And Tears rolled down!
Vedika is sitting in-front of the big makeup mirror in a green room of the biggest auditorium in New York City. She is here in the City That Never Sleeps for an Indian classical dance performance. Today, she is a celebrity and one of the renowned Bharatanatyam dancers and performs all over the country.
But this was not the scene as she is not a celebrity child neither she comes from any well-off family. She is a small-town girl. But with a big dream to achieve. Born to the parents in a simple middle class joint family that too in a small town, achieving her dream was quite a challenge.
Vedika, from her childhood, was told that she should learn how to manage a family as one day that would be her destiny when she would be married and go to her in-law’s house. But it was her father who was always beside her. Vedika expressed her desire to become a Bharatanatyam dancer only to her father and her father, though brought up in a conservative family and society, supported his daughter.
It was not a smooth sail when Vedika and her father had to break the ice in front of the entire family. Not a single member of the family was in support of her desire.
Her grandmother said, “Arre, shaadi ke baad nach ke apne pati aur baccho ka pet palegi?” (After marriage, would you feed your husband and children by dancing?)
Her mother also opposed.
Vedika was seeing her dreams getting shattered. She was feeling suffocated and ran to the roof, crying. She was looking at the open sky and thinking to touch the stars. But she feels like the stars are going even far away. Her father came and put his palm on Vedika’s shoulder. The gesture was something like an assurance that no matter what her father would always be there for her.
That week, Vedika was supposed to meet the renowned Bharatanatyam teacher in the nearby town. She was under the mindset that the meeting wouldn’t happen as everyone in her house are dead oppose to her dreams. But destiny has some other plans. Her father went to the dance institute to meet the dance teacher and made all the arrangements by himself and get Vedika admitted to the dancing school.
When Vedika got to know about this from her father she was joyous and that was the most cheerful moment for little Vedika.
Vedika asked her father, “How’ll I go for the classes every day? What’ll we tell at home?”
But her father had plans.
Vedika’s father gathered everyone in the house and spilled the beans. He said that he has got a good teacher for Vedika. But she needs to travel to the nearby town in the morning, attend her coaching class and on the way back go to school. She’ll be back home only after her school is over.
There were no objections form Vedika’s family as they had no problem with her studies.
From the next day, Vedika’s hard work started. Everyday she wakes up at 5 am and get ready for her daily routine. It’s not just Vedika who was doing the hard work. Her father was also equally involved with her. He takes Vedika every day to the dance class, wait for her to finish her class and take her to school before he goes to office.
Days, months, and years passed like this. Today, Vedika completes her 12th class and she has scored good in the exams. Everyone in the family is happy for her not just for her good result in exam. But also, they can now look for a match to get her married.
Vedika’s father thought that it’s now time to uncover the secret that the father-daughter were covering up for last 6 years. And why not. With great training and dedication, today Vedika is one of the finest students in her dancing institute.
READ HERE: More from my Blogging Activities
Vedika’s father broke the ice and told everyone in the family what the fact was all these years. All of them were just stunned hearing that and of course got offended too. After hours of heated argument Vedika’s grandmother and uncle gave judgement that she should now stop going anywhere till she gets married and stay at home.
This was not acceptable by Vedika’s father. Against everyone’s will he gets Vedika admitted to the college in the town where her dance institute is. Vedika continues her studies and pursuing her dream of being a renowned Indian classical dancer.
Five years passed like this. Vedika completed her graduation and post-graduation. And at the same time, with her dedication and hard work she has become one of the finest classical dancers. She has performed in many well-known shows in different cities in the country. Vedika’s name and fame took her to big cities in India. There are hundreds and thousands of her admirers all over the country today.
Today, first time she is performing in a show outside India. She’ll become an International star in the field of Indian classical dance. Today, everyone in her family is so proud of her, who some years ago were dead opposite to Vedika’s passion.
Vedika’s family members, including her father, are sitting in front of the TV to see her performing in an International arena. Finally, Vedika’s performance starts.
And Tears rolled down from her father’s eyes!!
This post is written for #StorytellersBlogHop FEB 2021 by Ujjwal & MeenalSonal
Good that Vedika at least had her father’s support… Behind every story of success there is just that one support that helps you achieve the stars.
Yes, absolutely true. It is quite difficult to achieve one’s dreams with the right support.
Shamik!! I read you after a long time friend. How are you?
This story is so so nice. Another NYC story! I am just loving the way you have narrated your piece.
Thanks Romila. I’m good. Hope you are doing well too. I’m glad you liked the story. First time tried my hands in writing a fiction 🙂
Vedika was lucky to have a supportive father. Sometimes, unconventional fields have struggles but if someone is focused and determined then sky is the limit.
Yes absolutely. Thanks for reading the post and sharing your comment.
I’m so glad Vedika could realize her dreams and make her country and family proud of her extraordinary feats. If the girl child is supported and encouraged, sky is the limit for her dreams, ambitions and achievements!
True that. It’s family , especially the parents need to realize that.
Loved the story and indeed it was great to see that Vedika got support from her father to fulfill her dreams. in our country, we need more men like her father who support their family’s girls and women to go ahead and achieve what they want in their lives.
Very true Surbhi… And not just men in the family but women in the family too need to empathise with their girl child in the family. Thanks for reading the story. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
A well-narrated story of sheer hard work and dedication. Enjoyed reading about fulfilment of dreams against all odds.
Thanks Aditi. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Vedika and many more people with a dedicated passion needs support of the loved ones and once they get that then no milestone is big for them. Shamik, you have taken the story forward in very natural way.
Thank you so much Meenal-Sonal. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
A lovely story of a father and daughter bond and his pride in his daughter. Your story reminds me of the story of miss india runner up.
Thanks Neha. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Wish all vedikas had such loving and supportive fathers. Lovely positive story.
Deepika Sharma
Thanks Deepika. Yes absolutely. I agree with you on this point. If that would have been the case then ALL Vedika wouldn’t had to go through the struggle, especially within the family to achieve their dream.
Such a strong narrative portraying and I dian daughter’s life from a small place. There are still many places and families who oppose educating a girl child or help her achieve her goals. Great story Shamik!
Thank you so much Seema. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Yes there are many many where still a girl child is not supported at all whether it’s there education or their passion. After more than 70 years of independence the situation is still the same in this regard 🙁
Beautiful heart-touching story of the exceptional bond of father and daughter. Happiness is when your hard work pays off. this story firmed my belief in the famous saying by Frank Ocean, “Work hard in silence, let your success make the noise.”
Absolutely true!! You should give your hard work and dedication and let your success do the talking. I’ve seen many such instances in my life.
Thank you so much Archana for your kind words. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Her dad’s belief, love and trust are a girl’s true riches. Glad that her dad was the boost that strengthened her and her dreams.
Very true. I being a father of my little princess I feel that from within.
I wish every big dream girl and boy get a parent like this. Such a feel good post!!
Thank you so much Sadvika. I’m glad that you like the story 🙂
Many times we do not get to pursue our dreams because of parental & society’s pressure. It is nice to see that Vedika’s father supported her and when the time came also stood up to the family to make her dreams a reality.
True that Vasumathi. I being a father of a girl child I can relate to the story and your comment very well.
I really liked the message in your story. Progressive and breaking stereotypes – well written!
Thank you so much Prerna for your kind words. I’m glad you liked the story.
Passion & hard work can take us places, but family’s support can do wonders. Lovely story, Shamik.
Yes, absolutely true Nitisha. I’m glad you liked the story.
Achieving what you love is the best thing that can happen to one’s life. Nice Story
Absolutely. I’m glad you liked the story.
Thank God Vedika’s father supported her and kept her dreams alive . Not many are this fortunate ! Well written and I loved the positive story !
Thank you so much Chinmayee for your kind words. I’m glad you liked the story.
Wonderful I hope every little girl’s father support their daughter in the same way. It is a beautiful story indeed.
True Neha. I too hope that.
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
What a story about the dedication and hard work of a father. Typically this is one area that is not told most of the times
Very true Suhasini. I chose this theme, which is close to my heart since I’m a father of my little princess 🙂
I’m glad that you like the story.
If you have a guardian angel like Vedika’s father in your life, dreams will definitely come true!
Yes Noor, that’s absolutely true. But unfortunately there are not many like Vedika’s father.
Now this is such a powerful story of determination, dedication and love between the father and daughter. Kudos to the father who fought for his daughter and made her what she is today. Beautiful read!
Thanks so much Amritha. I’m glad you liked the story and took time to comment on the same 🙂
What a lovely story! I hope there are more fathers like Vedika’s out there who support their daughters to break barriers and make a mark for themselves internationally.
I totally agree with you Varsha. In today’s time also there are parents who thinks what will a daughter do with higher studies or pursuing their dreams Ultimately, they have to get married, go to their husband’s house, look after the family and rear children. That cannot be a daughter’s life journey. I’m completely against this belief.
I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Dedication and hard work can take you to places and the content you get out of it is immeasurable. I am glad her father was supportive and she pursued her dreams.
True that. It is necessary that you don’t loose your focus no mater what the circumstances is. Vedika also did the same. Thanks fore reading the story and sharing your thoughts.
This story reminds me of my dad, he used to take me for my Kathak classes and always supported all my decisions…Loved this story from the core of my heart!!
That was awesome to know Ruchi. It’s such coincidental that it relates to you somewhere 🙂
I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Good to know that Vedika was able to illustrate her dreams due to her unending support of her father. Inspiring.
Thank you so much Ila. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
That’s such a beautiful story Shamik. All one needs is little encouragement and a push from family to pursue their dreams and then nothing can stop you from flying high.
Yes, absolutely true Hansa. That encouragement and push is very much required whether it’s from family, friends or some one else. That really helps. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Nicely written story of the relationship between the father and daughter. Interesting take on the prompt. Glad to connect through the StoryTellers Blog Hop.
Thanks Mayura. I’m glad you liked the story. Yes, why should the tears be of due to sadness, it can be “khusi k aasoon” (tears of joy) too 🙂
There are times when our parents do not understand the depth of our dreams. I am so glad that Vedika’s father did understand it finally.
True and that’s really sad for those children. Thanks for reading the story 🙂
Such a positive story.
So happy for Vedika.
Truly appreciate her father, who has been her pillar of support.
It’s tough to achieve great heights. But, dedication, hard-work and support makes it possible.
Yes, true that Anita. When you have father who is supportive one can achieve heights. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Such a positive story this one is, only if fathers like Vedika’s show courage, girls can achieve mountains. Hope this story acts like a catalyst for many reading it.
Thanks Dipika for your encouraging words. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂
Hopefully, this story can ignite some positive feelings to the minds of the parents who don’t think that daughters too can have their dreams.
A very positive story. Vedika’s tale on performing arts, that is the untread path gives that push to children and parents reading your fiction, so that they can continue doing what they love and are good at.
Thank you so much Srishti for your comment. I’m glad you liked the story 🙂