A Girl’s Dream -- My Daily Write-up

There was a time when everyone at home called me a dreamer. I had dreams that were not to the likes of many. As a kid I dreamt of becoming a doctor…all this because I liked the stethoscope hung from the doctor’s neck and how I loved to hear the “dukduk dukduk” heart beats from this wonder machine. But this kiddy dream vanished within a short period of some months when the prick of the needle from an injection hurt me.

“No way, I don’t want to become a doctor, they hurt people,” was all that I said and others laughed. But it did not bother me.

Next was my thought of becoming a well renowned sportsperson. I did well in this area in school. But during my college days, there was restriction from Ma, and with that my interest started dying though I had the repute of holding some state records and represented my state.

Music, everybody loved it. My Ma played string instruments and the harmonium. My sisters and I too learned singing and playing the harmonium was also to my liking. When our music teacher wanted me to go and perform on the stage, a set back from the family. All that was said was, “Learn music but keep it within the home and show your talent in front of friends and relatives. No going out to perform on the stage.” My mother was not conservative but I think she was possessive and didn’t want it the way I liked, she was more concerned about her little girl and didn’t want anything wrong to happen.

So many dreams have come and gone in my life. Some did not cherish, some did not get a chance to blossom. But the chase was always there and I knew I had been flexible and not so serious. But a time did come when I knew I had to be serious. I did not like my job and had to quit. I found pleasure and happiness in having my own coaching classes. My students excelled and made me proud. I knew I had the ability to give my best to the boys and girls who came to me to learn. Money has never been the major factor, but the results were always my aim and I knew I did it. But I have deprived small school going children from getting my coaching. Maybe someday or the other…

I have been enjoying my social service I render in teaching under privilege children. I got associated with this organization by chance and this has given me so much pleasure. At first it was such a hard work for me but now I love it. Had never dreamt about it but it came my way.

I love books and like their company. Studies were my priority, and by the time I entered my Graduation year, I had made up my mind to start with writing on my own. And this has come down with me for years now.

Not belonging to the present generation, my opportunities were different from what it is now. But no regrets as I am happy to pursue a dream that I had and it is no longer a dream but reality. I have recognized “ME” and that’s what matters to me. Live and be happy in what you are doing as long as it does not become a barrier to others. Live and let live is my motto.

The Chewing Gum story -- My Daily Write-up

Mint flavoured Chewing Gum

“What’s happening”, said Baba from his room. “Why is Mona crying and throwing tantrums?”

No one wanted to reply, but Ma had to say something. In all simplicity she said, “Nothing, nothing, this girl is up to her mischief again.”

Ma looked at Mona and said in a strict voice but the tone was soft, “Mona, stop crying, let me see what has happened.”

She pulled Mona near to her and looked at her messy hair.

All this shouting and crying had stated after the packet of chewing gum was opened and each one got their share. The three kids were chewing away their chewing gum and playing with the toys that had come to them as gifts from their Granny. Suddenly Dipu, the eldest among the three, who was nine years old started teasing his little sister. He started running after her shouting “I’ll take out the chewing gum and stick it to your hair”.

Mona, though a kid was not the one to keep quiet. She was her dad’s pet and knew she would get all the support from him even if she made a hue and cry out of nothing. She looked back at her brother and spoke, “Try it and see what will happen to you,” so saying she ran away from him.

Gopu, the second one triggered his brother saying, “Don’t spare her this time, run and stick the chewing gum to her hair. See the fun after that.”

Dipu ran, caught his little sister and taking out the chewing gum from his mouth, stuck it to Mona’s hair near the shoulder. The commotion started, Ma tried her best to clean the gum but it did not work.

At last it was decided to call the barber Bhola, who had his hair cutting saloon a couple of yards away from their home to help them out. Bhola said, “Ma, the chewing gum will not come out from the hair, the only way out is to crop her hair.”

“I’ll not cut my hair, I’ll not…” so saying Mona started sobbing. After much consolation and a bribe to buy her a new frock, she agreed. She got the haircut and it suited her face and she looked not only different but beautiful too. After the hair cut was done, she looked into the mirror and smiled. She knew this haircut suited her but was firm on getting her new frock.

When Baba came out of his room he looked at his little girl and said, “Mona, you look so pretty, how has this happened, something different?” He raised his eyebrow but couldn’t find out the “How” he was talking about.

Just at that moment Dipu ran up to his Baba and said, “Baba this is the magic of the chewing gum,” and everyone burst out into laughter.