>>> Image of Jessica and Mahi >>>

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*Jessica P.O.V.*

"Ma!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, the sound echoing throughout the flat.

There was no answer. Where could she be?

"Ma, where are you?" I called out again.

She replied calmly, but loudly, "I'm in the kitchen, beta."

Classic mom; she almost never raised her voice. I guess I got the loud voice from my father.

"Ma!" I squealed as I ran into the kitchen. I hugged her and attempted to control the tears of joy cascading down my cheeks.

I felt excited, more alive than, I had ever thought possible.

My mother looked at me, a concerned expression in her dark brown eyes. She switched off the stove. I glanced down at the pan filled with yellow dal for lunch.

Yummy, spicy daal (pulse).

"Jessica Kapoor," she asked in a serious and harsh tone as she set the spoon down, "What happened? And why are you shouting so much? Don't you know we have neighbors? They'll-"

"Ma, listen," I interrupted her. This is the best day of my life, and I won't let anyone stop me from living it.

Resting my hands on her shoulders, I squealed with excitement. "I got it, Ma! I GOT IT! I'm so happy; I can't even believe this! I am so . . ." I trailed off.

My heart pumped faster as adrenaline rushed through my veins. There were butterflies in my stomach, but I was beyond thrilled.

I couldn't find the right way to share the good news. I couldn't even believe it myself. This was the solution to all of my problems-our problems.

"Wait, what happens? You got what?" my mother asked, lifting one of her eyebrows in confusion.

I took a deep breath and continued, grinning widely. "Ma, Ma, Ma! My scholarship-it's approved! I'm going to NYU! Can you believe it? Now everything will be fine." I squealed again as I finished.

Ma stared at me nervously and then looked around. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with the corner of her saree. Her reaction confused me. I had told her about this scholarship two months ago.

The scholarship! This would let me complete my Master's degree in Journalism at NYU. The very place where Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie studied.

This was big news for me since I lived in North Delhi, India in a 2BHK (bedroom-hall-kitchen) flat in a well-settled society. Coming from a middle-class family, I knew we could not afford foreign education and the only way to get it was through scholarship. Getting a scholarship would get me a few steps closer to my dream job. We would have the money to not only live a good life but would also help my father, since he had health issues and was planning to retire from his clerical job in five years.

My mother didn't reply. She just stared at me with her lips pursed, and right then, I knew it was her serious face.

What's wrong with her?

"Ma, what's wrong? How come you're not happy?" I asked nervously.

I needed this scholarship. I needed it more than anything, especially right now. My mother was the last person I wanted, out of everyone, to stop me from pursuing my dream.

"No, it's not about that, beta," she said as she slowly shook her head. "I'm so proud of you, really. It's . . . it's just, going to New York, you know? In a foreign country? I can't allow that to happen," She sighed.

My jaw slightly dropped from the shock of the words that trailed out of her mouth. "Ma, what are you saying?"

It was impossible. She was behaving oddly.

She huffed without answering my question and turned around.

"Why are you being so dramatic?" I shouted, feeling so exasperated that my heart began beating fast from the tension.

I couldn't lose this chance.

She stopped dead in her tracks and glared at me.

"Dramatic? You think I'm being dramatic? You're the one thinking about going to New York all by yourself and the worst part is, you don't know anyone there! On top of that, we won't be able to see you! America is a different world, Jessica! Don't you understand?" She stopped for few seconds, realizing how loud her voice was and took some slow, deep breaths.

Then she sighed and buried her head in her hands. "Those foreigners, I don't know how they will treat you. I heard they don't like Indians. I just can't let you go."

I growled, frustrated. How can she not understand that this is what I want to do with my life? I want to help our family, and this is the only way for that to happen.

"Ma, you are overreacting. I'm twenty-one years old; I'm not a child anymore. I can handle myself. And if they didn't like Indians, then they wouldn't have approved my scholarship. Please, Ma. Try to understand. This scholarship is very important to me, and for all of us. I have to do this for my brother and for you and dad," I pleaded, nearly dropping to my knees.

My father needed my help. If my brother, Roy wanted to be a doctor, all of our savings would go to support his studies. The only way to pursue my career is to follow this scholarship to NYU.

"I know you are going to go no matter what I say. I know you want to earn big money and support us, but you don't need to do that. We will find another way," Mom also pleaded with me.

"Ma, there is no other way!" I shouted, and she flinched. I had never yelled at her before today.

She looked hurt, but I tried to ignore her feelings and continued, "My dream is now only a step away, and I can't let you stop me. I need to go, please. Please, Ma. Let me go."

As I looked into my mother's eyes, beads of tears fell as she sobbed. Now I felt guilty for yelling, I attempted to console her.

However, she backed away. "I know, beta, but how . . . can . . . I allow you?" my mom finally choked out.

"I'm not trying to be selfish, but you will be there for two years. Who will take care of you? Your scholarship will only cover your educational expenses. What about other expenses? Since you will be in a high-class college, you will definitely need more clothes, plus enough food. You need to have a lot of money for that. How will you manage?" She paused to control her tears.

"I will get a part-time job for that. Don't worry, I have that covered. I found some vacancies online, and I applied. They will select me for sure. I will miss you to death, Ma. You know I love you; it's just, this is necessary. You have to be strong, especially because I didn't tell Papa (father) and Bhai (brother) about the news. I don't want to argue anymore. I'm going, and that is final."

I knew I was being rude, but that was the only option I had. I even lied about the job plan. Honestly, I hadn't even thought about it. I could never confess that to Ma; she was already worried enough. I have to show her that I have this perfectly planned and that I will be safe and happy there.

"Jo mann mai aye, vo karo. Meri sunta kaun hai iss ghar mai," She muttered angrily. I rolled my eyes at her typical dialogue.

Mother and their emotional blackmail dialogues.

Ma said nothing after that. She knew that I had already decided and I would never back out.

I'm way more stubborn than she is.

She simply shook her head and went back to the work. I felt bad. I wanted to hug her, but I knew that she wouldn't let me. Instead, I went back to my small room, which I shared with my younger brother, and rang my closest friend, Mahi. I dialed her number and on the third ring, she answered.

"Hey, Mahi! What's up?" I greeted, as casually as I could.

It almost seemed like that fight never happened. Almost.

"Hey, Jazz!" she greeted back, as bubbly as usual.

According to her, the name Jessica was a bit lengthy and vintage, so as a result, she had started calling me Jazz.

"I was just reading Chetan's new book. Did you make it?"

I know she was asking for the scholarship since she was the one who reminded me to check the results. Mahi was my best friend. We had been together since nursery. She was the only one whom I could trust.

I smiled, despite the fact that I was still upset. The thought of me making it to my dream college will never get old.

"Yes, I did! Can you believe it?" I exclaimed.

Mahi snickered. "Of course! I can believe it because I found out ages ago."

I rolled my eyes. This isn't unusual behavior coming from Mahi.

"You knew, and you didn't even tell me? How did you find out?" I faked anger.

I could hear Mahi laugh in the background. "I might have schmoozed one of the people working there over the phone."

"Oh my god, Mahi! Is that even legal? You need to stop overpowering people like that. Now, get your ass over here so I can hug you."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming in ten." I heard her say, then I hung up.

I wanted to run, to shout, to tell everyone what was going to happen... but I had to wait. I need to convince my parents first.

Surprisingly, she came over exactly on time. Mahi wrapped her arms around me and hugged me immediately. I could see the tears welling up in her dusky eyes.

I knew she didn't want me to go, but since she was such a good friend, she would never tell me that.

"I'm so happy for you, Jazz! It's just, I'm going to miss you so much," she cried. "I don't know how I'll manage without you."

I didn't let go of her. "I know, but listen to me. I'm going to New York, not Mars."

Mahi gave a half-hearted giggle.

"We'll always keep in touch. I'll Skype you daily, and come home anytime I can," I said.

"Yeah, right! You'll be too busy chasing American boys. I heard foreign boys are hot!"

Mahi let go of me and squealed like a twelve-year-old, "Wow, Jazz! You're one lucky girl. And please don't forget to go shopping before you leave. You really need some clothes that weren't made last century." She rolled her eyes.

I playfully punched Mahi on the shoulder. Only friends could be like this. At first, Mahi was bawling her eyes out because I would be leaving; now she is going on about hot boys and clothes.

"Mahi, I'm only going there to study. That's it, and nothing else. I don't have time for stupid things like boys and clothes."

Although I would love to experience a fairytale romance, I have to remember the real reason why I'm attending NYU.

Mahi sighed dramatically, "Oh my God, Jazz! You're going to New York. Please live a little. And we're going shopping. There is no backing down on that."

"I've got enough clothes," I pointed out, "Plus, I don't want to waste money on such things."

I knew this quarrel was going nowhere; Mahi drives a tough bargain.

"Don't worry about money. It's on me, so it's like a farewell gift. And no, you don't. You only have these boring clothes. You are going to New York, you need more fashionable clothes like skirts, crop tops, and dresses."

"You know I don't wear those type of clothes," I said, placing my hands on my hips.

"Yeah but you can't wear your boring clothes like kurtis, t-shirts or suits there. You need trendy clothes." She crossed her arms.

"But what's wrong with my clothes? I don't want to replace them," I pouted, glancing at my reflection in the mirror.

With an average height of five foot-three, and ivory complexion, I wasn't that bad looking. I was wearing a denim shirt with black trousers which complimented my slim figure nicely... in my opinion, at least...

She rolled her eyes and said, "I'm not saying to replace them. I just want you to get some new ones so that you won't feel out of fashion."

"But-" I tried to protest but she interrupted me.

"I know you don't care about fashion, but there is no harm in getting some, right? You will need them, trust me. Now, shut your mouth and get ready! Because if not, I will drag you out myself! You know I will."

I let out a sigh and rubbed my forehead.

Of course she would; Mahi had already done that many times, and it's been embarrassing every time. She belonged to a rich family and, as a result, buying clothes for me was a daily task for her. I couldn't complain too much since she knows my style, but God save me! I don't know how much clothes she'll have me try on! I sighed again and walked into my room to get ready.

Five hours and fifty shopping bags later, I was finally home. I honestly don't know what she bought for me. I just kept trying on outfit after outfit that she personally selected for me.

As I entered the house, I found my father sitting on one of the couches, reading a newspaper in the living room. By the look on his face, I could tell that my mom had already cracked the news. At least I know my father won't stop me. He knows that I took a chance and that I can succeed.

Maybe that's why we are called our Father's princess', because no matter the circumstances, they won't let anything happen to us.

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Glossary -

Ma- Mother

Saree- Indian traditional wear for Married women

Bhai- Brother

Papa- Father

Beta- use by Indians for their kids or beloved.

Jo mann m aye vo karo..... -  Famous dialogue usually use by Indians.
(Do whatever you want to. Who cares for me in this house)

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