MIND BLOWING

Mind blowing

It was the last day of the university semester. Everyone was feeling relieved. This was the time for respite and relaxation after months of continuous preparation for final examinations and presentation of thesis.  Some students were thinking of home, family reunions while others had planned adventure trips in the wild or beaches. The ambiance in the campus was cheerful and lively.

 Jay and Neena formed part of the cohort of students who had completed their final year and would now leave the university. They were contemplative, and had  mixed feelings of hope and nostalgia. They had known each other for five years. They became friends from the first day that they joined the university. They had grown close to each other and were almost inseparable. They did not realise, as time went by, how deep rooted their casual friendship had become.   

Jay was calm and composed, perceptive and considerate. He always assisted, advised and mentored co-students who needed help. In his studies, he showed perseverance and consistency. Jay’s family lived some 20 kilometers away in a modest apartment in the congested and crowded suburb. His parents were middle level civil servants, who like many other parents, worked diligently and selflessly for their children.  

Jay managed to join the prestigious university, after he obtained a scholarship for his outstanding performance at high school. Without this scholarship, he would probably have been lost in the teeming city, toiling in an insignificant job.  His parents were almost reaching retirement age and were worried about the future. So obviously, they expected him to complete his degree, get employed and support the family. Jay was aware of his responsibilities. All he wanted was to get a good job and help this family.

Neena, on the other hand,  was a confident young girl with a charming personality. She was pretty and pleasant, had bright eyes and long hair flowing to her hips. She had told Jay that her parents lived in the neighbouring district. She had promised that when the time comes, they will travel to her parents’ home.  She had fallen in love with Jay from the very day she saw her. She liked his sense of maturity, his compassionate approach to others and his sense of purpose. She dreamt of a small home, where they would spend their life together.

Once, Jay took her to visit his parents. She was not put off by their modest home or the place where they lived. She understood that they were honest and hardworking people, who dedicated their lives to their children. She told Jay that she admired those values and that when they have children, they should  to instill the same values in them.   Neena liked simplicity. She did not spend a lot on clothing and accessories. She hated luxurious parties and social gatherings.

As this was the last day of the university, Neena and Jay had some worries about their future. They had often discussed about settling down, getting married and having their own home.  In the first instance, they need to get the blessings of their parents. 

As they walked out of the university premises, Jay said, “Well, as planned we shall be leaving tomorrow to visit your parents. I have already arranged for a cab. It will be waiting for us early in the morning.”

He was overjoyed. He said, “This would be an exciting trip. This is the first time that I will be travelling such a long distance. ”

Neena said, “Sure. We shall leave early in the morning. You would love the trip for sure. But remember, we shall stay in a hotel for one night, before we go to our parents place.   I want to make sure that everyone is present when we visit them.”

Unlike Jay, Neena did not show any sign of excitement. She even looked impassive.  She tried her best to hide her nervousness. She put on a smile and promptly changed the subject. “Let us have our favourite ice cream, Jay, she said.  “Maybe this is the last time we will enjoy this delicious ice cream. We are soon to leave this place and God knows if we shall ever come back.”

They stopped at the ice cream parlour. After enjoying their ice cream, they walked back to their apartment.  

Jay asked her, “Do you think your parents will raise any issues about us. I have the inner  feeling that something eerie will happen tomorrow.”

Neena agitatedly looked at him. She told him not to worry and that everything will be fine.

The next day, they took the cab very early. The drive was enjoyable. They stopped at splendid sites and took photos. After about five hours’ drive, they reached Neena’s  home town. They settled in rather modest hotel.

On the next morning, they got ready to leave for the visit to Neena’s parents. Both entered the lobby together. Neena said that she had to go back to the room to pick up the gifts she had brought for her parents. As she went back, Jay waited for her in the lobby. 

A young man approached him, gazed at him with a bemused face. He asked, “Is that Neena who was with you just now? What is she doing here in this hotel?”

“Yes, it is Neena.” Jay replied. “Who are you? How do you know her?”

The man said, “Of course I know her. I am Vick, her cousin and her childhood friend. What are you two doing here in this hotel?  Was she at the university with you? ”

Jay said, “I am Jay. I am pleased to meet you. Neena and I have been at the university together for five years. We have just completed our studies. ”

Vick said, “But why is she staying in this hotel when her parents live here.”

Jay said, “Actually, we are going to meet her parents right now.”

Vick laughed boisterously and said, “Oh, I understand.  She wants to surprise uncle Ravi and Aunt Pam. I think she wants to surprise you too. So get ready for a blasting surprise. ”

Jay was perplexed. He said, “Why surprise me? Neena and I know each other for five years. Is there something that I do not know ? ”

Vick said, “Well, maybe there are few things that she has not told you yet. I leave it to Neena to disclose the surprise to you. I am really sorry my friend, I have to leave you now. Good bye.  Have a nice day.  We have to meet again.”

He left the lobby and jumped in a cab.

Jay was confused. He was beset with doubts. A lot of  questions invaded his mind. He waited impatiently to talk to Neena about his encounter with Vick.

When Neena came back to the lobby, both went outside and entered the cab.  Jay could not wait any longer. He said, “Neeta, do you know that I just met someone who said that he is you cousin. His name is Vick. He was speaking strangely.”

Neena was startled. “Oh, Vick was here,” she said.  “What a pleasant coincidence. Yes he is my cousin. We have grown up together and went to school together. Why are you looking so worried? What did he tell you? ”

Jay said, “He spoke about me getting a mind blowing surprise when we visit your parents. He even said that there are things that you may not have told me. What was he talking about?”

Neena felt somewhat nervous. She said, “Don’t take heed of Vick’s words. He is the biggest prankster and the funniest guy in the family. ”

Having said this, Neena remained silent. She was quite tense. She wanted to tell Jay everything about her parents.  But she thought that Jay would refuse to visit them, if she discloses the truth. Neena was desperately in love with Jay and the thought of losing him was unbearable. She could not imagine life without him.  She tried to remain calm and poised.   

On the way, Jay was looking at each and every block of apartment on the road, trying to guess, which one could be the residence of Neena’s parents. But the car did not halt at any of them.  It stopped in front of a high   and wide  heavy metal gate. A guard came out of the security post located at the entrance. He looked inside the car and without uttering a single word, he opened the gate, allowing the  driver to enter.

The car drove through a pathway, which was bordered with palms and  ferns. Here and there, there were tall trees and flowering shrubs. The entire lane had sculptured lampposts and decorative statuettes. After a few minutes,   Jay perceived a large mansion, with an open veranda, tall white pillars and wooden shutters.  It was an imposing villa, painted all in white. On the side, three luxury cars were parked, spotlessly clean and shining brightly.

Jay was confused. He said, “Neena, where are we going? Why are we stopping at this immense villa? Is there something you want to show me here?”

Neena did not have the time to reply. The car stopped.  A uniformed man, dressed in white, wearing white gloves hopped from the stairs to open the door of the car. Neena and Jay came out. They climbed the stairs, with Neena holding Jay’s hand.

They entered into a large hall way, which had a pond with a water jet and large paintings on the walls.  Jay whispered, “What is this place? For God’s sake tell me what is all this? Why are we  not visiting your parents?”

Neena continued to walk, still holding Jay’s hands tightly. They were ushered inside the living room by another man, equally wearing white uniform.    Jay was feeling increasingly uneasy.    

As soon as they stepped into the room, a white haired man, with a French cut beard came forward and hugged Neena tightly. Then, a woman wearing a long dress, ornate jewellery was hugged  Neena.    

The lady said ,“How was your travel? You look exhausted. We are so happy that you are back after such a long time. ”

Neena took Jay’s hand and said, “Please, meet Jay, whom I spoke to you about. Jay, meet my parents.”

Jay was speechless. He was stupefied.  Neena never told him that she was the only child of one of such a wealthy, aristocratic family. He was totally dumbfounded. 

Neena said, “ Jay, I know how shocked and even furious you must be right now. I never told  you about my family’s status.  Forgive me for keeping you in darkness. You know that I love you and did not mean any harm.”

“But why did you hide such an important fact about you? Why?” Jay said.

Neena explained, “Jay, I wanted you to love me for what I am. If I had told you about my status and wealth, maybe your perspective would have been different. You would probably avoided me. I wanted a pure, honest and authentic relationship based on respect for each other. This is why I kept the secret for all those years. I hope that you understand. ”

Neena said, “My parents know all about you. I have told them about our relationship. They trust me and will never stand in the way of my happiness.”

Jay remained quiet for a few minutes. He presented his apologies to Neena’s parents for his momentary bewilderment. He finally said, “ Neena, I understand your point of view. This is an unusual way to learn the truth. It  is a mind blowing surprise, indeed.”