Dad arrives home after a long day of arduous work. As he takes a seat, bringing back the train of thoughts from all the frustrating things that happened with him away from home and adjusts himself for the things that might happen at home, Roshan, his 21-year-old son appears after a few moments with puppy eyes intended to make a request that might require several attempts to be granted.

 

 

“Dad, can you please give me Rs 500?" asks Roshan softly, trying to appear as naive as possible. “What for?” enquires the inquisitive dad not raising a brow. “Was planning to meet my friends over weekend,” the boy replies, a total nervous wreck, avoiding eye contact and twiddling with his fingers. “Hmm... Fine, I will give you money but make sure to spend every rupee efficiently,” advises dad. After expressing his gratitude, Roshan dashes in his room excitedly, the anxiousness he had in front of his father minutes ago leaves his body.

 

 

Events take a complete three-sixty degree turn when he meets his friends. Roshan is a part of a group of three, all having different lifestyles. One of them is happy with his internship for the time being as he studies in a reputed degree college getting good grades while the other who helps his dad in his family business and gets a fair share of the amount of efforts he puts into it while also being pretty contended with his ongoing studies. Speaking about Roshan, he struggles in studies as well as dependent on his parents to meet his personal expenses. When the three friends meet over weekend, the sources of income of each of them are quite evident to Roshan not because the other two constantly brag about it but because reality strikes him as he takes himself on a guilt trip when he observes them leading a satisfying life.

 

 

A glow clearly visible on their faces while he lives off every materialistic thing at the cost of his middle-class dad’s blood, sweat and tears. Every bite of food becomes difficult to swallow. Movie nights become a nightmare when the price of his ticket flashes in his mind. With a heavy heart he shops for clothes for himself. What kind of weekend is it when he isn’t able to enjoy to the fullest? But whatsoever guilt he might feel lasts momentarily and the cycle of bothering dad continues. Calling out to all the 18+ youngsters out there, this story doesn’t intend to take anyone downhill as Roshan took himself. Our lives are ours to live but not by depending on others for the smallest of things. Parents are always present to show us the correct path to achieve our goals but ultimately we are the ones who tread it. They might help by making it easier that doesn’t mean we should take advantage of them.

 

 

Our parents must’ve already spent lakhs on our education and future, which might’ve included working extra hours. We shouldn’t add on to their misery by demanding anything more. Earning money itself is a huge responsibility which is a step closer to making oneself independent. If taking that responsibility can ease the burden on our families then why not? As far as studies are concerned that is just a blatant excuse to avoid the responsibility. The person who has will power can multi-task and still achieve success in everything one does.