'NIHARIKA SINHA! Come down this instant!'
Uh oh. I guess Dad finally came across that stupid letter. I sighed, thinking this is going to be difficult. I ran downstairs and as expected, Dad had that internship letter in his hand and had the hardest expression on his face. The fact that Dad used my full name increased my anxiety. God bless my soul.
'Y-Yes Dad?' I stuttered nervously, biting my lower lip.
'Why didnt you tell me, Baby? Do you have any idea what a wonderful opportunity this is?'
'But Dad...'
'An internship at Lakhme just after your bachelors? And you rejected it? When were you planning to iinform us?' His voice raised at the last part. I mentally cringed, not at all liking this conversation a bit.
'Dad, I know it's an amazing job and I am lucky to receive it. But it requires me to stay in Goa and I don't want to,' I replied quietly.
Understanding flashed across his face and he sighed.
'Baby, it's been two years. How long are you gonna run from your past? It's high time you move on Baby. Please. It hurts your mom and me to see you like this.'
I, of course, knew this and hated myself for doing this to them. But I can't help it. Two years weren't enough to get over the scars Goa had given me. But I guess I can do this for Dad's sake, knowing how much my career matters to him.
'Do you really want me to accept it, Dad?'
'Positive. This is gonna be a really experience for your career and your MBA.'
'Okay, then. If this is what makes you happy, then I'll take up this job,' I told him with a smile.
'I am so proud of you, Baby. You know I want what's best for you, right?'
'Yes, Dad.' And I hugged him, feeling happy that he was happy.
'Okay now go and pack your bags. I'll call your Kamini bua and let her know you're going to stay there for three months.'
I suddenly remembered of Sonam and her fascination of Goa. This is my chance of taking her with me to her favorite place.
'Umm Dad...is it okay if Sonam can tag along too? She really wants to visit Goa but never got the chance and I could really use a friend there,' I told him with my biggest puppy eyes, knowing he wasn't too fond of my best friend.
'Fine. But listen Baby, I want you to stay careful okay? Listen to your bua. And no dance, you hear me?'
'Yes, Dad. I know.'
'Good. I am gonna miss you so much. Now go and start packing. I am booking a ticket for tomorrow itself so hurry up.'
I went back to my room and called Sonam.
'Hey girl, how's it going?'
'Sonam, I am taking up that Lakhme internship and we are leaving for Goa tomorrow, so pack your bags,' I informed without any preamble whatsoever.
'Woah! Slow down Baby! Goa? How? When?'
'Look, Dad wants me to go and you know, I can't deny him after all he's done for me. So I said yes and asked him for you to accompany me. And he gave us permission!' I told her happily.
'Wow. He must really want you to take up this job for allowing me to go with you. Anyway, yayyy! We are actually, like really, going to Goa. I can't believe it! And maybe we will meet Mikhail too!'
'Hey! I said nothing about Mikhail. And just so you remember, I am not going on a vacation.'
'Baby, I know you better than you do so please, you don't need to mention Mikhail for me to understand that your excitement for Goa is purely based on your love, Mikhail.' I could almost see her smirking.
'Sonam! He's NOT my love. I just love his dance, okay?'
'Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that, baby. Anyway wouldn't it be great for you to finally meet your idol?'
'Yeah...' I trailed off, thinking of all of Mikhail's dance moves I had seen on internet.
'--so meet you at the airport?'
I snapped back to reality. 'Uh...yeah. Yeah. Good night then. See ya tomorrow.'
'Laters, Baby.' With that , she hung up.
I started packing and got ready to call it a night. While sleeping that night, all I could think was I am returning to my hometown, to my past, and dare I say, to Mikhail, my idol, my dance guru. And as much as it excited me, it scared me too.
Ganesh Kartikeya
Shiv Shakti
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
