." she couldn't complete her sentence due to fear and nervousness clearly reflecting from her face.Now Alok was worried.His kids had always been frank to him, not thinking twice to ask him for anything, or so he thought. He realised the matter is damn serious.
Nandini, tell me beta, whatever it is.There is no need to be nervous about anything. "Alok encouraged his daughter to speak her mind.
Here Nandini was secretly asking for the strength from God.She has to say it.Now or Never.
"Papa, I don't want to study Medicine, I want to be a singer.I wish to learn music. "Nandini said everything in a single breath.An eerie silence fell in the room.Nandini could hear her heartbeats abnormally high as if she has run kilometres. Adrenaline rushed through her entire body preparing her for the emergency situation at hand.
Alok was pondering over her words. He didn't know what had gotten into Nandini. She had studied day and night to attain her position in top 50 among lakhs of medical aspirants and now she says she want to learn music. Maybe the past month , she has been busy with her hobby away from books has misled her from her goal.
Nandini loved music since very little age.She was gifted with a very sweet voice. Alok started sending her to evening music classes when she expressed her wish for the same at 10.She was always sharp at her academics as well.Alok had always perceived her to make it big through her academic talent. He never thought her going towards art as a career.Various awards won by her for intra school, inter school and many other music competitions were not celebrated or talked about. They were often replaced by certificates and shields for securing top ranks or quizzes. Music was just her hobby for her family members.
"Beta, you are meant to be a doctor. Your result and the hard work you have done to achieve it shows it all." Alok said very softly that almost melt Nandini.
"But papa I sing well also.I worked hard to learn music as well." Said Nandini gaining more courage from where, she didn't know.
Nandini you know there is no safe and certain future in the field of music, even after a lot of struggle. You are going to medical field, beta.This is such a noble, respecut full and absolutely safe job.You are an intelligent student. You will make a good doctor."Alok said strictly now leaving no scope for Nandini to try and convince him.
"Alok is right Nandini, medicine is the best for you.You trust us na , beta we only want the best for you. And who asked you to stop singing.You can sing whenever you feel like.But music lessons won't be possible as you are aware of the vast syllabus of your course.You'very learnt enough music and sing so well." Said her mother Sunaina who had been listening to their conversation for long and finally decided to join them.She was aware of her daughter' s inclination towards music but her daughter is an intellectual asset.She would do amazing in that field, she believes.
Nandini just couldn't say anything more .She is unable to fight her parents.She loved them so much and could never be a reason to upset them.
"Okay.Mamma, Papa I know you want the best for me.It's just I was a little uncertain but don't worry I am fine now." Said Nandini smiling and hiding the pang she felt at her heart.
Oh, that's like my Nandini.Don't worry, you will handle all those blood and dead bodies , you are getting scared of, right? You are a strong girl." said Alok trying to ease Nandini out of her apperent fear.They had discussed this issue many times but only as some light topic .
Nandini could only nod sighing at her father's interpretation of her hesitation to study Medicine.
Alok and Sunaina left soon after that to attend some guests.Nandini couldn't stop her tears now.She was sobbing quietly not wanting anyone to know. But Rishabh, her baby brother saw her crying and knew what she was crying for.He was the only one who was aware of her passion for music.He couldn't see his sister like this He wanted to do something for her and decided that he won't let her dream die .
He walked to her and hugged her. She had not to hide her tears from Rishabh.
" Di don't give up your dream." Nandini heard him saying and looked up wiping her tears.
"How do I save it, Rishabh. I have already lost it." Replied Nandini with a defeated look.
"No you haven't.Come with me."said Rishabh making her stand and took her to her bed.
Nandini looked at him confusingly when he opened online application for admission in the space academy for music, India's leading institute for music education. Nandini didn't know what was going in her little brother's big fat head.She saw him filling part time course option in her already filled application forms.
Everything happened so fast that she couldn't eve react. It was after some seconds that she spoke rather yelled.
" What the hell , Rishabh .Are you crazy? "
Shssh Di, don't shout. Just listen to me carefully. You can join SMC medical college , Mumbai which apart from being a top rank medical college is very close to space. You can easily pursue a part time course at space along with MBBS and with your rank you can easily get an admission in SMC. "
"How will I balance studies and music classes simultaneously and how can I keep such a big thing from mamma, Papa Rishabh. I don't think it would work. "Said Nandini unable to keep despair away from her voice.
I will work di only if you want to make it work.You are intelligent enough to balance the two.Just think about your dream. You have a chance to fulfill it." Said Rishabh hoping it will convince Nandini and it did.
" Rishabh, I will do it no matter what .I won't give up my dream, my music.Thank you much for doing this. I love you so much" said Nandini getting emotional.
"Okay, great.I haven't pressed enter yet. You do it."
Nandini pressed enter putting her first step towards her dream.
Hotel Taj
Mumbai
The party of Malhotras, graced by numerous popular faces from business world, politics, bollywood, is going on in full swing. Nayanika and Anmol Malhotra are busy attending various guests.
Manik is standing near the bar counter holding a glass of wine waiting to get a chance to talk to his parents but seems like today is not the day.Soon he was attacked, no joined by a beautiful, hot girl.
"Hey Manik, how are you? Congo, for making it to the Xavier's ." Saying so she crushed Manik into a hug knocking him out of breath.
" Thank you Sara, I am perfectly fine. How have you been? "Replied Manik de tangling himself from Sara's death grip. Sara had been his classmate for past few years and of course she was the daughter of one of his father's business friends. She always had this tendency to jump on Manik at every given opportunity. She wanted to date him like many other girls of her circle but Manik was not into this dating thing.
"I am more than fine to see you Manik." She had just started when some other friends joined Manik. They were greeting him and planning a separate party for just youngsters. Manik very tactfully dodged the plan owing to his busy schedule.
The party ended late in night leaving no opportunity for Manik to confront his parents.He went to bed hoping to be able to talk to them the next day.
Manik was already sitting in the dining hall when his parents came for breakfast. Usually Manik was the last to join them. He greeted them as they took their seats.
"Mom, dad I want to talk to you." Manik started conversation.
"Yes Manik, what is it." Asked Anmol but got interupted by the ringing of his phone.He exused himself .Nayanika was also checking her schedule for the day.Here Manik was desperately praying to not miss the chance.He wouldn't get any if he missed it till next morning. So as soon as Anmol ended his phone call he dropped the bomb.
"I don't want to join business school. I want to pursue music" said Manik all at once. There was a silence in the room for few seconds which seemed eons to Manik. He rubbed his sweaty palms even in the air conditioned room.
"What the hell are you talking about Manik ? Are you out of your mind?You are Manik Malhotra, heir of MGC .How can you even think of another thing." Anmol said angrily.
"Exactly Manik, you know very well that you are meant for MGC.Get this rubbish out of your head and start preparing for your college ." Nayanika said agreeing with her husband.They have been working so hard for this company and she won't let Manik ruin their years of hard work. They loved Manik dearly and wanted the best for him. And the best future for him was only and only MGC.
" But mom, I .." before Manik could complete his sentence he was stopped by Anmol
"Enough Manik, we won't let you take any foolish decision .You are joining business school and that's it.Soon you will get busy with the studies and forget this stupid thing."giving his final decision Anmol left for office without touching his breakfast.
"Your dad is right Manik. Stop thinking about music and get ready for college , the best college." Nayanika said softly and she too left for office leaving behind a dejected Manik.
How can I stop thinking about music .It's my life. Sorry mom , dad I won't forget it."Manik went to his room and submitted the online application form for part time music classes at space academy.
Manik and Nandini can't be stopped to reach their dream and make it come true.
Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.
Leon J.Suenes
Here is the chapter 2. I hope you guyz like it.Do let me know your thoughts.
Book Talk
Shiv Shakti
