Mom's Words...

Little Reshma was an 8 year old girl, who loved reading. She shared a special bond with books, just like her mom. Her mom was an author, but just for her. She would make up stories a narrate them to Reshma when it was bedtime, and Reshma would cuddle close to mom while listening, eventually falling asleep in her arms. Reshma had a sharp memory, and was always the topper in her class. Her dad only cared for her grades, and never bothered to talk about anything else. However, Reshma did not mind, because she had her mother and her books... As the years flew by, Reshma discovered her skill of writing. She took great pleasure in writing stories and dreamed of becoming an author. Her father was against this of course. He would always tell her to study hard and become a doctor. She would then come crying to her mother and her mother would console her, giving her courage to face her father. She wrote whatever came to her mind and her stories were always published in the school magazine. Because of reading numerous books, she had become wise beyond her years. Unfortunately, when Reshma was just 13 years old her mother passed away from cancer, giving words of advice to her beloved daughter.

  It was Thursday, and the last day of Reshma's mother. The doctor already knew that and so did dad and Reshma. She stood beside her mother, fresh tears forming in her eyes. "R..Reshma....Pl...Please don't cry, I.....will always be there with you," her mother fought to speak. "I...know that you...you want to be a writer... but... d..dad's not okay with this. Don't let t..that get in your way, remember.... you have what it takes," and with that being said, her mother closed her eyes. Tears streamed down Reshma's cheeks. She knew that now she had to fight alone. But she was ready. 

Dad got a bit closer to Reshma after mom's demise. Still, Reshma missed a mother's love. Her dad was almost always working. One day, Reshma told her dad, "Dad, I know it's kind of sudden, but, I wanted to tell you that when I grow up, I want to become a writer." He did not react very well to this, as expected. "No! You can't! Writing isn't a steady job! And even after my telling you a million times you want to do that, then just, LEAVE!" he scolded. "Fine. I'm leaving. And I won't return until I am a well known author!" she yelled. Reshma packed her bags and left, slamming the door behind her. She lived with her grandma and took up a part time job for her college fees. She did everything she could, but never gave up. 

Reshma is a celebrated writer now. And even then she feels small sometimes. But, then she looks back and remembers the words a wise woman once told her, 'You have what it takes....."