And It Continues…

“You are not attending the basketball extra class anytime soon.”, stated Devi firmly.

“This is not done, Mum. You know I have a good height and I am interested in playing but you have just vowed not to let my wishes get fulfilled.”, 14 years old Nandini went out of the room in anger.

“You think I am your enemy but I won't let you stay in the school for extra 2 hours after the regular classes.”, added Devi.

“You always put a lot of restrictions on me. You didn’t allow me to the music class, you don’t let me go out with my friends even when I promise to return home early. Someday I would just run away from this home and stay happy.” Shouted Nandini shutting her room door.

“Don’t show me your adolescent fits of anger.”, saying this Devi went to the kitchen with heavy steps.

Both of them didn’t talk a word until in the evening Ramesh (Nandini’s father) came back from the office.

Ramesh saw Devi sitting on the sofa and sobbing. On seeing Ramesh, she wiped her tears and put on a fake smile. “I have just seen you crying, so don’t hide it from me.”, exclaimed Ramesh. “Where is Nandini”, asked him while hugging Devi.

Devi narrated the whole incident to Ramesh. Ramesh said, “You bring the food I am getting Nandini out of the room.” He knocked on the door and lovingly called her name. Nandini opened the door. Both of them had a heartfelt conversation. Ramesh promised to make Devi understand to let her play. All of them had dinner with a pin-drop silence.

That night, Ramesh asked, “Devi, I feel you have become overprotective of Nandini. You were unwilling to Nandini’s admission even when she was 8 years old and then you don’t allow her to even step out of her home alone. This way she would just become ignorant of the world.”

Devi couldn’t control her tears. She spoke, “I want to get myself out of this trauma. My love often becomes a cage for my daughter, but I can’t help it.” “I used to stay all alone at home without anyone to care for me. My father physically abused my mother. It was very disturbing for me as a child. My mother one night, left me with my drunkard father and was never found. My father would beat me without any reason to vent his frustration. It was my neighborhood aunt who would feed and care for me. I had decided to give my daughter all the love which I always longed for. I always wanted my father to care for me just like you do for Nandini”, she spoke her heart out.

Just as she completed her tale, she looked beside to realize that Ramesh had already fallen asleep. She wiped her tears and decided, “I would be a good mother to my daughter and won't let anyone question my parenting.” Yet again the trauma continued unheard.