Three Mistakes of My Life by Chetan Bhagat

'There are better ways to attract attention,' Vidya said. 'When did you come?'

Govind asked, quite forgetting the others.

'I left my marketing class halfway,' Vidya said. 'But that doesn't mean I forgive you

for not replying to me. Or for popping these pills. I never popped anything even when

I was most scared, you know when.'

'Your parents told you not to speak to me again. Ish wanted the same.'

'So?' Vidya removed her college bag from her shoulder and placed it on the bed.

'What did your heart want?'

Ish stood silent, looking at Govind. Govind's mother looked shocked, probably

dreading a firecracker of a daughter-in-law like Vidya someday.

'I am sorry, Ish. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I l... loved her,' Govind said.

Ish began to walk out of the room. Govind's mother went after him and pulled his

arm. She placed Ish's hand on Govind's.

'You don't have to listen to parents, but I do think you should be friends again,'

Govind's mother said.

Ish remained silent. Govind clasped Ish's hand. Govind's mother continued:

'Life will have many setbacks. People close to you will hurt you.

But you don't break it off. You don't hurt them more. You try to heal it. It is a

lesson not only you, but our country needs to learn.'

'Remember the kissing chimpanzees?' Govind called after him.

Ish stopped and looked back at Govind.

'Take the money for Ali. For me, it's no longer just for the money. But what the

money is for. Get Ali all right, it is important to me, too.'

Ish sniffed hard as he tried to resist tears.

'Can you forgive me, three times over?' Govind said.

Both Govind's and Ish's eyes turned moist.

'Aunty, isn't it strange that all the men in the ward are crying while the women

are like, so, together?' Vidya said.

Govind's mother looked horrified. Confident women make terrible daughters-in-

law.

I met Govind the next morning, right before I left for the airport. Govind was due

for discharge that evening.

"Thanks,' he said emotionally.

'For what?'

'For dropping by. I don't know how I will ever repay you...' 'Actually, there is a

way' Govind waited.

'Your story, it needs to be shared.' 'Like a book?'

'Yes, exactly a book. My third book. Will you help me?'

I don't know. I only like stories with happy endings,' he said.

'You have a pretty happy ending.'