Exam Nightmare

It was a bright new day, Sun rose out of the horizon to spread beautiful orange yellowish rays all over to illuminate the night sky. Birds started from their nests in search of food and chicks in the nest were chirping. Freshness in the surroundings started spreading through the cool breezes, which entered through the window into the bedroom... breeze slowly swayed the curls on the forehead of a beautiful young girl who was in her sweet sleep. Sun was rising up the window pane 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 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 7.15 am already. She needed half an hour for revising. She panicked as she thought 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. As usual water from the tap was still cold, frustrated she yelled "Mom, why is the geyser off, water is cold, I have to go to school... I'm getting late."

Narmada who was still in her bed, hearing Punya screaming opened her eyes and looked at the clock, it was just 7.25 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. Punya was standing half naked with a growling expression. Narmada couldn't help laughing but controlling her expression she asked "What happened baby?" 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 realized that Punya is out of bed after a bad dream. She knew how her adolescent daughter was scared of exams. "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. Though there was no school for kids, she had to follow routine as her husband Varun 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 mesmerized by the taste. He entered the Kitchen, took Narmada's hand and kissed on it.

"Awesome Idli's darling" he complimented. 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". Her face was all red like teenagers.

"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 as he sipped a hot cup of coffee....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 till date and a complete family with two lovely kids. He always thought he's 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 8.30 already. Varun finished his coffee and wore his coat. Narmada helped him from behind. She gave him handkerchief and kissed him on his cheeks, Varun showed false surprise. 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 was scared to show her emotions in front of her in laws and kids.

Varun went upto the main door and he screamed "Narmada...!"

She arrived in hurry with eyebrows lifted up she gestured "What"

"My 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 which she only had placed on the table along with his watch, mobile and bag early this morning. She held it in her hand towards him, he pulled her along and kissed her on her lips forcefully and left with a loud "Bye". Narmada said "Bye"smiling.

"Naughty Dad" thought Punya who had stood on the steps when Dad screamed for wallet, she wasn't observed by her parents. When she saw her mom smiling, she desired to get a husband like her Dad. Dad was her Hero.

While coming back inside, Narmada saw Punya smiling..."Hey baby, had bath??" she asked.

"Yes Mom, can I have breakfast?" asked Punya.

"Go bring your grandparents, I'll arrange the dishes on the table" said Narmada.

She nodded and headed towards her grandparent's room, only grandmother was found inside the room, doing her hair. "Granny, Good morning....." wished Punya hugging her from behind.

Even granny wished her "Good morning Punya"

"Where's grandpa??" asked Punya.

"He's been to temple with his walking friends, might be on the way back home" said granny in a shaky voice. Her age was taking toll on her slowly.

"Ok, come let's have our food...I"m hungry" said Punya.

"Sure...Why not? Even I'm hungry" joined the grandma to the dining table.