A Suicide

7:30AM
Shruti is nervous and Twitchy.
She has WASTED 45 minutes.
She was way too scared.
She has another 15 minutes to die.15 minutes before her parents return.
The pest-repellent is ready, ready to sip.

AN HOUR EARLIER
Shruti wakes up to answer her cell phone.
It’s an SMS, from a certain friend.
"YOU HAVE FAILED IN ENGLISH, 24/100".
She wonders where the ground beneath her feat has disappeared.
She is quick enough to recover.
What should I do next?
She finds an obvious answer.
She was a quick thinker.
Mom and Dad, would be going out for their morning walk in 15 minutes time.
That’s when, I will have to do it.
She was very intelligent.
In another 10 minutes, she mutters, after another quick glance at the watch
How did I fail?
The papers went well.
English shouldn't have been less than 65, she thinks.
But it’s lost now, she thinks,
Nothing can be done now.
It’s time to act now.
5 Minutes.
She lies on her bed.
Mom and Dad, leave for their Morning walk.
She hurriedly prepares a suicide note.
Her writing is wayward.
Not the usual neat Shruti that we know.
HER CRY IS BITTER, UNCONTROLLABLE AND SOFT.
It’s a small letter.

2 days ago.
They wait.

Shruti's DAD :- Shruti would definitely pass her 10th grade exams.
Why wouldn't she?
After all she never failed any exams.
Infact she does very well in her academic studies.
Has always been an above average student.
But this is an important exam.
She should do more than WELL to beat off competition.
Thers so much competition these days.
If she has to realise MY dream of becoming an ENGINEER.
She would definitely.
After all, I gave her the best tuitions that money could offer.
And I’m confident.
I trust her.
She won't fail me.
She has never failed me.
YA she would do well.
She would definitely do well.
and realise MY plans for her future.
She has a bright future she would become an ENGINEER.
I would be proud of her.
I would receive respect from everyone.
YES.
HE has confirmed her future.
HE is happy and sips another sip from his glass of wine.
Shruti is standing nearby,
She observes her dad.
She understands and knows the thoughts flowing through his head
She’s scared to measure up to expectations.

Shruti's mom:- I love Shruti, my only child. Very obedient and nice overall.
She would definitely not end up like me, in a kitchen.
She deserves better.
I want her to become a doctor.
According to Mrs. Malhotra that’s a very successful career.
I would be so proud of her.
My daughter wouldn't have an ordinary future.
She would realise MY dreams.
Would she?
OH definitely yes, why wouldn't she? she has always been good in her studies
And she told me her papers had gone well.
I shouldn't be nervous.
My darling daughter won't fail me.
She never has.
She will score well.
DR. Shruti Verma.

As Shruti watches, behind the blinding curtains.
She knows her mom too well and knows exactly what she’s thinking.
I hope I don't fail them.
She says a silent prayer

7:35AM, The Present Day.
Another 10 minutes to go.
She is sobbing.
Come on, Shruti, its now or never, she controls herself. DO IT.
She is shivering, holding the nervous glass in her hands.
ONE GULP.
ITS FINISHED.
THE GLASS LAY EMPTY.
SHE LAYS ON THE FLOOR WAITING.
IT STARTS..........................................................
.............IT ENDS.
TIMES UP.
OVER.

5 minutes later.
MOM AND DAD lay shocked besides her.
They know shes dead.
Withered away.
A substance of unrealised dreams.
Bye Shruti.

The Next Day,
She has just been burnt.
HER Dad holds her result.
ITS 86% aggregate.s
ENGLISH - 73/100.
The SMS was a hoax,
Fun for a certain friend.

"THINK TWICE,
IT’S ANOTHER DAY
FOR YOU AND ME
IN PARADISE"
- PHIL COLLINS.