Exam Nightmare

Early in the morning, Birds were just out of their nests and chicks in the nest were chirping. The cool breeze was swaying the curls on the forehead of a beautiful young girl who was in her sweet sleep. Sun was rising up the horizon too quick as if he was in hurry to have a look at this beautiful girl and wish her a Good morning….but suddenly she woke up. She was trembling, sweat droplets appeared on her forehead out of fear. She grabbed her towel wondering how could she be so irresponsible?!! Today was her Maths exam at 9, and it was 8.15 am already. She needed half an hour for revising. She panicked as she overslept, cursing her alarm which failed on her final exam that too when she had terrifying Maths paper. She ran to Bathroom for a quick bath. Water was still cold, "Mom, why is the geyser off, water is cold, I have to go to school... I'm getting late." she shouted standing there.

Narmada was still in her bed, hearing Punya screaming she opened her eyes and looked at the clock, it was just 5.45 am. It took couple of minutes to realize what was happening, slowly she woke up and walked through the hallway and entered Punya's bedroom and saw her standing half naked with a growling expression. She couldn't help laughing but controlling her expression she asked "What happened?" in a calm tone.

Punya was still frowning in anger, she just signaled the water in bucket, "Its cold, how can I take bath, I'm getting late to school... I have Maths paper today"

Narmada had already realised that Punya is just out of bed after a bad dream. She knew how her adolescent daughter was scared of exams. She might have had a nightmare which had thrown her out of bed to experience the terror on summer morning while her vacation has just started a week back. "Dear, you have finished your exams last week, your summer vacation have started, calm down and sleep for some more time" said Narmada as she embraced Punya to bring her to bed again. Punya's eyes lit up and she burst into laughter as she realized her stupidity.

Narmada went to prepare breakfast as clock showed 6 am. Though there was no school for kids, she had to follow routine as her husband had office.

Half an hour later, Varun woke up on alarm sound. He finished his bath, prayers and was getting ready for office. Varun was in a happy mood "Varun, breakfast is ready, come over" Narmada called, hearing which he headed towards dining table humming a song. He sat down and started eating the hot idlis on his plate, he was mesmerised by the taste. He entered the Kitchen, took Narmada's hand and kissed on it, seeing her cheeks turning red, he pulled her close. Narmada was used to her husband's tantrums, she pushed him away and said "It's been 16 years into our marriage and you act like 16 year old boy... your daughter will step into college this year, you haven't grown up at all". "What to do, my wife never let me grow up, she treats me like a kid even today" grinned Varun winking at Narmada. Varun went to deep thoughts when he heard his wife mention 16 years, he never realized that huge time lapse. All those years were filled with Joy and immense pleasure. He married Narmada in an arranged marriage, but their life was never less to any lovers thereafter. She filled his life with loads of love, took care of his parents even today and gave two lovely kids to form a complete family. He felt very lucky. He also knew if someone asked Narmada how is life with Varun, she would say she's lucky.

Seeing Varun lost, Narmada shook him and showed the clock, it was showing 8 already. Varun finished his breakfast and wore his coat. Narmada helped him from behind. She gave him coffee and kissed him on his cheeks, Varun was surprised. If he approached her 10 times, she would revert back only once, these small surprises kept him wanting her though they had spent so many years together. Not that Narmada didn't love him but she she was scared to show her emotions in front of her in laws and kids.

Varun got ready to leave, yet he screamed "Narmada...!"

She arrived in anxiety, with eyebrows lifted up she gestured "What"

"My handkerchief and wallet" grinned Varun.

She went in murmuring, "God knows how he'll handle 2000+ employees with his absent mindedness" and came back with his wallet and handkerchief which she only had placed on the table along with his watch, mobile and bag early this morning. She held them in her hand towards him, he pulled her along and kissed her on her lips and left with a loud "Bye".

"Naughty Dad" smiled Punya who had come to steps when Dad screamed for wallet, she wasn't observed by her parents. She saw her mom smiling; she felt that she should get a husband like her Dad. Dad was her Hero.