CHARACTER STUDY (I)

It had been one full week since she applied to Berkeley, but nothing. A week and a half. Two weeks. The time was flying and she felt like she was aging every single day. “Mom, did dad bring mail today?” she asked, desperate yet anxious. “Yes, and there was nothing in it, honey,” her mom replied, heartbroken. But suddenly, and unexpectedly, that day came. It was a Saturday morning, with Naiomi idly sitting on the couch, expressionless – just a blank look on her face. This dark brown haired, 5 feet 2 inches, 17 year-old was the most stressful and over expecting student one could ever imagine. “Naiomi, I think I have something for you,” hinted her mom. She slightly turned her head towards her, and saw a simple, white, envelope in her hand addressed to Naiomi Niraj Desai. “Ms. Naiomi Desai, Congratulations! It is our pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted…” she stopped midway, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Ac-cc-eepp-ted to the University of California, Berkeley.” She was finally able to finish the sentence off. “Mom? Wha..? How? I mean, is this real? Am I dreaming? I can’t believe it!” Even though she was the most over expecting individual, she has always been unable to believe that whatever she has received and will in the future, she completely deserves it.

It has been 3 months since that day. She’s now packing her last box – teary eyed. She looked around her room, sat down on the bed and just sobbed – she couldn't hold it in. Her mom walks in to see her cry and sits next to her. “I can’t do it mom. I can’t leave this place. These photo frames, these books, these clothes, this bed, and even these walls – they all have a piece of me connected. I can’t let it go mom. And most importantly, I can’t leave you guys.” She had poured her heart out but it still wasn't enough. She wanted to keep talking, wanted to keep crying, wanted to keep living in that house but her mom interrupted her. “Are you crazy? You’re basically saying that I did all that hard work for nothing? I suffered through all those obstacles and hurdles in life for nothing? Naiomi, separation is hard but necessary. You only have to move 5 hours away from us and you’re crying saying it’s hard. Can you imagine what your dad must’ve went through when he left his parents all the way across the world, in India? Sweetie, if you won’t go there, you will not be able to see the world with your own eyes. You won’t be able to understand it, and if you can’t do that, then how will you make a difference? We’re born learners and we have to grasp every opportunity to make every learning experience memorable, okay?” “Mm-hmm.” Naiomi sniffled. “Good. At least now I’ll be able to get rid of you. You know, you should really leave us alone sometimes.” “MOM!” The duo shared a laugh and a hug. “Now hurry up, it’s time to go.”

“Okay, is that all?” “Yes, Dad!” “Okay then, you ready?” Naiomi looked around and shook her head. “But I will be.” She looked at her mom and smiled. The garage door started to open with a bang. The car door opened and slammed shut. The car engine started with a roar. Naiomi glanced back at her mom, who nodded at her. She was closing the door. “Mom, wait!” “What, did you forget something?” “Yes, something really important.” She sprinted upstairs and came with a picture of the three of them. “I need your terrifying eyes, scaring me every morning when I wake up.” She snickered. “Well, I should be offended but I’m actually contended,” said her mom, laughing. “Should we go?” They both held hands and sat in the car. The journey had begun, with both of her parents by her side, but Naiomi will have to leave the nest to learn how to fly.