The girl who chased her dreams

Hot afternoon! Mercury at its peak.

Riya was finding it difficult to bear the scorching heat. She took out her sunglasses to avoid the severity. Glancing at her watch she murmured to herself "Still half an hour for the bus to come"! 

But she was too eager to get back to her home in the native village. Why not?! 

Since 5 years she had not seen her mother.

 She was wet with sweat within a few minutes. Seeing no option she laid down her suitcase and decided to wait for the bus under the bus shed.

Riya, a confident and independent girl had secured a lavish job, for which she and her mom had gone through a lot of pains and sufferings.

That day she kept on requesting her mom to hand over the documents, mark sheets and certificates to apply for the job but fall deaf in ears.

At night when she saw her mom sobbing in her bed, she hugged her tightly and asked "Why... why are you doing this to me mom? I want to complete my studies, fulfil my dreams and also want a good job so that neither you nor me have to live in this hell. I know you have hidden all my certificates. Please give back to me so I could submit before the last date.

 Rohini, her mom wiping her tears looked towards her daughter and said "no my girl, I am your well wisher. I too want to see you achieve success in life but...."

"But! But what mom? Please tell, I have always seen you suppressing your feelings, your opinions in this house since father left us abode. 

Don't sit like this, tell me! Speak something, break your silence today."

 After so much of insisting, her mother Rohini broked out. 

"I was a brilliant student in my school. I too wanted to pursue higher education and become a teacher. With my parent's consent, I applied for B.Ed and completed. I aspired to become a teacher but my parents fixed my wedding with your father and I also agreed to my parent's decision. Leaving all my dreams and career, I entered this house with new dreams and new hopes. 

Your grandparents were very conservative and orthodox. They never wanted me to work outside so unwillingly I dropped my plans and devoted my whole life to this family. Then you came and I completely forgot about my dreams and got involved in your upbringing. 

Your grandparents were not that much happy when you were born. Your uncle and aunt had two male children so you never got their love and affection, but still, your father always loved and supported both of us.

But life had some other plans for us.

 In an accident, your father couldn't survive and left us.

Life turned into a hell for us.

 Later, gathering my courage I asked for my documents that your grandparents had kept with themselves earlier, to work outside for the livelihood but your grandmother snatched my degrees and certificates and tore them apart.

 My all hopes were torn, I was completely shattered. Even your uncle and aunt opposed at my decision of working, as they two wanted me to stay at home and work as a maid for them. 

I was a mere domestic helper for them.

We both never received the love, support and respect we were entitled to.

 I was totally dependent on them - emotionally and financially.

Somehow, I managed to make you study far away in a hostel but for this also they had created a huge scene.

 I am sorry my dear, I don't want that all your hard work and dedication of so many years get spoil. I know they will do the same to you as they had done with me so just forget them."

"But how can you forget your hard work, sacrifice and dedication behind my upbringing and studies.

 For this day, you have fought with uncle and grandma?

For this day, you have educated me? These hidden certificates won't change our lives, take them out and give it to me. Let me chase my dreams, let me do something for you and me both." said Riya.

 But without responding Rohini went out of the room.

Next early morning, Rohini handed over all the documents to Ria and blessed her saying "go, my girl, chase your dreams, fly high with your wings. I couldn't change my life but today I won't let you live the same dreadful life. Go and live your life, the way you want."

While sitting on her suitcase suddenly the sequence of thoughts broke off hearing the loud honk of the bus horn. She hopped on the bus with utmost pride and joy to meet her mom who was equally excited to see her after a long separation.