Richa

“Can you please suggest some skin-lightening creams for my daughter?”, said Richa’s mother to the owner of the shop. The shop owner suggested some cosmetics and was very happy with the profit he made. 

  Richa was the only daughter of Mr.& Mrs. Shah and probably the biggest problem of their life. A problem because of her not-so-attractive facial features. Richa was 19 and her only interest was playing football. She was sincere in her studies and often topped in her class. Her friends called her by many names, one of them was ‘Kali’. 

She never cared because her only goal was to be the best football player. Her parents never supported her and that was quite difficult for her to progress in life.

“Who will marry this girl? Neither she knows to cook nor she has the looks”, said her mother.

To this, her father replied, “ My friend’s son will be coming tomorrow to see Richa. He is very rich so please ensure that Richa looks tolerable in front of them.”

“You should have said that to me before. Oh Lord, I have to make so many preparations”, said his wife. 

  Richa, however, overheard this conversation. She was neither sad nor happy because she knows how her parents feel regarding her. She went to her room and sat down. She received an email that said that she was selected for an InterCity Football League. She always wanted to participate in such matches and nothing can stop her now. 

 She went to her mother who was busy making home face packs for her daughter. 

‘Mom, I really need to talk to you regarding something important.’ 

‘Oh, Come On! What is more important to you than your marriage?’

She wanted to speak but was silenced by her mother. So she ran to her father hoping that he who loves football will not neglect her. Before even listening to her, Mr. Shah said, “My dear, this friend of mine is very rich. Trust me your Life will change forever.”

Richa now adamantly and with anger in her eyes said, “My Life will change surely.”

  She went up to her room, closed the door, and sat on her bed. She was nervous. She had to reply to the mail within 1 hour. What will she do now? Who will listen to her? What about her dreams?

 The next morning Mr. Shah’s friend’s family came to see Richa. Her father was excited and boasted of her daughter in front of them.

“Listen, Listen Richa is not opening her door. I am very worried,” said Mrs. Shah.

“What are you saying?”, replied Mr. Shah.

“Yes I have been saying this to you for the last two hours but you didn’t pay heed to me saying that she might be sleeping,” said her mother crying.

Her father went numb as he thought the worst. While he was embarrassed in front of his friend’s family, the neighbors shouted, “Congratulations, Mr. Shah your daughter’s team won the match.” 

Mr. and Mrs. Shah was shocked and puzzled as to what they said. Her father immediately opened the news channel and saw the trophy in her daughter’s hand.

Tears rolled down the cheeks. They were proud of their daughter for the first time. 

“This is for you Mom and Dad,” said Richa.