Three Mistakes of My Life by Chetan Bhagat

'We have to mobilise young people. Tell them our philosophy, warn them
against the hypocrites. During campaign time, we need people to help us in
publicity, organising rallies. There is work to be done.'
'I'll come next time, Mama,' Omi said.
'Tell others, too. If you see young people at the temple, tell them about our
party. Tell them about me.'
I stood up, disgusted. Yes, I could see the point in targeting temple visitors,
given the philosophy of the party. But when someone comes to pray, should they
be pitched to join politics? I opened the accounts register to distract myself.
'You will come?' Mama turned to Ish.
'Someone has to man the shop. At least one person, even if it is slow,' Ish said.
Smartass, that was supposed to be my excuse. 'And you, Govind?' Mama said.
'I am not into that sort of stuff. I am agnostic, remember?' I said, still reading
the register.
'But this isn't about religion. It is about justice. And considering we gave you
this shop at such a low rent, you owe US something.'
'It is not your shop. Omi's mother gave it to us. And given the location, the rent
we pay is fair,' I said.
I alone am enough, Mama. Dhiraj will come as well, right?' Omi said, to break
the ever escalating tension between Mama and me. Dhiraj was Mama's fourteen-
year-old son and Omi's cousin.
'Look at his pride! This two-bit shop and a giant ego,' Mama said. 'If Omi wasn't
there, I'd get you kicked out.'
'There will be no need. We are leaving soon anyway,' I said without thinking. I
couldn't help it. I wanted to tell him only at l lie last minute, just before we moved
to the Navrangpura mall. Hut I was sick of his patronising tone.
'Oh, really? Where, you will pull a hand-cart with these bats and balls?' Mama
said.
'We are moving to Navrangpura mall. You can take your shop back then.'
'What?' Mama exclaimed.
'We will make the deposit next month. Possession when it opens in three
months. This two-bit shop is about to move to a prime location sports store,' I
said.
Mama's mouth remained open. I had dreamt of this expression lor months.
'Really?' Mama turned to Omi.
Omi nodded.
'How much is the deposit?' Mama said.
'Forty thousand. We saved it,' I said.
'You pay one thousand a month for this shop. If you were paying the market
rent of two, you wouldn't be able to save this much,' Mama said.
I kept quiet.
'What? Now you are quiet, eh?' Mama stood up.
What was I supposed to do? Jump and grab his feet? I was also giving his
nephew employment and an equal share in my business. Sure, Omi was a friend,
but given his qualifications, nobody would give him that stature. A cheaper rent
was the least he could do.
'Let me know when you want me, Mama,' Omi said.
'Good, I'll see you,' he said, 'continue your rest.'