Chapter 6 Tangled Pursuits

Shivin's phone rang, and he glanced at the screen to see his cousin Anisha's name flashing. Curiosity mingled with surprise as he answered the call. Little did he know that this phone call would set off a series of events that would challenge his own dreams and ignite a fervent tenacity within him.

"Hey Anisha, long time no talk! How have you been?" Shivin greeted, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

Anisha's voice came through the phone, brimming with excitement. "Hi Shivin! I've been great. My school life has ended, and I can finally breathe. How about you? How's everything going?"

"I'm a little screwed. Next year I'm appearing for CBSE Board examination and I can't wait for my school life to end. I'll sigh a breath of relief following that," a chuckling Shivin replied.

"Believe me, Shivin, board exams are not as intimidating as they appear. They don't bite, so prepare at your own rhythm," Anisha casually advised, implying that Shivin should follow in her footsteps.

"I share the same hope. I still have a significant amount of syllabus left to cover," Shivin responded, indicating that he had a considerable workload ahead of him

"Listen no? I have something crucial to talk about," Anisha replied, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.

Curiosity piqued, Shivin leaned closer to his phone. "Sure, go ahead. What's on your mind?"

Anisha took a deep breath before continuing. "Well, I've been thinking about pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Bangalore and I've set my sights on the top engineering colleges of Bangalore."

Shivin's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Shivin was taken aback by her statement. Bangalore was not the destination he had expected her to choose.

"Bangalore? That's unexpected, Anisha. Why Bangalore?" Shivin asked, trying to hide the anxiety in his voice.

Anisha's voice brimmed with enthusiasm. "Bangalore is known for its vibrant educational scene. The city offers a wide range of colleges and courses that align with my interests. Plus, the diverse culture and bustling tech industry make it an exciting place to study and grow."

The mere idea of Anisha selecting Bangalore, the very city Shivin was desperately attempting to avoid, sent a chill down his spine. He understood the implications it held for his own ambitions. Anisha's decision to study there would inevitably lead to his parents enrolling him in the same college or coercing him to join an engineering college in Bangalore. This choice would cast a shadow over his dreams of studying abroad, as his father would constantly remind him of his affluent cousin, uttering the words Shivin dreaded hearing: "Look at your cousin, who's so wealthy, opting to study here. Why shouldn't you follow suit?"

Anisha chuckled softly. "Well, I've heard great things about the universities there, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for me. Plus, I want to experience a new city and explore different cultures."

Shivin felt a knot tightening in his stomach. He had expected Anisha to have grander plans, to pursue her studies abroad like her parents' wealth allowed her to. But her decision to study in Bangalore threatened to disrupt his own aspirations.

Shivin proposed alternatives to Anisha, highlighting the advantages she possessed due to her family's wealth and connections. He emphasised that her father's brother resided in West London, where she could explore the esteemed University of West London. Additionally, her father's sister lived in Philadelphia, where renowned universities like Drexel University and Pennsylvania State University awaited. Shivin believed that Anisha had superior options and questioned why she wouldn't consider moving abroad, considering her parents' affluence.

As Shivin articulated these thoughts to Anisha, his words were accompanied by a mix of hope and concern. He genuinely believed in the incredible opportunities in her hands, recognizing the potential for a transformative education and experiences abroad. Simultaneously, Shivin's own desires for studying abroad loomed in his mind, fueling his fervent plea for Anisha to seize the chance that her privileged circumstances offered.

Deep down, he couldn't help but yearn for her decision to align with his own dreams, safeguarding the delicate balance of their intertwined aspirations.

"Anisha, you have so many options. You can study anywhere in the world! Why limit yourself to Bangalore?" Shivin pleaded, his voice tinged with concern.

Anisha's tone turned serious. "I understand your concern, Shivin, but I have my reasons. My uncles, who live in London and Philadelphia, advised me to complete my engineering degree in India. They believe that an engineering degree from India is internationally recognized and will provide better opportunities for my Master's and job prospects abroad."

Shivin's mind raced, searching for a way to convince Anisha to reconsider. He couldn't let her decision jeopardise his own dreams of studying abroad. "But Anisha, think about it. If you study in Bangalore, my father will surely insist that I do the same. It will be impossible for me to pursue my dreams if I'm stuck studying here," Shivin argued, desperation creeping into his voice.

Anisha's voice softened, and there was a hint of understanding. "I know it's tough, Shivin. But we each have our own path to follow. Not only my uncles but even my parents it's fair and square to study in Bangalore first before moving abroad. I believe you'll find a way to make them come true."

"You want to move to the US yourself, don't you? Didn't you once mentioned you want to work as a software engineer there? Why don't you consider moving there now itself?" a fazed Shivin was ready to carry on with this talk for the whole night.

Shivin urged Anisha to consider the opportunities that awaited her in America and London, aligning with his own desires to move abroad and work there. He believed that by choosing these destinations, she would open herself up to infinite possibilities.

However, Anisha acknowledged the allure but asseverated her conviction to delay her international journey, opting instead to plan for her Master's degree abroad. She encouraged Shivin to pursue his Bachelor's degree in India before venturing overseas.

Shivin's heart sank as he heard Anisha's response. Every fibre of his being yearned to escape the weariness and limitations he experienced in India. He had dreamt of studying abroad immediately after completing his 12th grade. Anisha's decision threatened to disrupt his plans and left him feeling stressed and disheartened.

The weight of the situation bore down on Shivin's mind, and he grappled with the implications her choice held for his own aspirations. Shivin sighed, his heart heavy with the weight of his fears and desires. He couldn't bear the thought of his dreams being overshadowed by the expectations of his family.

"But Anisha, it's not just about dreams. It's about opportunities, exposure, and the chance to broaden our scope," Shivin pleaded, his voice brimming with earnestness.

Anisha's voice remained firm yet compassionate. "I understand, Shivin. But sometimes, the journey to our dreams takes unexpected turns. Perhaps there is something valuable to be gained from studying in Bangalore that we can't foresee right now. Trust in yourself and your abilities. You have the power to overcome any obstacles."

Shivin's mind raced, searching for a solution, a way to protect his dreams while supporting his cousin. Then, a thought struck him. "Anisha, what if I help you explore other options? We can research universities abroad, consider scholarships, and find a way for you to pursue your dreams while also ensuring my own path remains open," Shivin proposed, his voice filled with renewed hope.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Anisha spoke again, her voice tinged with acknowledgement.

"Shivin, I appreciate your concern and willingness to help. But my decision is final. I believe in the path I've chosen, and I hope you understand. We can both pursue our dreams in our own unique ways. Please don't let my choice hinder your own aspirations," Anisha said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Shivin felt a mix of frustration and admiration for Anisha's unwavering decision. He knew he couldn't change her mind, but he also couldn't let her decision crush his own dreams. "Anisha, I respect your decision, and I won't let it deter me. I'll find my own way, and one day, we'll both look back and cherish the paths we've taken. Just promise me that we'll support each other no matter what," Shivin said, exuberance burning in his voice.

Anisha's voice softened with affection. "Of course, Shivin. We're family, and we'll always have each other's backs. No matter where our journeys take us, our bond remains unbreakable."

As the call ended, Shivin felt a mix of emotions swirling within him. He realised that he couldn't control the choices of others, but he could control his own actions and perseverance.

Anisha's decision had challenged him to find his own path, to rise above the obstacles and carve a future that aligned with his dreams. With renewed perseverance, Shivin vowed to forge ahead, undeterred by the shadows of doubt. Shivin eagerly anticipated his long-awaited reunion with Anisha after five years. However, as he contemplated sharing Anisha's decision to study in Bangalore with his father, he couldn't help but wonder about his father's response.

Shivin was well aware that his father would admire Anisha's choice, praising her for opting for engineering in Bangalore despite her privileged upbringing. He expected his father to draw comparisons between Anisha's aspirations and his own, praising her while possibly overlooking his own dreams. These thoughts left Shivin with a sense of inner grief and tension, as he grappled with the realisation that his destiny might not align with his deepest desires.