You'll never understand me

Nineteen and full of angst, Arjun is at loggerheads with his parents. The conflict is, of course, on studies. Arjun doesn’t study and the parents are worried about his future. More so, because Arjun plans to drop out of college and take up a job. Not quite sure what exactly. A customer support executive at a call centre, cabin crew with an airline, a mechanic at an auto workshop (since he has a fascination for motorbikes)… are some of the options Arjun considers.

First, he has to become financially independent so he can buy and possess all the things he wants which his parents do not give him at the moment. And second, there’s no point in continuing to study in a college he doesn’t like, nor study the subjects which don’t interest him. It’s all a waste of time. Then, his parents ask, why did Arjun choose that specific college and those specific subjects if they didn’t interest him?

The answer is simple, of course. Arjun didn’t study enough to score enough marks in his school-leaving exams to find a college that offered him admission in the subjects of his choice. Now, the parents remind Arjun of his folly, goading him to study and remain in college. That’s the last thing he wants to hear. He locks himself up in his room, lying in bed day-dreaming, playing with his PS3, chatting, emailing, downloading songs on his computer.

The parents disapprove. There are arguments over this at the dining table. You’ll never understand me, says Arjun and walks off in a huff.

The parents try another tactic: encouragement, asking Arjun what would motivate him to return to college. Arjun sees an opportunity; strikes a deal for a sports bike, reinforcing his point of view with a little maths to overcome economics of operation and discomfort of travel to college by public transport. Not to worry, he says, flashing his driver’s licence. After some grumbling, the parents give in. Arjun gets his brand new Bajaj Pulsar DTS-i.

Over the weekend, Arjun demonstrates his prowess over his new sports bike to his friends in the neighbourhood. Everyone cheers. On Monday, on his way to college, a speeding truck runs over him, crushing his head.