Page 67 - Love Story of a Commando

I wish I would have known that God keeps leaving the clues here and
there, all you need to do is to pick it up and embrace wholeheartedly.
‘I will think about it. I really need a break from city life. But how and
when do I join?’ I said.
‘Look, I am leaving in the next two days. I can book your flights
back with me or else you can join me whenever you like. But it will be
easier for you if you come with me. Joining is not a big deal as I am the sole
in-charge. There will be some paperwork, but I will take care of that. You
can live in one of the accommodations in the shelter home premises, and
we’ll provide you with food from the common mess.’ He sounded eager
which was in contrast with his ever neutral tone.
He really wanted me to be there.
‘Okay, Mr Durrani, give me some time to think about it. I will call
you back,’ I said.
I hung up. The ball was truly in my court.
There was something about this offer that was making me think,
pulling me to pack my stuff and leave this concrete jungle of dead selfish
people at once. Maybe I was just cynical but there was something amiss in
the city for sure. Maybe I was gloomy or something as I had really loved this
city once. It would hardly matter to anyone if I left the city or jumped off a
cliff, except that, it would take a lot of persuading to convince my parents.
I was seriously worried that they would disown me after this.
I had always been reckless, but recently it was like I had detached
myself from any parental bonds. Though I never intended it to be that way,
my hectic work life and inner turbulences kept me from sharing my heart
with them. I hadn’t allowed them to share their concerns with me either. To
seek their advice and guidance is what parents expect from their kids. And it
only makes sense because they have accumulated valuable knowledge over
the years to pass on to their kids. I really did not know how to break the
news to them. But I had to do it if I was going to move in two days, so I
dialled my mom’s number immediately because she was a better option than
Dad.
‘Hello Mom,’ I said.
‘Hello beta.’ Her voice sounded like jingles to me. She surely lit up
on the other side of the phone.
‘Riya, what is this? I called you at least fifteen times yesterday but
you did not bother to take or return my calls. What is keeping you so busy
now that you have left your job? Do we raise kids so that they don’t even
take their parent’s phone call?’ she said.
‘Mom! We just talked two days ago and I told you guys that I am
safe, sound, healthy, eating and sleeping well. I cannot update you daily.’ I
tried to defend my unseemly behaviour.