Romance My experience with love [Completed]
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Those days there was not a fashion celebrate a child’s 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months anniversaries. We only celebrated the birthdays. Abha’s first birthday was a thing to remember. My both weddings had been low-key affairs. But our daughter’s birthday was going to be an occasion! And it was fantastic! There was no reason to hold back anymore as both Devy and I were earning good money. If we can not spend it on our own flesh and blood, then on whom should we spend it?! It would be a shame that Abha would not know how much fun we had on her birthday. All our friends and families came together to have a night long feasting, dancing, and boozing party. I guess, it was not so much about Abha, but more about us.
Not to forget that Gael and Marie send a big gift package from France! They too were, in all practical sense, Abha’s God parents. We too felt very happy to have such close and loving friends. Their son too was growing fast, very much like his ‘sister’. We often talked about how nice it would be for both to study in the same university when the time comes. This was an idea that Devyani wanted to pursue. We also decided that when our children were wise enough to understand some complex life concepts, we will tell them that they were indeed brother and sister. We were a family in all matter of speaking.
Following her birthday, Devyani and my sex life also improved. Abha was now more independent and had more predictable timetable. That allowed us more time for each other and soon, we got back into our pre-pregnancy sex routine. During the ensuing year, Devy would often be tempted to go off the birth control plan and get pregnant again. But I somehow controlled her by explaining the importance of keeping enough gap between two children and also of Devy’s own health.
I often told her that while I would welcome and love to have another child, for me Devyani’s health was more important. I often cited the example of my parents as how they only had me and focused on raising me well… and how young and wonderful both my parents looked and felt even now! So Devyani would relent after my reasoning.
When we are happy, the days really fly by. Soon our second anniversary came and very soon, Abha’s second birthday came. We decided to travel to Australia for the occasion. By saying Australia, it feels like that it is possible to travel to and see the entire ‘continent’ in a small window to time. We really went to Queensland – a northern state, and home to the Great Barrier Reef!
Queensland has very long – almost seven thousand kilometers long – coastline! This makes the Queensland’s oceanic experience really magical! You can find islands of white sand and green palms dotted across aqua waters, colourful corals bursting to life with a thousand varieties of fish, turtles, marine mammals, and other marine lives on the Great Barrier Reef, and even lush green rainforest! Since, we had had great experience with jungles in India itself, we decided to focus only on snorkeling and scuba-diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Because of its eco sensitive nature, amateur divers, such as ourselves are allowed access to a limited area, but that itself is a greatly rewarding and memorable experience. Since both Devy and I enjoyed swimming and other aquatic sports, we simply loved diving in the Great Barrier Reef. The remaining time, we enjoyed Sun and surf on the Gold Coast!
People often think of Kangaroos when they think of Australia... but truth be told, Kangaroos are pests. I wonder whether Australians themselves love them as much as we think! Anyway, we returned after a 15 days long vacation. By that time, Abha also was able to do a few things. She enjoyed swimming in the hotel’s pool and walking on the beach. She seemed to have taken after her parents in her liking for water. We decided that we will start teaching her how to swim. That would be an amazing full body cardio exercise, which she can also make a full-time vocation later on.
Not to forget that Gael and Marie send a big gift package from France! They too were, in all practical sense, Abha’s God parents. We too felt very happy to have such close and loving friends. Their son too was growing fast, very much like his ‘sister’. We often talked about how nice it would be for both to study in the same university when the time comes. This was an idea that Devyani wanted to pursue. We also decided that when our children were wise enough to understand some complex life concepts, we will tell them that they were indeed brother and sister. We were a family in all matter of speaking.
Following her birthday, Devyani and my sex life also improved. Abha was now more independent and had more predictable timetable. That allowed us more time for each other and soon, we got back into our pre-pregnancy sex routine. During the ensuing year, Devy would often be tempted to go off the birth control plan and get pregnant again. But I somehow controlled her by explaining the importance of keeping enough gap between two children and also of Devy’s own health.
I often told her that while I would welcome and love to have another child, for me Devyani’s health was more important. I often cited the example of my parents as how they only had me and focused on raising me well… and how young and wonderful both my parents looked and felt even now! So Devyani would relent after my reasoning.
When we are happy, the days really fly by. Soon our second anniversary came and very soon, Abha’s second birthday came. We decided to travel to Australia for the occasion. By saying Australia, it feels like that it is possible to travel to and see the entire ‘continent’ in a small window to time. We really went to Queensland – a northern state, and home to the Great Barrier Reef!
Queensland has very long – almost seven thousand kilometers long – coastline! This makes the Queensland’s oceanic experience really magical! You can find islands of white sand and green palms dotted across aqua waters, colourful corals bursting to life with a thousand varieties of fish, turtles, marine mammals, and other marine lives on the Great Barrier Reef, and even lush green rainforest! Since, we had had great experience with jungles in India itself, we decided to focus only on snorkeling and scuba-diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Because of its eco sensitive nature, amateur divers, such as ourselves are allowed access to a limited area, but that itself is a greatly rewarding and memorable experience. Since both Devy and I enjoyed swimming and other aquatic sports, we simply loved diving in the Great Barrier Reef. The remaining time, we enjoyed Sun and surf on the Gold Coast!
People often think of Kangaroos when they think of Australia... but truth be told, Kangaroos are pests. I wonder whether Australians themselves love them as much as we think! Anyway, we returned after a 15 days long vacation. By that time, Abha also was able to do a few things. She enjoyed swimming in the hotel’s pool and walking on the beach. She seemed to have taken after her parents in her liking for water. We decided that we will start teaching her how to swim. That would be an amazing full body cardio exercise, which she can also make a full-time vocation later on.
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A couple of months after our Australia vacation, Devy complained about loss of appetite and tiredness. I too noticed these changes – she was not the kind of person who could sit idle for long. She was very active, physically, and mentally. And with our daughter in tow, she had been a notch more active than earlier. She thought that it was probably just the change in weather that she is not eating well and feeling tired. Perhaps a flu? She suggested. But on my more probing she revealed that there she had noticed a change in stool as well.
I too am not a kind of person who usually takes things very seriously. So, I also did not press on much. But one night, when Devy got up to go to toilet, she felt dizziness and fell on the bed as soon as she got up. I supported her to the toilet but got really worried. Devy attributed the dizziness to not being able to eat properly. But when I did the math, she had not eaten well in over ten days.
What followed next was a series of diagnosis, scanning and biopsies. The practitioner doctor said that he thought that something did not sit right with him, and that he suspected something to be wrong. He kept asking Devy whether her stomach hurt. She kept answering in negative – was it really supposed to hurt? But when he left the room to consult with other doctors, both Devy and I knew in our hearts that something was wrong.
An ultrasound scan discovered that the Devy’s bile duct was blocked and was causing the lack of appetite and changes in stools, leading to tiredness. A blocked bile duct is very common with pancreatic cancer. A further CT scan discovered a tumor, hiding in Devy’s pancreas! Pancreatic cancer! This is one of the deadliest cancers known to humankind and my Devy had one.
All my efforts to keep Devy laughing and lighthearted, with my silly jokes were gone, and the air in the room felt heavy. While I tried to look brave, I was tearing up.
‘Oh God! No. Please do not put me through this again.’ I prayed, ‘Not my Devy too.’
The doctors performed an X-ray, which revealed that a small portion of Devy’s lungs was covered with small tumors. This meant that the cancer had staged and was already in the stage 4! It was not a good news, because the cancer was not localized anymore and had spread. I was terrified. My heart sank… I felt I would have a heart-attack!
‘How could that be?’ I wondered.
Devyani did not fit any profiles for pancreatic cancer. She did not smoke, she was fit, she was a female, and she maintained a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.
In just a span of a day, my life had again turned upside down. What the fuck! How cruel can God be? If I had done something to deserve such punishments, I was ready to face it. But please spare my daughter, God! Let Devy divorce me and keep Abha. But at least don’t take away her mother. She needed her. Oh God, I needed her.
*****************************
Let me tell you, prayers and wishes are just wishful thinking. These are just a few means to amuse ourselves. They are just a few means that give us false sense of control over uncontrollable situations. They are just a few means that give us false sense of safety in thinking that we can somehow change the glacial and determined motion of future. They don’t mean anything. They don’t affect anything.
Our battle with Devy’s pancreatic cancer was a daunting one. Doctors suggested that they could perform operation to remove the tumor from the pancreatic area, but that itself might not be sufficient to cure her. Still, we consented and let it happen. It was fourteen-hour long operation, and at the end of it, the tumor was gone. At least Devy would be able to eat something when it was fully healed. Soon after her wounds healed, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were started. Readers must understand that these treatments take extremely heavy toll on the body and leaves it vulnerable for a long time. Devyani was already weak from her invasive operation, and then to be bombarded with such difficult course of treatment was not easy.
It was a battle yes. My lovely, beautiful, and brave Devyani did everything to make it succeed. She wanted to live for me. She wanted to live for Abha. She wanted to live. It was hopeless. I felt like I was stuck in a vast quicksand, only that it was eating me alive very slowly. In Devy’s condition, I could see myself dying every moment. Despite this, she kept a brave face and tried to smile. It was a battle, yes. It was one battle, which we lost miserably.
In the last few days, doctors suggested some alternative treatments, but a couple of suggestions from cancer doctors in France told me that it was hopeless. Rather than putting her through more invasive and painful treatments, we must focus on her palliative care. We should manage her pain. Let her be surrounded with her loved ones and keep her happy and smiling for as long as she can. So, we did that.
Last three days of her life, Devy was under an induced coma. The bloody cancer had drained her off all life force. She looked radiant with life. She looked so beautiful! In just a few months’ time, she had shrunk. Her skin had darkened. I never thought I would ever do that, but I really prayed and hoped that she died… sooner than later. At least she will get rid of this bullshit… this pain… this misery. After three days of her induced coma, Devyani died.
She died – in just eighteen weeks from the diagnosis to her last rites. She was not even 37 years old! All of us were there that day. Some of us still hoped for a miracle, especially my Dad.
He could not bear the thought of his son going through the same thing again. Additionally, he would not accept in front of anyone, but he loved Devy. For him, she really was his daughter, same as Gabi. Moreover, Devy gave him the gift of becoming a grandfather of a beautiful, angelic child. He loved her more than he loved me. Devy, for him was a harbinger of happiness in his family. She was his daughter yes, but in many ways, she was also Shree – the goddess, Laxmi, who brings prosperity, wealth, love, joy and happiness.
I performed her last rites and cried alone for a very long time. This time no one dared to console me. What did I do to deserve this punishment? I thought for a long time but could not think of any one reason.
Was I a bad luck who got attached to my wives and lead to their deaths? I was sure that that was the case.
I too am not a kind of person who usually takes things very seriously. So, I also did not press on much. But one night, when Devy got up to go to toilet, she felt dizziness and fell on the bed as soon as she got up. I supported her to the toilet but got really worried. Devy attributed the dizziness to not being able to eat properly. But when I did the math, she had not eaten well in over ten days.
What followed next was a series of diagnosis, scanning and biopsies. The practitioner doctor said that he thought that something did not sit right with him, and that he suspected something to be wrong. He kept asking Devy whether her stomach hurt. She kept answering in negative – was it really supposed to hurt? But when he left the room to consult with other doctors, both Devy and I knew in our hearts that something was wrong.
An ultrasound scan discovered that the Devy’s bile duct was blocked and was causing the lack of appetite and changes in stools, leading to tiredness. A blocked bile duct is very common with pancreatic cancer. A further CT scan discovered a tumor, hiding in Devy’s pancreas! Pancreatic cancer! This is one of the deadliest cancers known to humankind and my Devy had one.
All my efforts to keep Devy laughing and lighthearted, with my silly jokes were gone, and the air in the room felt heavy. While I tried to look brave, I was tearing up.
‘Oh God! No. Please do not put me through this again.’ I prayed, ‘Not my Devy too.’
The doctors performed an X-ray, which revealed that a small portion of Devy’s lungs was covered with small tumors. This meant that the cancer had staged and was already in the stage 4! It was not a good news, because the cancer was not localized anymore and had spread. I was terrified. My heart sank… I felt I would have a heart-attack!
‘How could that be?’ I wondered.
Devyani did not fit any profiles for pancreatic cancer. She did not smoke, she was fit, she was a female, and she maintained a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.
In just a span of a day, my life had again turned upside down. What the fuck! How cruel can God be? If I had done something to deserve such punishments, I was ready to face it. But please spare my daughter, God! Let Devy divorce me and keep Abha. But at least don’t take away her mother. She needed her. Oh God, I needed her.
*****************************
Let me tell you, prayers and wishes are just wishful thinking. These are just a few means to amuse ourselves. They are just a few means that give us false sense of control over uncontrollable situations. They are just a few means that give us false sense of safety in thinking that we can somehow change the glacial and determined motion of future. They don’t mean anything. They don’t affect anything.
Our battle with Devy’s pancreatic cancer was a daunting one. Doctors suggested that they could perform operation to remove the tumor from the pancreatic area, but that itself might not be sufficient to cure her. Still, we consented and let it happen. It was fourteen-hour long operation, and at the end of it, the tumor was gone. At least Devy would be able to eat something when it was fully healed. Soon after her wounds healed, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were started. Readers must understand that these treatments take extremely heavy toll on the body and leaves it vulnerable for a long time. Devyani was already weak from her invasive operation, and then to be bombarded with such difficult course of treatment was not easy.
It was a battle yes. My lovely, beautiful, and brave Devyani did everything to make it succeed. She wanted to live for me. She wanted to live for Abha. She wanted to live. It was hopeless. I felt like I was stuck in a vast quicksand, only that it was eating me alive very slowly. In Devy’s condition, I could see myself dying every moment. Despite this, she kept a brave face and tried to smile. It was a battle, yes. It was one battle, which we lost miserably.
In the last few days, doctors suggested some alternative treatments, but a couple of suggestions from cancer doctors in France told me that it was hopeless. Rather than putting her through more invasive and painful treatments, we must focus on her palliative care. We should manage her pain. Let her be surrounded with her loved ones and keep her happy and smiling for as long as she can. So, we did that.
Last three days of her life, Devy was under an induced coma. The bloody cancer had drained her off all life force. She looked radiant with life. She looked so beautiful! In just a few months’ time, she had shrunk. Her skin had darkened. I never thought I would ever do that, but I really prayed and hoped that she died… sooner than later. At least she will get rid of this bullshit… this pain… this misery. After three days of her induced coma, Devyani died.
She died – in just eighteen weeks from the diagnosis to her last rites. She was not even 37 years old! All of us were there that day. Some of us still hoped for a miracle, especially my Dad.
He could not bear the thought of his son going through the same thing again. Additionally, he would not accept in front of anyone, but he loved Devy. For him, she really was his daughter, same as Gabi. Moreover, Devy gave him the gift of becoming a grandfather of a beautiful, angelic child. He loved her more than he loved me. Devy, for him was a harbinger of happiness in his family. She was his daughter yes, but in many ways, she was also Shree – the goddess, Laxmi, who brings prosperity, wealth, love, joy and happiness.
I performed her last rites and cried alone for a very long time. This time no one dared to console me. What did I do to deserve this punishment? I thought for a long time but could not think of any one reason.
Was I a bad luck who got attached to my wives and lead to their deaths? I was sure that that was the case.
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My miseries had not ended. Dad could not bear the brunt of Davy’s demise. With her gone, everything for him seemed to have gone! Soon after Devy’s death, Dad suffered two heart attacks in a span of about three months. The second heart attack proved fatal, from where the chance of recovery was slim. He could have recovered, but he seemed to have slipped into such deep depression that he had lost all willingness for life. And so, within four months of Devy’s death, I lost my Dad as well. He was only 50 years old!
That cancer took a very very heavy toll from us.
I often started to think who would be the next? I mean, I could not die because I had the responsibility to raise Abha. So I was obviously worried about Ma.
Ma used to be a vivacious woman when Dad was alive. She was so full of life! They were the perfect couple in so many ways. Additionally, losing her life partner, with whom she had lived for close to twenty-eight years, was very difficult to cope up with. She married when she was very young. In that regard, Dad had been her support system - the one and only man in her life - and in a way, her whole world! It is understandable that Ma went down a serious spiral of depression. During those days mental health issues were not taken very seriously, but I thought that it was important for her to see a doctor or a psychiatrist. So, I took her to one best known psychiatrist for therapy.
Ma was very homely. Dad too was like that. He used to take care of Ma’s every needs. He used to ignore all her shortcomings and mistakes. He used to bring small, but for her very romantic, gifts. And the most important of all, he used to be so in to Ma. She was the love of his life, as he was the love of her life.
After Dad’s death, Ma tried to come in terms with a life without him. But she could not! Normal days can be negotiated somehow, but how to deal with festivals, and occasions? They could constantly remind her of him. She used to go out with him during festivals and celebrations… but now she thought that she was inauspicious.
She used to wear bright and colorful sarees. But now she was so afraid of wearing any happy and bright colors. All her sarees were now the shades of sadness in themselves. She hesitated even to wear a lipstick! A few times Kajal and I requested her to wear a simple, non-pretentious lipstick, to which she replied,
“No… my child… what would people say? I am okay without any makeup now.”
It was a good thing that she was never left alone at home. Kajal was almost always with her. Then there was Latika, who tried her best to entertain her with her antics. Ma liked to spend time with her and used to help her with her homework. But I was not sure whether this was sufficient to bring her out of her depression.
‘Why should my Ma live all alone?’ this question started to eat me about one year after Dad’s death.
‘Why can’t she be with someone who can support her emotionally… even physically. She is not old. She had a long life ahead of her…’
‘Is there no one after Dad who could accept her in his life… who could understand her… who could listen to her desires… who could be into her?’
‘I hope there is someone…’
‘How wonderful it would be if Ma could again find a partner for herself… with whom she could speak how she felt… one who could crack silly jokes with her… one who could wipe off her tears and with her grief…’
‘Why can’t she welcome someone else in her life?’
But I was not sure whether Ma even thought about finding another partner. Even though she was a very kind person, I was not sure how she would take such a suggestion. I often thought that she would hate anyone who suggested that she remarried.
Our societies do not allow us to think about ourselves and our own happiness. Why are people ‘required’ to live for the society? Why can’t we live in the society? Why can’t we do how we feel like doing? Is it too much to ask for my Ma’s happiness?
I just wanted her to be happy again. Whichever manner that happiness came to her. I just wanted her to enjoy that happiness. Accept that happiness. Live that happiness. Without the care of others and what they think.
That cancer took a very very heavy toll from us.
I often started to think who would be the next? I mean, I could not die because I had the responsibility to raise Abha. So I was obviously worried about Ma.
Ma used to be a vivacious woman when Dad was alive. She was so full of life! They were the perfect couple in so many ways. Additionally, losing her life partner, with whom she had lived for close to twenty-eight years, was very difficult to cope up with. She married when she was very young. In that regard, Dad had been her support system - the one and only man in her life - and in a way, her whole world! It is understandable that Ma went down a serious spiral of depression. During those days mental health issues were not taken very seriously, but I thought that it was important for her to see a doctor or a psychiatrist. So, I took her to one best known psychiatrist for therapy.
Ma was very homely. Dad too was like that. He used to take care of Ma’s every needs. He used to ignore all her shortcomings and mistakes. He used to bring small, but for her very romantic, gifts. And the most important of all, he used to be so in to Ma. She was the love of his life, as he was the love of her life.
After Dad’s death, Ma tried to come in terms with a life without him. But she could not! Normal days can be negotiated somehow, but how to deal with festivals, and occasions? They could constantly remind her of him. She used to go out with him during festivals and celebrations… but now she thought that she was inauspicious.
She used to wear bright and colorful sarees. But now she was so afraid of wearing any happy and bright colors. All her sarees were now the shades of sadness in themselves. She hesitated even to wear a lipstick! A few times Kajal and I requested her to wear a simple, non-pretentious lipstick, to which she replied,
“No… my child… what would people say? I am okay without any makeup now.”
It was a good thing that she was never left alone at home. Kajal was almost always with her. Then there was Latika, who tried her best to entertain her with her antics. Ma liked to spend time with her and used to help her with her homework. But I was not sure whether this was sufficient to bring her out of her depression.
‘Why should my Ma live all alone?’ this question started to eat me about one year after Dad’s death.
‘Why can’t she be with someone who can support her emotionally… even physically. She is not old. She had a long life ahead of her…’
‘Is there no one after Dad who could accept her in his life… who could understand her… who could listen to her desires… who could be into her?’
‘I hope there is someone…’
‘How wonderful it would be if Ma could again find a partner for herself… with whom she could speak how she felt… one who could crack silly jokes with her… one who could wipe off her tears and with her grief…’
‘Why can’t she welcome someone else in her life?’
But I was not sure whether Ma even thought about finding another partner. Even though she was a very kind person, I was not sure how she would take such a suggestion. I often thought that she would hate anyone who suggested that she remarried.
Our societies do not allow us to think about ourselves and our own happiness. Why are people ‘required’ to live for the society? Why can’t we live in the society? Why can’t we do how we feel like doing? Is it too much to ask for my Ma’s happiness?
I just wanted her to be happy again. Whichever manner that happiness came to her. I just wanted her to enjoy that happiness. Accept that happiness. Live that happiness. Without the care of others and what they think.
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The double whammy that I was just dealt with by the cruel fate was proving too much for me as well. I was also left with caring for a young daughter and my ailing mother. In doing so, I was all alone. I could certainly use some help. Unlike the last time, I had no one near me. Jayanti Di tried to support me for a while, but she too had full family to support. Devy’s Daddy too had suffered a massive emotional blow and was not keeping well. He was much older than Dad, so we worried about him as well. But she made sure that we at least spoke on phone every day.
In that abject situation, I remembered of Kajal, who had been a constant support for me since I stood on my two feet. Because of my shifting cities, we kind of had fallen out of each other’s radars, although we had kept in touch with each other with letters and phones.
Through her letters and calls, I was aware that Kajal was divorced for a few years now. There was a lot of bad blood between Kajal and her husband. Both had cheated on each other, her husband more consistently and for much longer than Kajal started to have a relationship with me. Sunil was presently pursuing his engineering degree and was in the final year. He was an intelligent man and was consistently among the toppers of his class.
Our initial hard work had paid off. Kajal utilized the insurance money well and invested in Sunil’s education. He had always been a bright student; therefore, I was not surprised at his achievements. I was very happy and very proud. He was like a son to me, and Sunil too had regarded me as his father figure. I hoped that we could have a close and cordial relationship in future. Latika, Kajal’s daughter, on the other hand was turning out to be a well-rounded girl. While she was not too much into studies, she did very well in physical education. There was anyway a lot of time for her personality to develop, as she was still very young.
I placed a call to Kajal and told her about my situation. Even though she had not met Devyani, she felt immense grief after knowing about her death. And when I told her about Dad’s death as well, she broke down. Dad had given her so much love and respect and treated her as well as his daughter. So it was a great loss for Kajal as well. Her thoughts immediately went to Ma, and she started asking about her.
I patiently explained to her everything and about my daily struggles. Needless to mention that she wanted to come over and take care of us.
“Kajal, there is no urgency… if you can not come sooner, we will understand!”
“Nonsense! How can you say that? Ma ji is in depression, the little baby needs care, and you are all alone… how can I delay? There won’t be any issue with Latika, as her final exams will be over in a week’s time. So, we can come over as soon as that is done.”
So, it was decided. I took a flight to her city and went straight to her home.
We met after more than four years. I was overcome with emotions, so was Kajal. So many old memories came rushing back. She asked me about Devyani and Abha. I voluntarily told the circumstances around the death of Dad. She just could not understand how and why these things happened to us.
‘Why us?’ is something we struggle to explain when something bad happens to us. Don’t we?
Anyway, just to cut short what all we discussed, it is sufficient to mention that Kajal willingly agreed to come back and take care of us. She knew that we were a loving family, and always considered herself as part of our family, so it will not be difficult for her to attach with us.
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When Ma saw Kajal and Latika after such a long time, she became extremely emotional. Ma treated Kajal as her own daughter even though she was only about two or three years younger than Ma. They hugged each other and cried for a very long time. I thought crying was a good thing because it could help Ma overcome her own depression to some extent.
With Kajal around, she will have a loving company and efficient care. It was heart-breaking to see Ma fading out at such a rapid pace. She was only forty-three, for God’s sake! That is not an age when a woman should deal with widowhood! She used to be such a cheerful, funny, and witty person… but now she appeared to be a pale and sorrowed shadow of her usual self. I hoped that with Kajal, she could regain her bearings.
Latika was a very cute, young girl! She was very playful also. She behaved as if she had no care of the whole world! Always laughing, always doing one or the other mischief. But in her heart, she was also very responsible girl.
It was Kajal who very cunningly gave Latika the custody of Abha.
“Latika, ab se Gudiya ko samhalne ki jimmedari tumhari (Latika, from now on, you are responsible for Abha).” She was told.
Kajal told her to be a role-model for Abha. Abha would follow her actions, speech, and manners. Why? Because she was her role-model. So, she must try to become a ‘good’ role-model for the child. Indeed, Kajal wanted her daughter to start behaving in more responsible manner. Of course, she said those things in a light-heartedly. If Latika started to behave like that, it was fantastic! Isn’t it? I for one, believe that each child should grow up without any burden. But if a sense of responsibility can inculcate good habits and manners in children, then why not?
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Over the next few months, Kajal took over the entire responsibility of my household. I could see a sea change in the way we were living now after her arrival. Our lives were now more streamlined and comfortable. Kajal was indeed ‘love personified’. I did not give her any salary now – her coming over here was a favor on us, and I could not belittle that by giving her a salary. She was as much the mistress of my household as anyone was. Therefore, I made her a joint account holder with me. it is another matter that she hardly ever took out any money.
I often wonder how small acts of kindness can give big benefits later. Life is too long – so we must keep trying to do good deeds for others. You never know when and how those good deeds come back to you!
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I received insurance money and other settlements from Devy’s death, whereas Ma received insurance money and other settlements from Dad’s death. She was also given a job offer on compassionate ground, but that would have required her to live alone. So, we decided to give it a pass. Ma gave me the settlements that she received to put in good use. I told her that I desired to start a business. Ma said that I must do what I want to. Life is just too short for any regrets. So, I had started my own business, just before Kajal came over. She was a God sent! I wanted to devote as much time as possible to my business and Kajal allowed that to happen. I could now focus entirely on developing my business.
There was an ulterior motive as well: I needed such a consuming challenge, that could drown my sorrows, worries, and concerns. I needed an avenue to channelize my energies and healthy thinking. Kajal allowed all that to happen! I can not fathom how much love she had! She seemed to have this infinite reserve of love in her heart. She was always smiling. She was always loving. She was always caring. Despite so many difficulties that she faced in her life… Despite me abandoning her when she might have needed me…. Despite us losing our child… how much pain that would have caused to her! Despite everything! I can never thank Kajal enough. Really, even trying to thank her might be an insult to her.
In that abject situation, I remembered of Kajal, who had been a constant support for me since I stood on my two feet. Because of my shifting cities, we kind of had fallen out of each other’s radars, although we had kept in touch with each other with letters and phones.
Through her letters and calls, I was aware that Kajal was divorced for a few years now. There was a lot of bad blood between Kajal and her husband. Both had cheated on each other, her husband more consistently and for much longer than Kajal started to have a relationship with me. Sunil was presently pursuing his engineering degree and was in the final year. He was an intelligent man and was consistently among the toppers of his class.
Our initial hard work had paid off. Kajal utilized the insurance money well and invested in Sunil’s education. He had always been a bright student; therefore, I was not surprised at his achievements. I was very happy and very proud. He was like a son to me, and Sunil too had regarded me as his father figure. I hoped that we could have a close and cordial relationship in future. Latika, Kajal’s daughter, on the other hand was turning out to be a well-rounded girl. While she was not too much into studies, she did very well in physical education. There was anyway a lot of time for her personality to develop, as she was still very young.
I placed a call to Kajal and told her about my situation. Even though she had not met Devyani, she felt immense grief after knowing about her death. And when I told her about Dad’s death as well, she broke down. Dad had given her so much love and respect and treated her as well as his daughter. So it was a great loss for Kajal as well. Her thoughts immediately went to Ma, and she started asking about her.
I patiently explained to her everything and about my daily struggles. Needless to mention that she wanted to come over and take care of us.
“Kajal, there is no urgency… if you can not come sooner, we will understand!”
“Nonsense! How can you say that? Ma ji is in depression, the little baby needs care, and you are all alone… how can I delay? There won’t be any issue with Latika, as her final exams will be over in a week’s time. So, we can come over as soon as that is done.”
So, it was decided. I took a flight to her city and went straight to her home.
We met after more than four years. I was overcome with emotions, so was Kajal. So many old memories came rushing back. She asked me about Devyani and Abha. I voluntarily told the circumstances around the death of Dad. She just could not understand how and why these things happened to us.
‘Why us?’ is something we struggle to explain when something bad happens to us. Don’t we?
Anyway, just to cut short what all we discussed, it is sufficient to mention that Kajal willingly agreed to come back and take care of us. She knew that we were a loving family, and always considered herself as part of our family, so it will not be difficult for her to attach with us.
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When Ma saw Kajal and Latika after such a long time, she became extremely emotional. Ma treated Kajal as her own daughter even though she was only about two or three years younger than Ma. They hugged each other and cried for a very long time. I thought crying was a good thing because it could help Ma overcome her own depression to some extent.
With Kajal around, she will have a loving company and efficient care. It was heart-breaking to see Ma fading out at such a rapid pace. She was only forty-three, for God’s sake! That is not an age when a woman should deal with widowhood! She used to be such a cheerful, funny, and witty person… but now she appeared to be a pale and sorrowed shadow of her usual self. I hoped that with Kajal, she could regain her bearings.
Latika was a very cute, young girl! She was very playful also. She behaved as if she had no care of the whole world! Always laughing, always doing one or the other mischief. But in her heart, she was also very responsible girl.
It was Kajal who very cunningly gave Latika the custody of Abha.
“Latika, ab se Gudiya ko samhalne ki jimmedari tumhari (Latika, from now on, you are responsible for Abha).” She was told.
Kajal told her to be a role-model for Abha. Abha would follow her actions, speech, and manners. Why? Because she was her role-model. So, she must try to become a ‘good’ role-model for the child. Indeed, Kajal wanted her daughter to start behaving in more responsible manner. Of course, she said those things in a light-heartedly. If Latika started to behave like that, it was fantastic! Isn’t it? I for one, believe that each child should grow up without any burden. But if a sense of responsibility can inculcate good habits and manners in children, then why not?
********************************
Over the next few months, Kajal took over the entire responsibility of my household. I could see a sea change in the way we were living now after her arrival. Our lives were now more streamlined and comfortable. Kajal was indeed ‘love personified’. I did not give her any salary now – her coming over here was a favor on us, and I could not belittle that by giving her a salary. She was as much the mistress of my household as anyone was. Therefore, I made her a joint account holder with me. it is another matter that she hardly ever took out any money.
I often wonder how small acts of kindness can give big benefits later. Life is too long – so we must keep trying to do good deeds for others. You never know when and how those good deeds come back to you!
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I received insurance money and other settlements from Devy’s death, whereas Ma received insurance money and other settlements from Dad’s death. She was also given a job offer on compassionate ground, but that would have required her to live alone. So, we decided to give it a pass. Ma gave me the settlements that she received to put in good use. I told her that I desired to start a business. Ma said that I must do what I want to. Life is just too short for any regrets. So, I had started my own business, just before Kajal came over. She was a God sent! I wanted to devote as much time as possible to my business and Kajal allowed that to happen. I could now focus entirely on developing my business.
There was an ulterior motive as well: I needed such a consuming challenge, that could drown my sorrows, worries, and concerns. I needed an avenue to channelize my energies and healthy thinking. Kajal allowed all that to happen! I can not fathom how much love she had! She seemed to have this infinite reserve of love in her heart. She was always smiling. She was always loving. She was always caring. Despite so many difficulties that she faced in her life… Despite me abandoning her when she might have needed me…. Despite us losing our child… how much pain that would have caused to her! Despite everything! I can never thank Kajal enough. Really, even trying to thank her might be an insult to her.
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One night, I returned from work very late… almost around 1AM. I was tired and hungry. And Kajal as waiting for me. What an amazing woman she is!! She too had not eaten her food and waiting for me to arrive, so that we both could dine together. I felt very bad. I promised her that even though I will channelize my energies and time into my work, I will not go on to live an unhealthy life. I promised her that I will eat on time, eat properly, sleep on time, sleep properly, and come home on time.
We had our dinner, and we talked with each other like an old couple. We talked about nothing at all, but it was a worriless chit-chat. I had not felt as relaxed in a very long time.
After we had our dinner, Kajal offered to clean the kitchen, but I stopped her.
“The maid will come in the morning, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then please don’t worry about it. She will do it in the morning. Come. Please sit with me for some time?”
Kajal smiled, “Okay!”
So, we went to my bedroom, where I laid in the bed, while Kajal sat beside me. We again talked some more. This time I told her about my worries. I told her that I wanted Ma to something to overcome her depression. Kajal suggested that she could get married again.
Of course.
“Kajal?”
“Hmm?”
“Will you marry me?”
“Amar, we have discussed this earlier too. Haven’t we?”
“Yes, we have.”
“You will always have my love… but I am not sure about marriage.”
“Why?”
“Because I am not a suitable wife for you. I am an illiterate person. I don’t even know your ways… Your social circle is very different and now you need someone who can stand out and support you with your work. When you meet new people, with your wife that is, you should be able to make good impression… she should be able to make good impression. I can not.”
“Kajal, if that is a hurdle, I will do a job then.”
“Yes, and compromise on your dreams? As if that is a good thing to do.”
“That is not everything in a marital life.”
Kajal thought about it for some time and then suddenly said, “Okay! I will marry you.”
I was shocked! She was not serious.
“Really?”
“Yes. Why not?”
I smiled. But the very next moment a dread ran through my entire body.
“I hope you are not serious.”
“I am, why?”
“I bring death to my wives.”
The moment I said that Kajal gave me a tight slap and the very next moment she hugged me.
“Not once… not even once you say this. What happened to Gabi Didi and what happened to Devyani Didi, was not your doing. It was just bad luck. You too suffered a lot. They are now free of worldly shackles. But it is you who have been left with all the sufferings and sorrows.”
She caressed my cheek, where she had just slapped me.
“I am sorry. But I am older to you and I have rights on you to reprimand you when you are wrong. Now please, calm yourself.”
She said and proceeded to unbutton her blouse.
“Let me give you my love… it has been such a long time.”
I finally took her nipple in between my fingers. They were hardening.
“Ummmm… yes… It has been some time!”
She hissed when I finally took a nipple between my lips. Unknown to me, Kajal’s vagina convulsed with every nibble. She reached for my pants and removed them as I suckled. My penis lurched. It had been about fifteen months since I had had any sex. My hear ached. That means, we were close to about one year since Devyani left us! That thought made my erection go limp. I gave up and started to cry.
Kajal understood and consoled me. All the while, she removed her own clothes as well as mine. We were soon lying fully naked in the bed.
“Don’t cry… you have me.” she lovingly consoled me.
“Ooohhhh,” I exclaimed, and exhaled against her breasts as she took my penis in my hand. She stroked it for a while. Surely, I started to get my erection.
She stroked me for some more time, careful not to over do it otherwise, I would have ejaculated. When I was sufficiently aroused and hard, she said,
“Now fuck me.”
I did. Our lovemaking session was rather short one, but I fucked her with urgency and much power. Both of us did not last more than five minutes. We did it again in the night – that was much longer, and something that I was more used to. The pace of our lovemaking was controlled – not urgent. I took my time and a lot of time. I made love to her for close to half an hour. Excluding the foreplay. She was thoroughly tired and satisfied, and so was I.
When we were fully relaxed, I looked at a naked Kajal. She was now about forty years old, and still very beautiful. It seemed that she did not age. She told me that she started lactating again when she gave birth to our baby. But after her death, Ma requested and encouraged her to continue feeding Sunil and Latika. That was in one way to continue her maternal feelings alive. Additionally, she also remembered how breastfeeding helped me in concentrating on studies and performing well in exams. Although Latika had lost all interest in breastfeeding, she found a renewed interest after our baby was born. But those breasts were now dry… Kajal stopped breastfeeding around two years ago. By then, Sunil had already left to pursue his higher studies, and Latika has already been fed for five additional years.
Satisfied by our lovemaking, we slept for a long time. So long that we missed our daily schedules. Ma understood what had transpired between us, so she took care of readying Latika for her school, including her breakfast etc.
When we finally got up and emerged from my room at close to about eleven o’clock, Ma gave us knowing smile. I had a normal morning otherwise: I started to rush for office as it was very late already. Till that juncture, I thought I was running the office, but when I reached there, I saw that my entire team was already there and working normally. Clearly, I needed to take it easy and not kill myself. That helped me in keeping my promise to Kajal. While Ma and I did not talk about this, but after I left for the office, Ma and Kajal discussed about our relationship and what possible shaped it could take.
We had our dinner, and we talked with each other like an old couple. We talked about nothing at all, but it was a worriless chit-chat. I had not felt as relaxed in a very long time.
After we had our dinner, Kajal offered to clean the kitchen, but I stopped her.
“The maid will come in the morning, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then please don’t worry about it. She will do it in the morning. Come. Please sit with me for some time?”
Kajal smiled, “Okay!”
So, we went to my bedroom, where I laid in the bed, while Kajal sat beside me. We again talked some more. This time I told her about my worries. I told her that I wanted Ma to something to overcome her depression. Kajal suggested that she could get married again.
Of course.
“Kajal?”
“Hmm?”
“Will you marry me?”
“Amar, we have discussed this earlier too. Haven’t we?”
“Yes, we have.”
“You will always have my love… but I am not sure about marriage.”
“Why?”
“Because I am not a suitable wife for you. I am an illiterate person. I don’t even know your ways… Your social circle is very different and now you need someone who can stand out and support you with your work. When you meet new people, with your wife that is, you should be able to make good impression… she should be able to make good impression. I can not.”
“Kajal, if that is a hurdle, I will do a job then.”
“Yes, and compromise on your dreams? As if that is a good thing to do.”
“That is not everything in a marital life.”
Kajal thought about it for some time and then suddenly said, “Okay! I will marry you.”
I was shocked! She was not serious.
“Really?”
“Yes. Why not?”
I smiled. But the very next moment a dread ran through my entire body.
“I hope you are not serious.”
“I am, why?”
“I bring death to my wives.”
The moment I said that Kajal gave me a tight slap and the very next moment she hugged me.
“Not once… not even once you say this. What happened to Gabi Didi and what happened to Devyani Didi, was not your doing. It was just bad luck. You too suffered a lot. They are now free of worldly shackles. But it is you who have been left with all the sufferings and sorrows.”
She caressed my cheek, where she had just slapped me.
“I am sorry. But I am older to you and I have rights on you to reprimand you when you are wrong. Now please, calm yourself.”
She said and proceeded to unbutton her blouse.
“Let me give you my love… it has been such a long time.”
I finally took her nipple in between my fingers. They were hardening.
“Ummmm… yes… It has been some time!”
She hissed when I finally took a nipple between my lips. Unknown to me, Kajal’s vagina convulsed with every nibble. She reached for my pants and removed them as I suckled. My penis lurched. It had been about fifteen months since I had had any sex. My hear ached. That means, we were close to about one year since Devyani left us! That thought made my erection go limp. I gave up and started to cry.
Kajal understood and consoled me. All the while, she removed her own clothes as well as mine. We were soon lying fully naked in the bed.
“Don’t cry… you have me.” she lovingly consoled me.
“Ooohhhh,” I exclaimed, and exhaled against her breasts as she took my penis in my hand. She stroked it for a while. Surely, I started to get my erection.
She stroked me for some more time, careful not to over do it otherwise, I would have ejaculated. When I was sufficiently aroused and hard, she said,
“Now fuck me.”
I did. Our lovemaking session was rather short one, but I fucked her with urgency and much power. Both of us did not last more than five minutes. We did it again in the night – that was much longer, and something that I was more used to. The pace of our lovemaking was controlled – not urgent. I took my time and a lot of time. I made love to her for close to half an hour. Excluding the foreplay. She was thoroughly tired and satisfied, and so was I.
When we were fully relaxed, I looked at a naked Kajal. She was now about forty years old, and still very beautiful. It seemed that she did not age. She told me that she started lactating again when she gave birth to our baby. But after her death, Ma requested and encouraged her to continue feeding Sunil and Latika. That was in one way to continue her maternal feelings alive. Additionally, she also remembered how breastfeeding helped me in concentrating on studies and performing well in exams. Although Latika had lost all interest in breastfeeding, she found a renewed interest after our baby was born. But those breasts were now dry… Kajal stopped breastfeeding around two years ago. By then, Sunil had already left to pursue his higher studies, and Latika has already been fed for five additional years.
Satisfied by our lovemaking, we slept for a long time. So long that we missed our daily schedules. Ma understood what had transpired between us, so she took care of readying Latika for her school, including her breakfast etc.
When we finally got up and emerged from my room at close to about eleven o’clock, Ma gave us knowing smile. I had a normal morning otherwise: I started to rush for office as it was very late already. Till that juncture, I thought I was running the office, but when I reached there, I saw that my entire team was already there and working normally. Clearly, I needed to take it easy and not kill myself. That helped me in keeping my promise to Kajal. While Ma and I did not talk about this, but after I left for the office, Ma and Kajal discussed about our relationship and what possible shaped it could take.
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“Kajal beta, why don’t you marry Amar? I asked you earlier too, but you declined. Can you not see that destiny wants our families to unite and merge?” Ma said.
“Oh Didi,” Kajal replied, she had stopped addressing Ma as ‘Ma ji’, “you are so nice to give me such an honor to become the bahu of your house… If that happens, I would be the luckiest woman on this Earth! But I must decline it respectfully. It is not right.”
“Don’t you love him?”
“Didi, I love him. Please don’t say that! I love him since the time I first met him. But there are many more things that are needed for a healthy married life. I am illiterate… I can not stand up along him in his social circle. I can not provide the right kind of support that he needs. He needs a wife who is educated, and who can advise him about his work.”
Kajal said, believing every word that she was saying, “I don’t know anything that he does. I can support him but only with food and taking care of him and keeping his house in order. Beyond that I can not support him.”
“Kajal, I am not convinced. I think you are an amazing woman… beautiful too. Amar will be very lucky to have you permanently in his life. You two can have a few children as well.”
“Didi!” Kajal exclaimed. Shyly.
“Kya Didi? Dekho na (See) … Sunil to ab apne pairon par khada ho gaya, aur ab wo Naukri lagne ke baad bahar hi rahega. (Sunil is now self dependent. After he joins his job, he will stay outside) ... Latika abhi chhoti hai (Latika is still very young) … to ek tarah se tum bas ek bachche ki Ma ho (So, looking in this way, you are a mother of just one child [Abha]) ... Ek do aur bachche to kar hi sakti ho (You can still have one or two more children) …”
Kajal shook her head, as if to show her resignation in the argument.
Ma too realized it. She knew that getting married is a personal decision and not a forced decision.
“I can only suggest… Marrying or not is entirely up to you people. But always remember… if you two ever wish to get married, you have my blessings.” Ma said, resigning to any arguments.
Ma had changed.
Pre-depression Ma would have given convincing and logical reasoning as to why Kajal and I should get married. But post-depression Ma did not do it. But before Ma ended her argument, she mentioned to Kajal that just one night of sex did wonders to Kajal. She looked happier and radiant.
Kajal then asked Ma about how she was coping. Finding a trusting and loving confidante, Ma opened up and told her how sorely she missed Dad. He was her entire world. She missed everything about him, including having sex. They used to have sex daily, which had not happened in a long time now. Ma enjoyed his company. He empowered her in inexplicable manner. It was about time to turn the proverbial argumentative table towards Ma.
Kajal probed, “Didi, why don’t you get married again?”
“Pagal ho gai hai kya (Have you gone insane)? Mai ab Dadi ban gai hoon (I am a grand mother now) ... Is umra me koi shadi karta hai kya (Does anyone get married in this age)?”
“Didi, agreed, you have become a Dadi. But you are not old. You are only forty-two or forty-three years old. You became grandmother because Amar was born so early in your life. Many women of your age now have children only as old as Latika.”
“Nahi re. Ye sab main ahi jaanti (No. I don't know about these things).”
“Didi… main aapse behes to nahi kar sakti (I can not argue with you)... Aapki bahut izzat karti hoon (I respect you a lot)... Lekin sach me, aapki maang fir se saj jaaye, to kitna anand aaye (But really, if you again become married, it will be such fun)! Aapko wo pehle jaisa muskuraata, hansta, khelta dekh kar kitna sukh mile (If we see you smiling, happy and carefree face, I would be much pleased).”
“Wo sab sukh unhi ke saath chala gaya, beta (All that departed with Him, beta)!”
“Oh Didi,” Kajal replied, she had stopped addressing Ma as ‘Ma ji’, “you are so nice to give me such an honor to become the bahu of your house… If that happens, I would be the luckiest woman on this Earth! But I must decline it respectfully. It is not right.”
“Don’t you love him?”
“Didi, I love him. Please don’t say that! I love him since the time I first met him. But there are many more things that are needed for a healthy married life. I am illiterate… I can not stand up along him in his social circle. I can not provide the right kind of support that he needs. He needs a wife who is educated, and who can advise him about his work.”
Kajal said, believing every word that she was saying, “I don’t know anything that he does. I can support him but only with food and taking care of him and keeping his house in order. Beyond that I can not support him.”
“Kajal, I am not convinced. I think you are an amazing woman… beautiful too. Amar will be very lucky to have you permanently in his life. You two can have a few children as well.”
“Didi!” Kajal exclaimed. Shyly.
“Kya Didi? Dekho na (See) … Sunil to ab apne pairon par khada ho gaya, aur ab wo Naukri lagne ke baad bahar hi rahega. (Sunil is now self dependent. After he joins his job, he will stay outside) ... Latika abhi chhoti hai (Latika is still very young) … to ek tarah se tum bas ek bachche ki Ma ho (So, looking in this way, you are a mother of just one child [Abha]) ... Ek do aur bachche to kar hi sakti ho (You can still have one or two more children) …”
Kajal shook her head, as if to show her resignation in the argument.
Ma too realized it. She knew that getting married is a personal decision and not a forced decision.
“I can only suggest… Marrying or not is entirely up to you people. But always remember… if you two ever wish to get married, you have my blessings.” Ma said, resigning to any arguments.
Ma had changed.
Pre-depression Ma would have given convincing and logical reasoning as to why Kajal and I should get married. But post-depression Ma did not do it. But before Ma ended her argument, she mentioned to Kajal that just one night of sex did wonders to Kajal. She looked happier and radiant.
Kajal then asked Ma about how she was coping. Finding a trusting and loving confidante, Ma opened up and told her how sorely she missed Dad. He was her entire world. She missed everything about him, including having sex. They used to have sex daily, which had not happened in a long time now. Ma enjoyed his company. He empowered her in inexplicable manner. It was about time to turn the proverbial argumentative table towards Ma.
Kajal probed, “Didi, why don’t you get married again?”
“Pagal ho gai hai kya (Have you gone insane)? Mai ab Dadi ban gai hoon (I am a grand mother now) ... Is umra me koi shadi karta hai kya (Does anyone get married in this age)?”
“Didi, agreed, you have become a Dadi. But you are not old. You are only forty-two or forty-three years old. You became grandmother because Amar was born so early in your life. Many women of your age now have children only as old as Latika.”
“Nahi re. Ye sab main ahi jaanti (No. I don't know about these things).”
“Didi… main aapse behes to nahi kar sakti (I can not argue with you)... Aapki bahut izzat karti hoon (I respect you a lot)... Lekin sach me, aapki maang fir se saj jaaye, to kitna anand aaye (But really, if you again become married, it will be such fun)! Aapko wo pehle jaisa muskuraata, hansta, khelta dekh kar kitna sukh mile (If we see you smiling, happy and carefree face, I would be much pleased).”
“Wo sab sukh unhi ke saath chala gaya, beta (All that departed with Him, beta)!”
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Everything was good, except for Ma’s depression. She was not responding very positively to the treatment and even Kajal’s company. Ma had changed… unfortunately, for worse.
I was not sure how to break that.
My business had started growing well. I was making money, which is a good sign for any start-up. I was happy. I was not killing myself over work, I was employing a few people and making money. It was wonderful! Sunil on the other hand had completed his graduation, and landed a very lucrative job offer. There was a couple of months break between his graduation and joining, so he decided to give us a visit. Even though Kajal had started living with us for over six months, this was the first time that Sunil visited us. I saw him after close to six years. He had turned in to a good-looking young man. He looked very confident; he had a smiling face and good posture.
I was very proud looking at him. In a way, I had been the father figure for him, and a turning point in his life. He touched my feet when he saw me. I hugged him in father like affection. Ma too was delighted to see him. Sunil touched her feet as well. She asked him how he was doing etc. We finally seemed to have a semblance of a happy, big family, after such a long time. Six of us seemed to make a very happy household.
Sunil initially wanted to spend the little vacation in travelling, but now he wanted to spend that entire vacation with us. He said he would help me with the business, which was not really required. It would have served as a little internship for him, though. Therefore, I let him join me. It would be a good male-bonding as well. I had spend a lot of time with women, as it is. Still, he helped me in hiring a couple of people who ultimately helped my business to scale greater heights. I told him that he was welcome to join the business whenever he wanted. It was a family business anyway, and he was well educated. If other firms can trust him in doing his job, I too can safely trust him.
A few weeks after his arrival, I started to notice something very delightful!
Ma seemed to perk up a bit. When he was not helping me, Sunil would spend good and quality time with her. He would ask about her stories and told her his stories about his college life and plan for future. Having long, leisurely gossip session was Ma, Kajal, and Sunil’s favorite matinee activity. I was so happy and relieved to see this positive change in Ma. It seemed that finally, something broke the shell of her depression, and she had started coming out of it.
Sunil’s narration of his future plans always started with getting married. This was something that both Kajal and Ma liked. Both of them had the opinion that people should get married as early as possible. But to a right person. There is so much fun in getting married to the right person. A prolonged happy married life is the best gift one can have. Ma would often fondly tell stories from her early days of married life. In both Ma’s case, she got married as soon as she reached the legal age of marriage.
They would often ask him what kind of girl he would love to marry. Sunil would playfully reply saying that he wanted to marry someone who would love him, stand beside him as a rock, love and nurture his children as Ma did to Bhaiya or as Kajal did to him. The description was vague, but both women loved what they heard. ‘We will start the search of a bride’ they promised after each gossip session.
I was not sure how to break that.
My business had started growing well. I was making money, which is a good sign for any start-up. I was happy. I was not killing myself over work, I was employing a few people and making money. It was wonderful! Sunil on the other hand had completed his graduation, and landed a very lucrative job offer. There was a couple of months break between his graduation and joining, so he decided to give us a visit. Even though Kajal had started living with us for over six months, this was the first time that Sunil visited us. I saw him after close to six years. He had turned in to a good-looking young man. He looked very confident; he had a smiling face and good posture.
I was very proud looking at him. In a way, I had been the father figure for him, and a turning point in his life. He touched my feet when he saw me. I hugged him in father like affection. Ma too was delighted to see him. Sunil touched her feet as well. She asked him how he was doing etc. We finally seemed to have a semblance of a happy, big family, after such a long time. Six of us seemed to make a very happy household.
Sunil initially wanted to spend the little vacation in travelling, but now he wanted to spend that entire vacation with us. He said he would help me with the business, which was not really required. It would have served as a little internship for him, though. Therefore, I let him join me. It would be a good male-bonding as well. I had spend a lot of time with women, as it is. Still, he helped me in hiring a couple of people who ultimately helped my business to scale greater heights. I told him that he was welcome to join the business whenever he wanted. It was a family business anyway, and he was well educated. If other firms can trust him in doing his job, I too can safely trust him.
A few weeks after his arrival, I started to notice something very delightful!
Ma seemed to perk up a bit. When he was not helping me, Sunil would spend good and quality time with her. He would ask about her stories and told her his stories about his college life and plan for future. Having long, leisurely gossip session was Ma, Kajal, and Sunil’s favorite matinee activity. I was so happy and relieved to see this positive change in Ma. It seemed that finally, something broke the shell of her depression, and she had started coming out of it.
Sunil’s narration of his future plans always started with getting married. This was something that both Kajal and Ma liked. Both of them had the opinion that people should get married as early as possible. But to a right person. There is so much fun in getting married to the right person. A prolonged happy married life is the best gift one can have. Ma would often fondly tell stories from her early days of married life. In both Ma’s case, she got married as soon as she reached the legal age of marriage.
They would often ask him what kind of girl he would love to marry. Sunil would playfully reply saying that he wanted to marry someone who would love him, stand beside him as a rock, love and nurture his children as Ma did to Bhaiya or as Kajal did to him. The description was vague, but both women loved what they heard. ‘We will start the search of a bride’ they promised after each gossip session.
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