RAINBOWS AT THE END OF A DARK NIGHT
Chapter 10
When Shreya came home for the first time, a few months later, the entire family had gathered to greet her. When Shreya touched her grandmother's feet for taking her blessings, the first thing that Ishwari said is "How thin you have become beta. Asha ji please tell her something. They don't give you proper food or what. There is no need to study at the cost of your health beta. Dev, I am telling you and Sona again - think about sending her back to that dreaded hostel where these girls are not fed food properly also". Everyone smiled around. Dev hugged his Maa sideways and said "Don't worry Maa she will be fine!" Ishwari said "Don't listen to them beta. Come and eat first. I and your Asha Didi Ma have made all your favourite food today." The air was filled with happiness and laughter. Truly it seemed as if Shreya was the real soul of Dixit House and had brought all the fun and laughter back with her.
The next three years went by quickly and before they realized, Shreya was already in the final year of her engineering course. When she came home just before starting her final year, Dev asked her "So beta which are the companies that you are planning to apply to in the campus interviews?" Shreya looked down and said "Papa there is something I want to discuss with you" and she hesitated as her voice trailed. Dev was surprised because he had never seen his daughter unsure and nervous. Gently he said "Tell me beta!" "Papa I don't want to work now so soon. I want to study further. I want to do my Masters in computer sciences from USA." Dev was actually happy "That's wonderful beta. I am so happy that you are sure what you want". Sona walked in to hear the last bit and said "But Shreya why don't you work for some years and then study further?" Dev said "No let her do what she wants to - there is no pressure on her to start earning a living. I want Shreya to do what she wants. If she wants to study further let her do that!". Sona smiled and hugged father and daughter.
Another three years later Dev, Sona and Aarav went to USA to attend Shreya's convocation at Harvard, Shreya had finished at the top of her class and during her stint at Harvard had managed to get a few research papers published as well. As they were getting ready for the ceremony, Dev adjusted his tie in the mirror and he turned around and said "I am so proud of Shreya. Has she told you where she is joining?". Sona replied "I have told you before also. She has not told me - she told me it's a surprise". A little later, Dev and Sona were seated in the third or fourth row in the auditorium, an honor they got because they were parents of a class topper.
When Shreya's turn came to receive her degree, Dev, Sona and Aarav clapped the hardest. Then Shreya was given the mike and asked to say a few words. She said "Hi everyone. I just want to say that I owe my success in academics and life to my parents especially my father, who has stood by me always. He understood and nurtured by dreams and ambitions. He gave me the wings to fly. He also taught me a very important lesson in life - that you need not always be related by blood. I know this would make my mother jealous, but I would like to dedicate this degree to my beloved father Mr. Dev Dixit. Papa can you please come here on stage?" Sona's eyes were filled with tears and she told him "Please go quickly - she is waiting for you". Dev went onto the stage and hugged his daughter and said "It feels proud to be the father of the best daughter in the world!"
When the ceremony was over, Dev took his family out for lunch. Over lunch, Dev asked Shreya "I am dying of curiosity - which company or university have you selected for work?" Shreya looked at his excited face and said "Papa I did not appear for the campus placements at all. Because my mind was made up already". "What ... isn't that a foolish thing beta. You have topped your class and u have always been so brilliant academically" Dev said. Shreya continued "Papa I didn't appear in the campus interviews because I want to work with you in your company. I want to be close to you and work under you so that I can run the business one day. That is what I have wanted to do all my life." Dev was stunned and he got all emotional and said "Of course beta ... all this is yours only. Welcome aboard". The person who was happiest was Aarav and he said "Thank goodness Di. If I had to run the business we would have become bankrupt in a day!!. I can now concentrate on my work with Asha Deep peacefully. Let me tell you about some of the new initiatives we have started in the slums of Greater Noida".
At night, Sona was standing near the window watching the twinkling lights outside, when Dev came and stood behind her and gently moved her hair and placed a kiss on her shoulder. Sona said "We have come so far isn't it Dev? We have done well with the children I think. I need to thank you for that" Dev said "Please don't thank me. Yes I also think that we have come far Sona only because we were together. I think we have been successful in raising a happy and contended family". Saying that he pulled her into a tight hug.
<<End of Chapter 10>>
Veer Hanuman
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
