“TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE.”

“TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE.”
John Denver
Kavita was a very bright girl, sharp, diligent and chirpy. Since a few days however, she very quiet and lost. Observing her disoriented behaviour Mrs. Khanna her tuition teacher asked her if everything was okay. She dismissed Mrs. Khanna’s concern on the pretext of a casual headache. The abnormal behaviour persisted and Mrs. Khanna was determined to find out what had happened to cause it. That evening, when Kavita came for tuition, she was surprised to see that Mrs. Khanna’s dining table, where they sat daily, studying science had no books, copies or pens. There instead, lay a tray with two cups of aromatic filter coffee accompanied by freshly baked carrot cake. As they both sat on the dining table sipping the coffee Mrs. Khanna asked,” What is the matter Kavita? You haven’t been yourself for the past few days.”
“Things haven’t been good on the home front Mrs. Khanna”, she began slowly, with a heavy heart.
“My parents come from a small village. Fifteen years ago we moved to the town because my father got a good job. He worked very hard and made a good place for himself in his company. Within a few years he became indispensable. Mother took care of the house and me with utmost dedication but somehow couldn’t adapt herself to the town life.”
“Dad’s stature and authority increased and the company posted him to the head office in Bangalore. They have provided him with a beautiful house, personal car and a lot of other perks.” said Kavita.
“That’s incredible! What’s the worry then?”, asked Mrs. Khanna.
“The problem is that mother doesn’t want to change herself anymore. She refuses to go to Bangalore. Mother is stuck up with her previous life, she doesn’t want to adapt and change as per the situation. ”
“The problem is so aggravated that they both don’t even speak to each other. It’s been three months since they spoke”, said Kavita, full of despair.
Mrs. Khanna looked at Kavita. Raising Kavita’s chin up with her fingers Mrs. Khanna said,” Kavita, you should not be depressed. Adults sometimes get caught in their ego’s. It’s a matter that your parents will address to their best abilities because they both love you. Perhaps, right now they are doing some soul-searching themselves, finding answers to their dilemmas. You see only when they can take care of themselves first will they be able to take care of each other.”
“You, however, must leave this matter up to them and not worry yourself with things out of your control. Your concern should be your studies and career and how you will carve a niche for yourself in the world. Harness your talents and cultivate them into your strengths.”, said Mrs. Khanna.
” Whatever has happened, put it aside, and look ahead. Both of them will be together to share your happiness and success”, said Mrs. Khanna.
That night Kavita pondered over what Mrs. Khanna had said. Indeed her success and happiness could bring them together because they both loved her very much. They would be there to celebrate every little achievement of hers, she knew it too well.
Next day when Kavita came for tuition she was her old self, chirpy and cheerful.
“You look much better today!”, remarked Mrs. Khanna.
“I do feel much lighter after shedding the burden”, said Kavita, “Sometimes we try to control everything and lose ourselves amidst all that and we need someone to remind us of the very basics.”
“Thank you Mrs. Khanna. Today is the first day of the rest of my life!”, said Kavita opening her science book.