Part 2
Lucky goes and locks their room, turns and looks at Sweety. He knows she is very happy but he cannot hide it anymore. He has to tell it. He knew something was wrong for a few days now.
Lucky: Sweetyji! I have something to tell you...hmm..show you.
Sweety: [casually] Haan ji!
Lucky: [sad] Read this report Sweetyji..
Sweety: [confused] What report? My report?
Lucky: [gives the report] Read it...
Sweety reads the report and is shocked. She looks at Lucky confused. She rather cannot understand how this is possible. Lucky is looking at her sadly.
Sweety: But Luckyji!
Lucky: Sweetyji! Don't worry. I have spoken to the doctor. He said there is nothing to worry about.
Sweety: But how?
Lucky: Doctor has given medicines which will stop the pain for few days...but...
Sweety: But...
Lucky: But...Surgery is the permanent solution. Doctor said the pain will increase day by day but if surgery is done, it can be cured permanently.
Sweety: [shocked] Surgery?
Lucky: [keeping calm] It's only a small surgery Sweetyji...Doctor said it is nothing critical.
Sweety: [confused and scared] But why didn't you tell me? When were these tests taken?
Lucky: 2 days back...
Sweety looks curiously at Lucky.
Lucky: I was having shooting pain in my abdomen for a week. I even told you... [smiles] You said it's because I ate outside food. [pauses] But the pain was growing...so I went to doctor and he asked me to take these tests. I met the doctor with the results today...and the report says it all.
Sweety: [still unable to believe, very worried] You could have called me...you hid from me?
Lucky: You were already having headache. I didn't want to stress you more and it's not a big deal Sweetyji.
Sweety: [angry] Not a big deal? I went through tests myself and I know how it feels. You went alone...how could you...
Lucky: I am sorry Sweetyji! But seriously...there is nothing to worry. Doctor said it will be a minor surgery only but it has to be done within a month to avoid complications. Till then he has given a pain killer.
Sweety: [looks at reports, tears welling] Luckyji! Tell me the truth...there is nothing serious right?
Lucky: [sits near her] I promise there is nothing serious.
Sweety: [annoyed] Please don't hide matters like this from me.
Lucky: I told you as soon as I knew it Sweetyji...I mean..I knew it myself only today.
Sweety: You are not scared?
Lucky: [laughs] Who won't be...[nervous] I hope everything goes on well...
Sweety: It will...[holds his hand and assures] I'll tell the kids tomorrow.
Lucky: No Sweetyji! Anyways there is time for the surgery...lets tell them later...Already they are stressed. Let Rocky's admission and Ginny's tests get over..we can tell them then...
Sweety: I think you are right...[pauses] From now on you will do as I say. Please take care of your health Luckyji. We are all dependent on you...and we all love you so much.
Lucky: [understands] I am sorry Sweetyji..I was careless before. I will do as you say from now on. Promise! [smiles]
Sweety: [serious] Where is the prescription? What are the medicines? When should you have it? Have you bought it? I will meet the doctor again. Who knows you spoke in detail or not?
Lucky smiles. His wife is there to take care of him.
Rocky is sitting in his room. He cannot believe he did not make the cut-off marks. He never planned for other options. He was so confident he will make it. He is not able to understand what he has to do now. He will not get the course he wants in the college. He does not want to study anything but the same course. All his friends will go to that college but he cannot? There are few other equally good colleges...but..he cannot make up his mind. He wants the same college and same course. He writes down the name of other colleges and the options for other courses. He realises he should have had second options. He cannot see himself fail.
Next morning, Lucky is reading newspaper. Ginny has left for school. Sweety brings soup for Lucky. Lucky knew it was better to drink without complaining, considering the situation he is in. Rocky comes from his room and sits with Lucky and Sweety. Sweety signals Lucky to start conversation.
Lucky: Oye Rocky! Have you decided?
Rocky: [still feeling low] Not yet Dad. I am still confused. I want to study only in this college and the same course. Now I cannot...[frustrated]
Lucky: Cheer up yar! I am sure you will find out the right way...
Rocky: I don't think so...
Sweety: Why? What happened? What have your friends planned...? Those who have not got the cut-off marks?
Rocky: [sighs] All my friends have decided. One has opted for another college...another have opted for a different course...they are waiting for counselling now and another has joined the same course in the same college through management quota.
Sweety: Management quota?
Rocky: Yeah...He paid 7 or 8 lakhs and got the seat. Colleges have limited management quota seats. They get filled quickly as marks are not considered.
Sweety looks at Lucky. Lucky wonders if Rocky wants to get in through management quota.
Lucky: What do you think? I mean...you want to get in through management quota?
Rocky: I don't know...that's the only way now to realise my dream but I will plan something else and let you know..[leaves]
Lucky is lost in thoughts. Sweety looks at him confused.
In the evening, Ginny comes home happy. She runs to the kitchen where Sweety is. She hugs her. Sweety is surprised seeing her daughter so happy after a long time.
Sweety: What happened Ginny? You are so excited today?
Ginny: My test went well today. I am sure I won't fail.
Sweety is still not happy that her daughter is looking to just pass and not score high. But she is happy for the moment that Ginny is not stressed.
Sweety: Good for you.
Ginny: And Ma...there are special test batches starting in my coaching centre. I want to join in that.
Sweety: Test Batches?
Ginny: Yeah..we need to join that separately. The circular is in my bag. Please go through. I need to pay the fees tomorrow. I will come back in 5 minutes. [leaves]
Sweety takes the circular and is surprised to see the fees. It nearly equals the coaching fees itself.
Lucky comes home and goes to his room. Sweety is cleaning the room, arranging files. She sees Lucky.
Sweety: You are alright? Any problem? Any pain?
Lucky: No...medicines are helping. Nothing to worry. [smiles]
Sweety: [sits on the bed] I feel everything is going wrong in our house.
Lucky: You have started worrying again?
Sweety: [shows the test bills] What's this Luckyji? See how much we have spent on tests? My tests are all a waste and look at the cost of every test! Look at the cost of the medicines!!
Lucky: [confused] Is it wrong to take tests? We are now sure..
Sweety: Luckyji! I am scared...
Lucky: [slowly] I am not surprised...
Sweety: You are not understanding. We have so much expenses coming in. Will we be able to manage?
Lucky: Tell directly Sweetyji..
Sweety: Tests are over...now there is surgery which will definitely cost in lakhs...then we have Rocky's admission which will cost in lakhs as well...and Ginny wants to join test batches in coaching class...you just got a bike for Rocky...
Lucky: Ok Ok...I understand now...It's fine Sweetyji! We can manage...I have checked our savings. And for safer side...let's postpone the surgery for some time. Let's complete kids education first.
Sweety: But...Your health is more important.
Lucky: [changes subject] Have you spoken to Rocky regarding admissions?
Sweety: No..
Lucky: Come. Let's have a discussion with him.
Lucky takes Sweety to Rocky's room. Rocky is surprised to see them.
Lucky: So Rocky..what have you decided?
Rocky: [thinks] I have three options...
Sweety: Ok..what are those?
Rocky: One is to choose a different course in the same college...Second is to go for a different college...or...[hesitates] management quota..
Sweety looks at Lucky who is smiling. Rocky looks eagerly at Lucky. He wants the same course and same college and he knows there is an option for that.
Lucky: Ok...so which is the best of the three options?
Rocky: I don't know...what do u think?
Sweety: I would say...
Lucky: No Sweetyji! No. Rocky! It's your future beta...you need to decide...
Rocky: But at least give some ideas...Help me out!
Sweety: [understands] Rocky..We don't want to influence you with our ideas. We are happy with any decision of yours.
Lucky: We don't want you to blame us at the end for influencing you to choose something which you don't like [laughs]
Rocky: [smiles] Come on Dad! How will I blame you...
Lucky: You'll never know how situations can change in the future...I want to be on the safer side now.
Sweety: [smiles] Yes..Rocky...We will help you in your decision..you can discuss with us if you want..but ultimately it will be your decision.
Rocky: [nods head] I know..it's just I never thought I will face this situation...I was so confident.
Sweety: Sometimes unexpected things happen. You need to learn to face it and overcome it.
Rocky: That's true. But there are lot of other factors to take into account too...to make a decision.
Lucky: [understands] Listen Rocky..If you want to decide on Management Quota...You go ahead..you have my support.
Sweety is shocked and surprised.
Lucky: You make the decision and let us know. Remember we are always there with you and will support your decision.
Rocky is happy. He hugs Lucky and thanks him. He tells he will inform his decision in the morning. Lucky and Sweety leave. On the way upstairs
Sweety: Why did you give the idea of management quota to Rocky?
Lucky: He need to know that we will support all of his decisions including the quota.
Sweety: What if he chooses that?
Lucky: We have to fulfil his dream.
Sweety: But..
Lucky: Sweetyji! For what am I earning? For our kids right? Then what's wrong in spending for their education?
Sweety: But...we already have so much expenses..
Lucky: I will manage...Don't worry.
Next morning, Sweety gives test batch fees to Ginny. She leaves. Lucky and Sweety are now waiting for Rocky and his decision. Rocky comes and sits with them.
Rocky: I don't want to sound very insensitive and selfish. [pauses] But is management quota possible?
Sweety gives an accusing look to Lucky.
Lucky: Ok..if that's what you want beta..we can go ahead.
Rocky is happy.
Lucky: But..I need to warn few things before we go with this decision.
Rocky: [confused] Warning?
Lucky: [sighs] Though I have never been to college, I know how it works. It is not like school. If you go through management quota, you will be considered as the rich guy of the class, guy who doesn't deserve a seat through marks.
Rocky: Rich guy?
Lucky: Yes..not everyone can afford to pay in lakhs and join in this college beta. Your scores will never matter even though you are just two marks less than cut-off.
Rocky: What? What are you saying Dad?
Sweety: Rocky! What your father is saying is..people who are good in studies will not go for management quota but will choose something which they deserve.
Rocky: [annoyed] You said you will support me in my decision. You don't think I deserve a seat in that college? I am just 2 marks away.
Lucky: We are supporting you...[takes a cheque and gives to Rocky] I am giving you a cheque also..a blank one. Trust us Rocky...we are with you...
Rocky: But you are discouraging me now..
Sweety: No beta..we are telling you the truth. You may have taken this decision in an impulse of your dream. But you need to know the reality also. You should not feel bad when someone says you got the seat by money and not by your marks.
Lucky: And in case you find difficulty in studying there, in that atmosphere, you cannot turn back. This is a huge step.
Rocky: [annoyed] I know it is a huge step and have taken this decision after lot of thought.
Sweety: In that case..[looks at Lucky] Go ahead. Let us know the procedures.
Rocky is surprised.
Lucky: Now give the cheque back...I have not even signed it. It's really BLANK [laughs]
Rocky: [smiles] I will speak to my friends and tell you today. We need to get admission as soon as possible if it is management quota.
Sweety: Don't waste time then. Quickly get the details.
Rocky leaves.
Sweety: Shouldn't we ask him to consider other colleges? There are other good colleges too.
Lucky: His heart and mind is in this college Sweetyji? We cannot change it. [thinks] You think we are doing wrong by opting for management quota?
Sweety: I don't know. It is not that we are choosing a wrong way. But...
Lucky: I know...this should not give wrong signal to Rocky that we are very rich or something...
Sweety: He can take some other course right?
Lucky: He can...but what use if he doesn't like the course?
Sweety: That's a point too...whatever he does...he need to do it from heart. He has to like it, only then he will become the best in that field.
Lucky: Yes. [thinks] Anyways, I'll visit the doctor and come. I need to ask how long I can postpone the surgery. He said few weeks...but I want to be sure.
Sweety: I will also come...
Lucky: No need..
Sweety: No arguments.
Ginny comes home sad in the evening. Sweety brings juice for her and sees her sad face.
Sweety: Now what happened?
Ginny: I am put in the weak batch.
Sweety: What?
Ginny: According to the marks of today's test, we were divided into batches. I am in the weakest students batch. [pauses] I won't go to coaching class any more. [leaves angrily]
Sweety: [confused] What is this weak batch now?
Rocky is with his friends. They are playing a video game.
Sid: So what have you decided?
Rocky: [happily] I am opting for management quota just like you.
Sid: Wow Rocky! This is so cool. We can enjoy a lot then.
Rocky: Of course. But my happiness is to study my dream course.
Sid: You can do that in other colleges also na...why pick management quota then?
Gokul: Rocky yar...you are so lucky that your parents can afford management quota...look at me..I have good scores and yet can't get the course I want..that's why I have opted for another course.
Sid: Thankfully my parents can afford, so does Rocky's parents. Why don't you take a student's loan Gokul?
Gokul: Even if I take...half my life will be spent in earning those money back...You people need not pay back to your parents...but in case of loan one has to pay back remember...[laughs]
Sid sees Rocky lost in thoughts.
Sid: What happened Rocky?
Rocky: Nothing...what's the procedure?
Sid: I will ask my father and tell. Actually he knows the management well. I think you would be needed to pay around 11 Lakhs initially.
Rocky: [shocked] 11 LAKHS?
Gokul: Don't forget the semester fees and other fees every few months [laughs]
Sid: I heard Rohit is trying management quota too.
Rocky: But he has got very less marks. He won't get any course in the college for that matter.
Gokul: That's the power of this quota. You need to pass, that's all. You are eligible for any course if you have money.
Rocky is shocked hearing the amount of fees. He is confused what to do now. He has the marks to get him his course in another good college, so should he give money and get a seat in his dream college?
Sweety goes to Ginny's room and sees her crying. She sits beside her. Ginny hugs Sweety.
Ginny: I feel so insulted Ma. How can they divide like this. All my friends are in good batches and I am alone in this weak batch..I won't go for classes from tomorrow.
Sweety: It's ok...stop crying now. You are working hard na...you continue doing that. You have paid the fees for the test batch beta..so you cannot back out now.
Ginny: I don't care for the fees Ma...I won't go. I am working hard..but why am I not able to get marks. I don't want to study anymore. I hate school also.
Sweety: You should not say like that Ginny...Studies is very important. You have to get good marks, only then you will have a good career.
Ginny: I don't want to become engineer or doctor. I want to become a singer. I don't want studies for that. I will join some music school.
Sweety: [shocked] Singer? No No...you will do some professional degree...you cannot take singing as a career.
Ginny: Why not? You are seeing right...how many great singers are there...I will become one of them.
Sweety: [irritated] You will focus on your studies now...let's think about the rest later. First let's plan to get good marks..then we can see...
Ginny: [frustrated] I am trying...I am working according to your plan...what else do you want me to do...
Sweety hears Lucky calling. He has come home.
Sweety: Prepare for tomorrow's test now. Let's discuss later.
Ginny: Ok...but inform Daddyji about coaching classes. I will definitely not go from tomorrow.
Sweety looks at her. She does not have an answer. She leaves to see Lucky. He is sitting in their room exhausted. Sweety is concerned.
Sweety: What happened? Are you in any pain?
Lucky: Nothing ji...Just tired. Had to meet clients in different places.
Sweety: Shouldn't you take rest now? Why do you roam? At least till your surgery, don't stress yourself.
Lucky: I am taking care Sweetyji! I cannot stop earning now when there is a need and when there are opportunities. [lies down] Did Rocky tell anything.
Sweety: Don't ask me about your kids. They are driving me mad.
Lucky: [laughs] What's wrong with Ginny now? Stressed again?
Sweety: She wants to become a singer.
Lucky: [happy] That's great! [confused] What's wrong in that?
Sweety: What's wrong??? How can singing be a career? You have to be an engineer or doctor and then sing side by side..
Lucky: [confused] What?
Sweety: Leave that...she wants to become a singer and hence not study..
Lucky: Not study?
Sweety: Yes..your daughter is telling she hates studying and there is no need to study when you want to become a singer.
Lucky is silent. Sweety also tells him about the coaching classes and weak batch. Lucky is furious hearing this.
Lucky: How can they divide like this? This is wrong..I will speak with those coaching class management.
Sweety: You don't stress yourself...you are already not well.
Lucky: What about Rocky?
Sweety: No idea..he has not come home...I will bring hot tea for you...
Lucky: Thank You.
Sweety: After drinking...speak with Ginny...
Lucky: No No..Not again..Please...
Sweety: I cannot talk patiently with her now. You handle. [leaves]
Lucky gets up and sits down. He can feel the pain in the stomach. He takes another pain killer and goes down.
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