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“Yes, but it is the Simha University, and you know how hard it is to get into it without an alumni recommendation.” She paused like she wanted to gauge how upset he was. “I’ve always dreamed about going there because that’s where you attended college.”
Her father was silent, and she waited for him to say something. As the silence continued, her anxiety grew. A moment later, she saw her uncle approach the study and was ecstatic knowing her dad’s younger brother would always take her side.
Perfect!
The sound of the heavy door opening made her father look away from her.
“What are you two doing in here?” Her uncle walked over to where they sat and took a seat in one of the chairs. Her father stayed silent, and her uncle looked at her. “What’s going on, Nami?”
Nami smiled. “I was telling Daddy that I got admitted into Simha University as an exchange student, and I really want to—”
“What?” her uncle interjected, looking angry. “Simha? Of all the universities in the world?”
Nami looked at her uncle, who she never thought could take that tone with her. Just like every other time, she had hoped her uncle would support her, but instead, he was the one objecting while her father remained silent as if processing her words.
How did her plan backfire like this?
“It’s my dream university,” she said, looking at her uncle with the puppy-eyes look that always melted him, but his expression told her it was not helping. “You went to Simha and so did Daddy.” She averted her eyes from her uncle to her father.
Her dad had not said a word since she had shared her intention to attend a semester at Simha. Her father looked at her for a long moment. “Simha? Why?”
“Daddy, it’s the best university in the world, and you know what it is like to attend Simha.” Nami looked desperately at her uncle for support. Her eyes held a desperate plea, but nothing seemed to change the intense looks on their faces.
“Nami,” it was her uncle who spoke again. “Don’t do this to us. Please drop the idea of attending Simha.”
She looked from her uncle to her father, yet again to find any signs of softness but nothing. “It is for one semester, please.”
Still no shift in their expressions.
“What other universities can you go to?” Her uncle seemed determined to change her mind.
“I’d rather not go to any other university and take a semester break.” Nami hoped that would get them to consider her request. But, yet again, they held the unreadable expression in silence.
Refusing to give up on her dream to attend Simha, she held a stubborn look on her face. “Daddy, you know how much I wanted to attend Simha, but I did not push for it because I know there is a history. I even applied for it secretly while in high school but never was admitted.”
She saw her father’s eyes widen. Half surprised, half angry, he maintained his composure.
“You did what?” It was her uncle who reacted again.
“Both of you, please understand why. It’s a matter of a few months, and if I attend Simha, you know it will be a boost to my…” her voice trailed off when she heard the door open.
Her grandma walked into the room, looking suspiciously at her sons and then at Nami. “What are you three talking about so secretively?”
Nami knew her grandma was a wild card, but she had to use every avenue she could to convince her father. “Naani, I want to attend college in India. We left the country when I was young, and I want to experience living and studying there for a semester.”
The elderly woman’s eyes glowed. “Really? India? That is wonderful.” She looked at her older son. “Your daughter is the only hope for this family.” She looked toward the group in the family room and added, “The other kids are brats and have no connection to India whatsoever. Such Englishmen they are.”
“Mamma, do you know where she wants to go?” Her uncle spoke up, but his voice was softer as he addressed his mother.
Nami’s grandma raised her hand, hushing her younger son. “Unless it is a place that is not safe for her, why can’t she go?”
All along, Nami watched her father, and just at that comment, she saw something shift in his eyes.
Was he considering her case?
She had to make hay while the sun shined. She stood up to hug her grandma. “Thank you, Naani. I love you so much.” She planted a kiss on her grandma’s ear and whispered, “Maybe you can even pick an Indian groom for me.”
Her grandmother had more than once attempted to slip in the fact that she must choose an Indian guy as her husband, and Nami decided to milk it at that moment. She saw the delight in her grandma’s eyes. “Really? You are my darling and most favorite grandchild. God bless you.”
