On returning home I had both my parents walking a hole into the carpet with worry. Now there is something you should know about my parents - my dad Mr. Rajiv Kapur, a graduate in engineering, head manager at High Tech Gadgets, and my mom Mrs. Nandini Kapur was the whole and soul of our house. A graduate in English honours, mom believed education was very essential in life but taking care of the house was an art which she loved. Even though she could have done anything she wanted to, she chose to be a home maker. As parents though they are cool, open minded, modern and embraced the times they live in. But they have some rules which were to be followed to the ‘T’ and the top most was punctuality. In case of delays a call was the norm. Well, before I could even enter the house my dad who normally never said anything because his silence alone could scare us, shouted -
“Ms. Mira Kapur” (shit shit shit)… “you have been given a phone for a reason. If you won’t make good use of the technology, then why keep it? You know your mom and 27
I have drilled it into you and your sister to call us if there are delays or any emergency. First your phone does not connect then when we manage to get through you do not answer.
It is very irresponsible of you and something I just do not appreciate. We have imagined a million horrifying scenarios in the past hour and a half.”
“I am soooo sorry dad, mom please forgive me. The last class got extended because of the upcoming exams and by the time I reached the station I was running late along with the train. And to top it all we had a very daunting experience at the station.”
“What happened? Are you okay?”
Now, how could I tell them that my mind had turned to mush the moment Rahul held me and I totally lost track of time. I could not explain to them something I did not understand myself. So, I tried deciphering to them all the events that had happened at the station keeping it as subtle as possible.
I told them how the goons harassed us, how the cops helped.
I also mentioned Rahul’s vigilance, quick thinking and how he stopped the situation from deteriorating. Even though I tried keeping the whole thing as low key as possible (knowing how parents make a mountain out of a molehill) I know I couldn’t avoid a certain excitement in my voice at the mention of Rahul.
“So, with all that craziness when I finally caught the train I was a little overwhelmed and it totally slipped my mind to call. I really did not mean to stress you both.”