A Few Innocent Questions

Suresh and Anupama are both very successful professionals. In their companies, people vouch for the hard work, dedication and professionalism they bring onto the table...

Both put in lot of time and effort to every task given to them... If someone had to show as successful young couple, it would be them.

Suresh was into Sales and had to travel extensively on work and towards the month end; you don't have ask him when he will return from work. He used to work as if there is no tomorrow.

He was handsomely paid and his incentive was extremely good. Anupama, on other hand, was software professional and was doing well for herself...

Happy nuclear family!! No major financial issue purchased a beautiful Villa in Hyderabad and all comfort at home.

Added to this they had their yearly holidays as well...All in all, a very happy family.

They had a son Harsha studying in 4th grade, in an international school, smart boy and was doing well at school.

He was good at Arts and Crafts but weak in Maths and Science...

Suresh and Anupama had tried all tricks to see if he can improve his grades in Maths and Science, but failed. He used to go for tuitions as well. After his school and tuitions, he would spend most of his time watching TV, playing on the Mobile or X box, and he also used to sketch. He would be alone at home till Anupama or Suresh came home from work.

Due to the responsibility, Suresh and Anupama used to come late. After his school and tuitions, when Harshaa comes home, maid will serve him with milk and some biscuits to eat.

He had all the comforts at home but was not allowed to go out until his parents returned. Usually they would reach after 9 pm (Travel from office itself used to take an hour and half).

The other day Suresh had a tough time at office. After reaching home, he was going to his room to change when he saw Harsha's performance card on the dining table. As usual his marks were good in all subjects except Maths and Science. Harsha, as his daily routine, was watching his favorite cartoon show, enjoying and laughing at his top pitch. Seeing this Suresh became upset and spoke to himself "look at this boy, got low grades and still has no regrets...happily watching TV, when will he improve!!!" He called Harsha twice but Harsha was fully engrossed in the program. He either didn't hear or ignored his dad's calls...Suresh got angry!! He went into the room and switched off the TV and screamed at Harsha...

Suresh started asking about his performance. He asked, "What is that you have not been provided, why you are unable to get good grades?" He continued, "You are in one of the best schools, you attended remedial classes but you still can't perform." He further added, "Do you know how much money we are spending on you for all this? Do you understand how difficult it is to make money? How many hours we have to slog to get you this money and comfort? What is that you do is always on cartoon, mobile or with colors and drawing. Do you have any respect for us? Even if we manage to reach home early, you are busy with your TV or games..."

Listening to this Anupama walked in and asked Suresh to cool down, He turned at her and asked, "Did you see his grades and gave the card to her. Harsha feeling sad, tears flowing down his cheek was standing with his head down, expecting his Mom also to scold him. Suresh went into the room and switched on the TV and started listening to News. Anupama, pulled Harsha to herself and said, "Don't worry, son. Don't cry we will do better next time and took him close her chest. Harshaa felt good and he hugged his mother and broke down...

Anupama gave Harsha dinner and put him to sleep in his room...

Later both of them also had dinner, by this time Suresh had cooled down and said, I think I was little harsh on him!!! May be I had a bad day and looking at the report card I got more wild. I should buy him a toy tomorrow!!! Anupama nodded her head in consensus. Suresh went into Harsha’s room and sat on his bedside staring at him for a long time.

Next day being Sunday everyone got up late but Harsha was awake early. He tried doing his Maths homework but was unable to do. He was not sure what to do. His books were all scattered in the room. Harsha was quite, sitting in his room and started playing with bley bley. He is pretty crazy about them. Listening to sound from Harsha's room, Anupama went to his room and asked "What are you doing so early on a Sunday morning?" Harsha was quite, he didn't answer, was focusing on his game. She came close him and sat beside him. He didn't even look at her. She is not used to him sitting quite so she ran hand through his hair affectionately and asked what happened to my sweetie..??? 

She asked, "Why are the books scattered?" He looked at her and asked, "Are you going to scold me for this also." I was trying to do my homework. She knew he was still angry for yesterday's incident. She said, "We are planning to go out to the mall to buy you a toy. Then we plan to take you to your favorite restaurant for lunch. Let us finish the homework fast and get ready. He was in no mood to listen. He turned his back to his Mom and said, "I am not keen, I don't want you to waste money on me."

Anupama was shocked. She was not happy. She said, "Harsha, this is not good, from where are you learning all this? We have not taught you this, are you in a bad company. Harsha in a low tone asked, "Mom, where are you guys to teach me anything?"

Anupama went mum. She was shocked with his murmur. She didn't know how to react to that statement, she froze at her place. Gathering herself she wanted to say things to Harsha meanwhile he interrupted her and said, "Mom, can I say something, will you listen and not waiting for her answer he continued...

Dad and you have so many questions for me all the time; can I ask you a few questions???? 

She curiously said, "Why not, son, you can ask any question you want and I will answer you honestly..."

Both of them sat on his cot facing each other. Initially Harsha was hesitant, looking at this Anupama tried to convince him and said, "Don't worry son, you can ask me anything, I will not say anything to you. I promise. Having that assurance he slowly asked.....

"Mom! Dad always ask, all the time you are watching TV or playing Games on ipad or Xbox, tell me what else should I do?" I am not allowed to go out and there is no one else in the house, I feel bugged alone. What should I do the whole evening? After you and dad come back, you also sit and watch TV till late night. All the time, News...then why are you asking me? Otherwise dad would be talking to someone or the other on his mobile...isn't he? 

Anupama still quite...

"Mom, I know I am not good at some subjects but I am trying to do my best. You tell me how can I improve?" 

"Were you good at all subjects? Were you first in class? Did you never have less mark? Was dad always first in his class? He asked innocently....

Before Anupama could say anything, he continued with his queries, "Are you the topper of your office? Is there no one above you and dad? Is he the top boss of his office? You have never shown your report card of your office to me....are you both getting first rank in your office?

Removing his anguish, he continued to ask his mother, "Mom, you say you & dad are working so hard in office, do you know how much I work hard at school? From morning till evening without break they go on with teaching us and then I have to go to tuitions also. You can speak to your friend, I have seen your pictures in canteen and you also go out to malls. You take breaks in office. What do I do, we are not even allowed to talk in class. Teacher always says, "Pin drop silence." After school they give homework which I have to complete, sometimes even projects also. Now, you tell me mom, are you working hard or am I working hard??"

Anupama said "You / Oh my baby..." She wanted to talk to him to remove all his thought out of his mind...

"Dad asked me who the Chief Minister is. I didn't know...I agree but why should I remember him? Does dad know how many Pokemon are there? Which is my favorite Pokemon? Which is the most powerful one?

Anupama noded with a "NO".

"See, you both don’t know anything of "MY WORLD," "Ok. Do you know what my favorite cartoon character is?? Which color I like?" She jumped with an answer saying "Blue." Harsha sadly noded in disbelief and said, "Mom, it was when I was in 2nd class now I like Red...."

Innocently he continued, "Dad asked do you have respect for us?" "Mom, tell me why should I respect you?"

That was a big one for her to handle...

After a minute silence, he proudly said, "I love you both not respect..."

(Just Imagine if the next statement had not come, how can I answer that to my son?)

In the same breath he said "I have made friend with cartoons as I have no friends to go out and play. I spend time on X box as I don't find you both to spend time with, I am learning from others as you are not there to teach...." 

Harsha was quite for some time. Anupama again wanted to say something but he interrupted and said, "I have saved some money from my pocket money and whatever grandparents have given to me, I want to buy a gift. Can you give me?"

Anupama swallowing her tears said, "Baby anything you ask for...."

He runs to his cupboard, brings his piggyback opens and counts his money. It has close to Rs.2789/- with him. Happily hands it over to Anupama and requested, "Mom, I want to you both to work for me for a day, as you work in office. Only with me and in my office I don't want you to bring your mobiles and laptops. You have to come with white papers, color pencils, ball and bat. Will this money be enough for a day's salary...???

Anupama breaks down, hugs her little one and said, "Sure son, you don't have to pay me I will be there whole day with you....and carries him out of room.

Suresh overheard everything standing outside the door with tears in his eyes................