Lost dreams

Rohit's parents stood outside a large school building which was a NEET exam centre.

'What a big school!'Rohit's mother exclaimed.

'Should I take you back to the hotel?'the autodriver asked.

'Yes'Rohit's father said as they stepped inside the auto,'Rohit must be waiting for us.Have you tried his phone?'

'I tried but he is not picking up' Rohit's mother said looking worried.

'Oh he must be studying.I told him to complete his revisions but he leaves everything for the last minute.'

'He has worked very hard this time.I am very proud of him' Rohit's mother said with a despondent smile.

'I am too. I talked to his teachers at the coaching institute.Even they were surprised to see Rohit so changed.'

'Oh you are too hard on him.He has changed too much.' Rohit's mother said looking at him.

'Someday he had to become serious.He couldn't fool around with that camera all his life now could he?'

'But he loved it so much.'Rohit's mother said looking at him.

'So what? Photography won't feed him for the rest of his life. It was good that he realized his potential and set his goals. I have no doubt that he will do his best tomorrow.' Rohit's father said and looked away.

They didn't talk for the rest of the journey.

On reaching the hotel, they saw a a police van and an ambulance standing outside.The hotel owner was talking to a police inspector.He came running when he saw them.He looked distressed.

Rohit's father only heard snaps of what the owner said for he felt a pressure building up in his brain that blocked all his sensations.His wife had put her head on his shoulders and was crying hysterically.He tried to feel the new pen in his breast pocket that he had bought for his son but couldn't feel anything.It felt as if the pen had melted and dissolved into his body.