The Colourful Wings!!!

Neha was sitting outside office room waiting for her turn to meet principal. She was getting late to office, was bit irritated about early morning meeting with school principal. She thought to her herself "What could be the reason?? Did Maya fail in any test??Is it a general meeting??". She had a word with Maya previous day, but she did not reveal anything to her. In fact Maya did not even bother to answer her on why they called parents meeting all of a sudden.

Meanwhile Mrs. Nair, Maya class teacher saw Neha and greeted her. Neha said " Mrs. Nair I am getting late to office, i have some assignments to be completed could you please brief me what this meeting is for??i have no clue why they called me".

Mrs. Nair smiled at her and said "We wanted to discuss few things related to Maya, please have patience. Principal will meet your shortly”. She went inside office room.

Neha was lost in thoughts what is it with Maya??What did she do?? Did she score less marks or fail in exams...oh gosh I spent so much on her tuitions. Rajiv will get upset if he get to know she scored less. How many times I told her not to waste time on those useless Music and basketball. She doesn't listen to my advises. I need to be more strict with her.

Her thoughts were broken when office boy called her in to meet Principal Mr.Rama Krishna. Neha went in greeted principal and smiled at Mrs. Nair. Rama Krishna asked Neha to be seated and pointed to chair opposite to him. Neha was bit worried and asked Rama Krishna "May I know for what reason you called me? Any problem with Maya??. Principal and Mrs. Nair exchanged looks for a second. Mrs Nair broke the silence, Mrs. Neha Mathur did you observe any change in Maya's behaviour these days? Do you think Maya is in disturbed state??

Neha replied, Nope she is normal. She is absolutely fine.

Mrs. Nair again questioned her, What is Maya's routine, can You please explain.

Neha said "Maya wakes up at 6am get ready to school and get into school bus around 7.40am then she comes back from school by 4.30pm, after that she would change get ready and go to tuitions from 5pm to 7pm, after that online coaching for Entrance exams from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, later homework and Vedic maths practice till 10.30pm and then she is off to bed. But why.. Why are you asking all this??what's wrong?

Principal Rama Krishna interrupted “Mrs. Mathur do you spend time with your daughter??”.

Neha said, Yes off course, Once in fortnight we go out for dinner or shopping. In fact me and my husband are very much affectionate towards Maya. We wanted to give her the best in everything.

Mrs. Nair shook her head and with a sarcastic smile, You wanted to give her the best in what Mrs. Mathur. You say you are affectionate towards her, in what sense?? You don't even know your child is suffering. She is in pain. she is in trauma.

Neha felt a sudden shock ran through her body. In a commanding voice Neha shouted "What are you saying Mrs. Nair. Could you please explain. What’s going on here??

Mrs. Nair Gave her a glass of water that was on a table" cool down Mrs. Mathur please cool down. Let me tell you the observations that I made in Maya.

Maya was very active, social and smart child as I know her. From past 3 months I can see lots of changes in Maya. She never pays attention in class, not interested in any activities, not willing to mingle with anyone. She want to be alone. Sometimes she cry for no reason. Sometimes she feel miserable. Once i asked her to solve an equation on board. She did nothing except staring at blackboard for 20mins then she threw the chalk and ran out of the classroom. She tries to avoid friends and teachers. She is not doing her homework properly. In one of the books she had written this and showed it Neha". It was written in big bold letters

"I have no wings to fly, So I must die". Neha's heartbeat skipped a beat as soon as she read those words.

Principal Rama Krishna gave a sympathetic look and told her "Mrs. Mathur Every kid is born with some talent, not all kids can become Engineers,doctors,lawyers...why do you stress your kid to be someone whom they don't want to be. Maya loves music, have you heard her singing. She can mesmerize you with her voice. She is good at playing basketball. He pointed to a big shield and said This was won by Maya and team at inter school competition. .Why do you want pressurize her to pursue something which she is not interested in.Please Mrs. Mathur for god sake try to understand your kid. She need your encouragement, support and love. sending her to best tutions,best coaching and best school does not make you a great parent. I suggest you to contact Dr.G.K.Verma, He is a good child psychiatrist. He will help you out. We don't want Maya to get in to more trouble, we care for her.

Neha was in tears, She never imagined that Maya was so stressed and she was the reason behind it.Mrs.Nair put her hand on Neha's shoulder and said "Kids need wings to fly, only parents can give them the best wings to fly. It's not too late Mrs. Mathur. Maya will surely come out with flying colours if guided well.

Neha Thanked both of them and came out of office room. She saw Maya standing outside looking dull and pale. Neha ran to her and hugged her. She said Sorry Maya...I am very Sorry. It’s my mistake....I promise you today, I will surely give you colour full wings to fly.

Later Maya was diagnosed for Generalized anxiety disorder, Soon she recovered and was back to school with full enthusiasm. Neha and Rajiv both supported Maya to pursue her dream in Music and Basketball. Maya showed improvement in her academics as well.