All the warmth in the world

It rained like hell that day. As if life isn't hell enough for me already, he thought. They were a group of 7, sitting inside the canteen. Piping hot tea and boisterous laughter flowed freely amongst the students, who were enjoying a half an hour break between lectures that rainy Wednesday morning. Sushant, who usually was the major proponent of these canteen visits, however, had left his glass of tea untouched that day. He was staring outside the giant windows, watching the white sheets of rain lash the green trees and marshy meadows outside. Occasionaly, a gust of wind would bend the slim trees so much that they would seem like giving away. Now and then, stray raindrops carried by the wind would find their way in to the canteen and fall on these people, bringing squeals of delight from them. The skies remained dark and gray as if they had an infinite reservoir of rain. It's beautiful outside, he remarked with a tinge of sadness tangible in his heart.

His mother had practically disowned him. After many fights with her, they had reached the flashpoint. She had told him coldly that he was an embarrassment to her, and wasn't a son anymore. And hadn't spoken to him since. Now he had never felt more miserable in his life. He didn't even have a home to go to now. It's not a home anymore, he thought. Just a place to eat and sleep. A stranger in his own house, he thought. He wasn't part of that conversation in the canteen, he was practically lost. He wondered if it was possible to live without a family in the same house as them. Guess that's what I'm gonna have to do now, he thought. Just be alone in the house. I'll be a complete man,amd excel in my studies, and get a good career going. Sushant thought. Just that I won't have a family. But will I be happy? Ofcourse you will ...one part of him said. The other simply said...but who taught you to even spell the word 'happy'?

Just then, his mobile phone rang. It was his mother calling. Hurriedly, he hushed all his friends into silence, and picked up the call, with his blood pounding in his ears. "Hello Sushant, I heard its raining a lot there, please take care and don't get wet, come back home soon or the cold will get to you". Sushant could barely get himself to talk the next few words..."Mom. don't worry I'll come back soon." "Yeah, hurry or train service will break down, I'll make something for you at home so don't eat at college"."Mom...I love you...I'll never break your heart again".

A touch of hesitation at the other end, and Sushant heard "Love you too Sushant". And the line went dead. He realized he had tears in his eyes. I'm still a son! He grabbed his glass of tea. It was still hot. He sipped it slowly, feeling the warmth seep into him. "You're practically glowing...who was it on the phone?" his friend asked.

"The person who taught me to spell 'happy'...I'm going home guys...you guys sit for more lectures if you want" he said, and started homeward. It was cold outside, and he didn't even have an umbrella. But it didn't matter. He had all the warmth in the world waiting for him at home.

p.s : I know this sounds a bit weird, but this is something that's very close to my heart right now.