Happy Birthday

Doraiswamy asked his son Raghu for the fourth time when was Independence day.

” Appa, it is tomorrow. I have told you three times already. You are forgetting. Why do you want to know?” asked his son with some irritability.

Doraiswamy wanted to keep the purpose a surprise and said, “Just wished to know. No specific reason.”

Raghu looked at him quizzically and went to his room to get ready for office. “Sumathi, appa looks tired. Take care of him,” he said before leaving. He was worried that his dad was forgetful more and more of late and repeated the same questions

It was around 11 am when Sumathi came to her father-in-law and said,” Appa, my friend rang up to say her mother fell down in bathroom and broke her hip bone. She is admitted in the nearby hospital. I will see her and return within an hour or so. please do not go out. I will be back very soon.”

“Do not worry. Take your own time. There is no hurry,” the old man replied.

After she left, he took the small paper from his pocket to see it and added something in what was obviously a list. He wore a shirt and felt the pocket for the keys before he left for the shopping complex in the locality.

The first shop was to the bakery where he ordered a big eggless truffle cake and gave instructions on what is to be written on it, He also added to the order a dozen each of chocolate, snickers and vanilla cupcakes, paper plates, balloons, happy birthday banner to be hung on the hall, a crate of assorted soft drinks coke, sprite, mango and pineapple for delivery next day at 8am.He also asked for delivery of flower bouquet from the adjacent shop. Satisfied he took the paper to check he had not left out any. He rushed back to order paper tumblers and some festoons. He bought some small kachoris and jangris from a Rajasthani sweet shop.

He quietly returned home within an hour and hid the edibles from the Rajasthani shop inside his almirah. He found some urchins playing in the colony compound and asked them to come to his place at 10.30 am along with other children for the birthday party

He kept it a secret from his wife every year as he was always wont to spring a surprise on her. They were loving couple with each doting on the other. Their bond grew closer after his retirement. Each would feign sleep waiting for the other to sleep and often break into smile when they opened their eyes together. He drew a good pension and his son and daughter-in-law were affectionate. What more would one want, they would often say and be grateful to God for His grace. Sadly, she fell sick frequently for the last two years but the bond and affection only grew stronger than before.

The next day around 7 am Raghu and Sumathi well-dressed came to Doraiswamy and said, “Appa, there is independence day function arranged in our park. We will be back by 9.30 am. Take care,” before they left.

Promptly around 8 am, the bakery shop and the flower shop delivered the things ordered for. He asked two of the colony’s security men to help him in tying festoons, balloons and banner in his spacious bedroom. After they left, he arranged the cake and the other edibles on a table. He surveyed the scene and smiled happily at keeping things a total secret.

Raghu and Sumathi returned at 10.15 am. The whole home was fragrant with smell of sandalwood from joss sticks. Raghu looking confused looked at his father wearing a smug smile. Meanwhile Sumathi who had gone inside shouted, “Raghu, come to appa’s room and see for yourself what he has done.”

 He rushed in to see his mom’s photograph on the table with a bouquet placed in the front. The room was decorated with banner, balloons and festoons.

“Appa, what is all this? Are you in your senses?” he asked in a sad tone.

 “Raghu, don’t you remember it is your mother’s birthday today and she likes to be surprised and pampered. I have been doing it for years since you were born and you are asking as if it is something new to you.” He replied

As Raghu’s eyes became moist seeing the pitiable figure before him, he heard the loud knocks at the door. He saw a dozen beaming young boys and girls excitedly entering looking for their uncle. Doraiswamy came rushing to welcome them to his room. The children were puzzled to find no birthday person save a photograph on a table.

Doraiswamy asked the youngest child to light the candle and others to sing “Happy birthday to you” The children dutifully followed by loud clapping and laughter.

Raghu went near his father and put his arm around him and softly said with tears flowing from his eyes,” Appa, amma died a more than a year ago. You are living in a world of hallucination. Come out of it for your own good.’ Sumathi too came near the old man and held his hands with concern.

Doraiswamy did not seem to hear them but said with a gusto, “The children are waiting. Let us distribute the cakes, sweets and other snacks” He turned to them.” and said,” Enjoy to your hearts’ content. Grandma will be very happy.”

After the children left, he was reclining morose on his easy chair with a muddled look. Raghu was caressing him gently with concern, when his dad asked him, “Did you say, your mom passed away a year back. You never told me,” and then started weeping inconsolably.

​ "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

An affair

The cash counter at Target was looking deserted with no line of customers at this part of the day. I had paid the bill and collected my things quickly and was slowly pushing the cart towards exit when I heard a voice from behind.

” Madam, can I have a word with you?”  I saw the counter assistant beckoning me. She was looking at me with concern just like my mom did when I did something she did not approve of.  The assistant at the counter could be a Mexican, less than 50 and did not seem very tall, as she craned her neck over the counter. Her face was familiar as I visit this branch frequently being close to my house.

Surprised I went near her and said, “Hi, how have you been? I hope the day is good.”

“Yes, thank you. Would you permit me to talk something personal of interest to you?”

“Why not?” wondering what personal thing she could tell me as my contact with her was nothing more than some pleasantries before paying the bill at the counter.

“Excuse me if I am wrong. I have been seeing you visiting this branch for the last one year or even less and sometimes along with your husband,” she said and added,” I have a daughter of your age working in another city close by.”

“You wished to tell me something personal. What is it about, Madam?” I prodded.

“Call me Linda. I am telling this only out of concern for you though it is none of my business to poke my nose. But I could not resist telling you as you look very much like my daughter,” she said.

“Cut out the preamble please. Tell me quickly what is it you wanted to tell me,” I said with some urgency

Linda pulled herself straight and said, “I have seen your husband many times along with you during your visits. But I saw him a week before coming with another young woman of about your age and I did not like the way she was behaving. That is why I decided to mention to you.”

“What is wrong if my husband comes with a colleague of his or wife of our neighbor? What is it that you did not like about her behavior?” I asked.

 “I agree with you it can be a colleague or someone from your community. But not in this case when a woman in public place cozying herself like a newlywed, always holding his hands or snuggling too close to him for comfort or jabbing his chest in mock anger and giggling all the time. But this guy happens to be your husband and I thought I should warn you as I have a liking for you for your polite and smiling ways of interacting with me always. Excuse me if you did not like my sharing with you what I saw. I was actually hesitant, “Linda spoke in an apologetic tone.

“Not at all. I appreciate your concern for me. I am married for the last two years and he has been very nice and affectionate to me. I can never associate him even in my dream with cheating on me. Since you say, you have seen him a week before with her and he was supposed to be busy at a conference in his office, I am confused. Can you describe her in detail? Is she an Indian? Did the man address her by any name?” I asked.

“Excuse me, will be right back in a couple of minutes” she said as she hurried to attend a customer who luckily had only one item to be billed. She came soon and said, “Sorry, they spoke in their native language and that too not much. She is brown, I am sure. Could be a Pakistani too. I was not also paying attention to their conversation. But, believe me, she is a beautiful woman, taller than you, putting on an appearance of coyness and had a captivating smile. Frankly, I must confide in you that I did not like her a wee bit.”

Some worry crept into me and suddenly an idea struck me.” Please note down my number. I am Vandana. The next time you see them here together, please give me a ring or send a message. I will be here within five minutes to catch them red handed. But I am hundred percent sure my man is not like that, “I told her.

Nevertheless, Linda seemed skeptical about my confidence when she said,” I hope to ring you soon. Mark my word.”

The whole night I could not sleep turning on the bed restlessly with some uneasiness. My husband was sleeping well snoring softly. His face was so innocent, I cursed myself for doubting him before dozing off to sleep.

The next morning when we were having coffee, I asked him gently, “Had you been to Target last week or so? The assistant at the counter told me, she saw you.”

“No, the last I went there was about three weeks back with you for buying some AA and AAA batteries and you had even remarked why I bought so many of them. Why do you ask?” he asked in surprise.

“Forget it. She was casually mentioning obviously mistaking someone else for you,” I replied.

It was Saturday morning a week later and my husband had gone to Super cuts, when I got a call from the Linda from Target. Could it be a ruse on the part of my husband to go to Target as it was adjacent to Super cuts, I suspected when I was on my way to Target.

When I reached the counter, Linda said in a whisper, “They are inside one of the aisles looking for something. She is in a colorful Indian dress and looks very nice. Please hide yourself on the chair over there. You can see me. When I see them coming to counter, I will signal you.”

After a long wait of 15 minutes, Linda winked at me. I remained where I was seated waiting for them to come to counter. When I saw the couple with the woman’s hand circling his hip and him placing the things on the counter for billing, I could hardly suppress my laughter. I closed the mouth and messaged hubby to come to Target immediately only to see him rushing in with a neatly cropped hair.

When we both went to the counter and stood by the side of couple, Linda was half confused and half baffled seeing the two men talking animatedly. I broke into laughter when Linda asked me who was my husband as they seemed to her completely alike like a photocopy. I explained the men are identical twins and my brother-in-law and his wife recently relocated to a town 30 miles away and must have visited Target on their way to our house. I assured her that to trained eyes, they are vastly different and I can identify my husband a mile away.

I requested both the brothers to stand side by side and requested Linda to spot six differences amid peals of laughter from my sister-in-law and the two brothers.

Linda threw up her hands and joined in our laughter.

Grandma's last wish

I read this story of mine by chance today and liked it very much.Most of you would have read this earlier and had a smile at the end.I have posted again for my new blogger friends and I am sure you would enjoy reading this again as I did.

My dad worked as a teacher in Town high school Kumbakonam. He had let his lands in the nearby village for tilling to the farmers who gave him a portion of the proceeds. We lived in a house in a street that ran parallel to one side of the school. That was my school too and my memory is still vivid of my scaling the short wall opposite my house instead of walking to the gate.

My maternal uncle’s house was next to ours. He lived with my grandmother, his wife and a daughter three years younger to me. I do not remember what my mama(uncle) did for living except that he went early to the big bazaar street daily to work in a shop and came home late doing some additional work in some other place. He had no landed property to fall back. They led a frugal life but never looked to us for any support. My dad sent them a few sacks of rice after harvest, but I suspect my mom ordered extra provisions each month and gave them to my aunt when mama was not there. She did not give the entire provisions at one time but in installments lest she refused in embarrassment. My dad knew it, I believe, though no word was spoken about it.

My mother went daily to see her mom in the afternoon while mama came occasionally to our place. Even on Sundays, he would be doing some errands for extra income.Bhooma, my mama’s daughter, who studied two classes lower to mine was a school topper and well known in the school for distinguishing herself in varied activities like sports, essay writing, debate and music competitions. I used to be jealous of her when she repeatedly appeared on the stage to receive cups and medals from the President of the school while I rarely went up the stage. She was popular among her friends and tended to dominate the group with her loud laughter and banter.

I was an introvert seeking comfort in the company of story books and mostly my patti (grandmother). She was very fond of me and relished telling me about various temples, lives of alwars and their hymns.

I still remember the day when Bhooma in my presence told my grandma, “Patti, you are making Sarangan an useless guy telling him, as if he is a child of five years, mythological stories and slokams. He can as well read them in Chanda Mama. He is not doing very well in studies. He is also shy, walking always  with his head bent and rarely talks to me in the school, let alone my friends.”

“Keep quiet, you silly girl. He is not loud mouthed like you but is quite intelligent. He can recite easily from memory entire Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam without faltering and knows many hymns of alwars. Be respectful to him as he is older to you by three years. He is a good boy and is naturally unwilling to talk to unknown girls..“Bhooma left in a huff jabbing her shoulder on her jaw in contempt.

”Ignore that brat, Saranga.I will tell her father to reprimand her. It is not good for a girl to be so egoistic and proud” consoled my patti as if I was hurt by her remark.

“It is Okay, patti.She told the truth only as I am shy by nature and also not a topper like her. She means good” I replied

“May be. When she gets married, she must learn to be respectful. Anyway I leave it in the hands of Lord Oppiliappan” I could surmise even at my young age patti’s secret desire that I should marry her and relieve mama of much expense towards marriage.(In our parts marrying maternal uncle’s daughter was very much in vogue)

I have never spoken to patti about Bhooma or what I thought of her. Though tall with lustrous hair falling up to hip, she had a bulbous nose with a shrill voice. Dominating and outspoken by nature, she did not endear herself to me though I held her in good esteem for her attainments in many fields. We often argued on petty matters and she ascribed this to my jealousy of her.

Years flew by and I had finished engineering and was working in a leading IT company at Pune.Bhooma had finished her graduation on scholarships and topped the university. She was selected in the campus by a reputed bank and was waiting for the offer letter. I had not visited home for nearly three years. Meanwhile there was a family function which my mom insisted that I should attend mainly for seeing my patti who was keeping indifferent health. She had grown old, very weak and was falling sick often. It seemed she expressed a keen desire to see me at the earliest.

The day I reached my home, my mom took me aside to the kitchen after the initial pleasantries, and told me”Saranga,I wish to share with you the piquant situation I am in before you meet your patti.She is not keeping well and doctor says that she may not live for long. She has been insisting that I promise her to have Bhooma married to you. I told her that this is a matter concerning you and that I cannot assure her anything without discussing with you. It is not that I have anything against Bhooma but feel both of you should warm up to the suggestion. Now that you are here, she may ask me again or even talk to you directly. I mentioned to your dad and he said this is something to be decided by you. What is in your mind?”

“Amma, frankly I have not thought about marriage at all and I am certain that Bhooma is not someone whom I would like to marry. Do not make any promise to patti. You can tell her the truth in plain words. If mama wants financial support for Bhooma’s marriage, I can pitch in some amount along with appa.I will certainly not marry her” I said

“I understand but remember patti is my mother and I cannot be as blunt as you are. Again you have not seen Bhooma recently in the last two years. She has changed a lot into a beautiful maiden and has turned very soft in speech. She has been selected for a nice job. You may even change your mind, if you see her. I am not trying to influence you. Anyway be prepared for patti’s query on this. I would not accompany you when you go to meet her” she replied.

When I went next morning to meet patti, the front door was ajar and she was alone. Mama as usual, had gone out and mami to a nearby temple.Bhooma was not to be seen. Patti sat up with difficulty and hugged me with affection and said” Saranga, I am extremely happy to see you and was really worried whether I would be alive to see you again. I have only one desire to be fulfilled before I shed this coil. I spoke to your mom but she is dodgy. I rely only on Lord Oppiliappan to open His eyes and your willingness to carry out my last wish.”

I grabbed the short pause as she was catching her breath and told her”Patti, I know your wish and I am sorry to tell you that I cannot fulfill it. If it is Bhooma’s marriage with me, let us not talk about it. If mama needs financial help, I can offer it to him. Sorry for being blunt. Please do not mistake me. I love you very much”

Her eyes became red with anger and she shouted “Who needs your financial help? Your mama is not a beggar to take it from you. Bhooma would earn enough for her marriage. I had lot of affection for and hope in you but never knew you were disrespectful to elders. I would not like to see your face again till my last breath. Please go away immediately from here.”

As I lingered and said “Patti, please listen. You cannot impose”, she cut me short with a scream  “Get lost now” and fell down on her side with her face turned away from me.

It was then I saw a shadow fall upon me and I found Bhooma entering the room from the hall. I could see her eyes moist.”Please leave her alone, Saranga.She is really sick and tension is the last thing she can have” she said softly. I knew she must have heard our conversation.

I could not believe my eyes how beautiful she had transformed in the last two or three years even as I stood transfixed before her.

”Saranga, please go away immediately. We cannot afford another hospital trip” she pleaded.

It was barely 30 minutes after I reached my home, we heard the front door being knocked repeatedly and loudly. It was Bhooma crying aloud that patti had breathed her last and her mom is yet to return from temple and that someone should send word to her dad. With utter disbelief and shock, we rushed to her house. Patti’s face looked as if she was under some pain and I knew who had caused it.

“Patti, please open your eyes for one last time. I wish to say that I would carry out your wish wholeheartedly. My disinclination to marry Bhooma stemmed from my inferiority complex as she always excelled me and my fear she may want a better person. I am sorry I displeased you at the fag end of your life. Please, will you open your eyes once? “I pleaded

Meanwhile a doctor was fetched by someone and after examination, he said “She had only fainted, may be due to weakness. Who said she had breathed her last? I have given her an injection. She should be okay soon. Please give her some warm beverage. There is nothing to worry”

From the corner of my eyes, I could trace a mischievous grin on Bhooma’s face and a much relieved amma. The tightness in Patti’s face seemed to have vanished. I could not resist the wicked thought whether Bhooma, patti and amma had in unison enacted this drama.

A fateful encounter

Gopanna realizing that he was being taken to some unknown place asked the hazy and darkish figure that dragged him, “Who are you? Why do you drag me across weird places that I have never seen?”

“I am not supposed to talk with the souls I carry with me. I am a messenger of Yama (God of death). We have to do our duty and travel far. Please keep quiet.”

“Did you say souls? I am not dead and am no soul. I think there is a mistake. I am hale and hearty with no complaints whatsoever even a common cold. How would I die so early in my life?”

“I agree but you met with an accident and fell from the cable car you were travelling alone to the top of the hill. Since your time was up, I had to engineer a mishap to bring your life to an end.”

“I am 45 years old and my wife and two small kids would be waiting for my return. I am sure you must have committed a mistake. You have messed up my life,” cried Gopanna.

“Did you say you are 45 years old? What is your name by the way? Just wait, let me check,” the figure said and looking at its palm added, “I came to your building correctly and when I did not find you, I came rushing to where you were. Is there anyone by your name who is 65 years old in your building?”

Jumping with joy with a shred of hope, Gopanna replied, “Yes, there is Bopanna who lives in the adjacent flat. He is 65 years and has been ailing for long with some respiratory problem.”

“My god, I had made a serious blunder for the first time. Why do you people have similar sounding names? I am sorry for your predicament but you will find yourself alive now at the bottom of mountain where the cable car crashed. Find your way back to your home. I hope you are not seriously hurt,” said the figure before it hastily vanished possibly to claim Bopanna’s life.

***

Meanwhile Gopanna’s house was in great gloom. The crash of cable car at the top of hill was flashed in the media and hotly discussed. There was some small consolation that the causality was limited to only one passenger. Nevertheless, the rescue team plunged into operation despite the heavy rains during the intervening period hampering its efforts. The cable car had fallen into a deep gorge lined with big and small trees. Visibility was poor. While the broken car could be traced, the passenger’s body remained untraceable. The search was given up after intense search for couple of days.

Articles appeared about the technical flaws in the cable car operations and the suppliers’ failure to address them. There was a clamour that they be hauled up in the court. The state government under pressure with an ensuing by election in a fortnight in the constituency, announced a compensation of Rs.50 lakhs and issued a written offer of a job for the victim’s wife. The cable car company offered Rs.25 lakhs as compensation that was increased to Rs. 35 lakhs after hue and cry. The party in opposition, not to lose the opportunity, pressurized the government to give rent free accommodation till her retirement to victim’s wife.

Gopanna held a small position in the state government and was leading a hand to mouth existence in a rented flat. Though the loss to the family was irreparable, the generous gesture by the government and the company somewhat lessened the severity of the blow. All these happened in lightning speed within ten days before the date of the poll. Gopanna’s wife meanwhile had joined in the new job and moved into her new accommodation close by.

***

When Gopanna woke up to the roaring noise of a river, he saw around thick bushes and trees and realized that he was at the bottom of a hill as in a steep-walled canyon. Luckily it was morning and as he tried to get up, he found one of his legs broken and hanging loosely from ankle. There was a deep gash on his face below his eye up to jawbone. There were bruises all over the body. The saving grace was he was not hit on the head and was mentally alert. He looked around for help and there was not a soul visible. He cried in pain and prayed to god for long time before he dozed off to sleep.

He did not know how long he slept till he heard a soft voice, “Dear son, get up. This is not a place to sleep as wild animals would be on prowl. Let me help you to get up,” He saw a dark, tall but muscular figure in loin cloth  with long beard and matted hair.

“Do not be afraid of me. I roam in these areas. I have some powers and I will carry you up to the verge of the city where you will find people to help you. Just close your eyes till I ask you to open,” he said as he smiled betraying an unevenly aligned yellow teeth.

The next moment, he was asked to open the eyes to find himself lying on the road opposite a government hospital and the bearded man missing mysteriously. Let us skip the details of what happened after some good Samaritans admitted him in the hospital till he came out of it after two months with a crutch on hand to support the one amputated leg, with hideous and twisted face after several stiches from the eye to jaw and three fingers missing on his left hand. He had seen in the toilet the facial deformities that his beard and mustache could hardly conceal and so covered his face with a towel

***

When he limped to his old home, he found new occupants. They thought him to be a vagabond but he managed without revealing his true identity to find out that the previous resident was dead in a recent accident and that the bereaved family had moved to a free government flat in the Housing Board complex nearby and that his wife had secured a government job along with heavy compensation.

Gladdened at the fortuitous turn of events after the tragic accident, he reached his wife’s new place. Being a Sunday, she was there. Though he felt there was a look of sadness in her face, she betrayed no evidence of recognizing him, when she asked, “Whom do you want?”

“Is this not Gopanna’s house? Don’t you know who I am?’” he asked with a smile that accentuated the ugliness of his grotesque face. She recoiled with a sense of horror.at the dreadful figure before her and said, “I don’t know you. Please go away,” before banging the door shut.

He stood baffled and called his wife’s name twice and the door remained shut. He was in two minds whether to force his way inside by baring all the happenings or withdraw quietly. He thought what if she had not really recognized him? Would she not welcome him with extended hands if she really knew of his return despite the injuries?

It was then he heard a phone ring inside the house. He nudged towards the window of the front room unseen. He heard her voice clearly as she spoke to her elder brother, “Anna, I think it is him who had come a while ago. He looks scary and repulsive in appearance. I could not recognize him initially but when I saw the dark round mole on his forehead, I realized who it is. I immediately shut the door.”

Gopanna could not hear what was spoken by her brother but could surmise from her response about what was spoken. He was aware that her brother has a shady and criminal past

“……”

“That is why I pretended not to know him. What you warned struck me too. I am aware the government would take away the job, the house and even a major portion of compensation.”

“………”

“I agree he cannot get a job and will only be a burden. I am also averse to live with such a warped man though I am willing to pay him monthly some amount for his upkeep if only he would keep quiet. Please advise me what I should do?” she asked

“……..”

“Ok. I will stay put and hope he goes away caring for his children. If any development occurs, I will let you know,” she concluded the phone call.

After half hour she peeped through window to know that he left and let a sigh of relief. For two months there was total silence and she never heard or saw Gopanna again till one day the boy in the adjacent house gave her a sealed cover addressed to her by name informing her that someone came and asked him to deliver.

She hurriedly opened to see,

Dear Gowri,

You will be shocked to see this letter from me after my unwelcome visit. I thought of leaving you alone and fend for myself somewhere. I am not getting any job and people drive me away when they see my repugnant figure. I had nearly put in 20 years of service and will be entitled to pension if I prove my identity. But that would affect you adversely as you know the government would withdraw from you  all facilities and even compensation. More than worrying about you, I do not want my children to live in poverty.

I have two proposals to make. One is you pay me 25% of the compensation received by you and the second one is to allow me to stay with you and the children for three days in a month. This will assure you of my total silence. You may hand over the reply in a sealed cover to the boy in the adjacent house in a week.

Lovingly Gopanna

Gowri rang up her brother knowing that she had a blackmailer on hand and this may not be the only or last request. He would milk her when he ran out of money till the last rupee. The neighbours would also start suspecting who he was frequently visiting her. She wished to know what she should do. He replied he would talk to her in person.

When the subject came up during his visit the same evening, her brother cryptically replied, “Do wait for some time to see what he is up to. Meanwhile I will find ways to stop him from troubling you anymore. Leave this to me. Do not tell anyone about his visit or about the letter. Burn it and wash it down in drain.”

 Gowri was still worried but strangely there was a total silence for more than a month with no more communications or visit from Gopanna. 

When she mentioned this during her brother’s next visit, he told her smugly with a wry smile,” Be in total peace. I have ensured that he does not trouble you anymore. Do not talk about this matter anymore and especially on phone with me”

Gowri stood there with a lump in her throat and tried to fight back her tears.

A thoughtful gift

Melisa has been working her mind to death like a dog with the bone for the last few days to determine the apt gift for her mom Maggie on her ensuing 65th birth day that happened to be a Thanks giving day. She knew that her mom  never liked anything gaudy or rich. Neither a sari nor a jewel seemed appropriate this year. Her dad had passed away only ten months back and her mom would desire no celebration what so ever.

Her parents were very loving and caring to each other in their married life that spanned forty years. Each one of them gave in to make the other happy. Melisa had never witnessed even a single instance of their being angry with each other while tiffs seemed a matter of daily occurrence in her own life. Her mom had still not got over the shock and was living in her past memories refusing to move on with life.

 Melisa’s husband could be of no help with his crazy idea of taking her mom out to a picturesque spot on the occasion. He presumably thought that it would be a change from the surroundings. But then he had not understood his mother-in-law well. Her mom had emphatically told her that she would not like any celebration and that the day would pass off like any other day. She wanted her to respect her wishes.

As she was thinking about her parents while in bed still undecided what to buy for her, she dozed off to sleep only to have a wonderful dream. Her dad had come to her house alone from the evening walk and asked her to fetch him good tea with namkeens. It was unusual of him to come alone as her mom always accompanied him. He was in a happy frame of mind making jokes and laughing loudly.

 It was then her mom’s birth day celebrations came up. He said he wished to make it a big but a private affair starting with an appointment the previous day at a local beauty salon for a facial and massage. He would then take her to get for her a new outfit of clothes, shoes and a matching hand bag. On her birth day, he would pamper her with a breakfast in her bed with a bouquet of sixty five roses. In the evening they would have a quiet dinner at a nice hotel along with Melisa and her family.

She praised him for his thoughtful plans and asked, “What should be my present for mom?”

He said,” I have already thought about it. I think I have a beautiful picture of her along with me. It should be in my table drawer.Get a good frame to fix it. That would be the ideal gift she would like.”

The idea seemed very good and even as she was thanking him the dream ended abruptly. But she was happy that her dad had solved her problem so well.

Next day she visited her mom’s place that remained vacant and locked. She rummaged the old photo albums in her dad’s table and found the latest picture of her parents that her dad had mentioned. She quietly had it enlarged to the size of the beautiful golden frame she bought.

On the Thanks giving day, she took the frame neatly covered in a sober gift wrapper to her mom's room. When Melisa handed over the same, her mom was upset and said angrily “I told you clearly that I will have no gifts or celebration and yet you bring this packet. Don’t you respect the sentiments of your mom?”

Melisa said ”Ma, this is no ordinary  gift. I am respecting the wishes of my dad to get this for you. He came in my dream a couple of days back and suggested that I do his bidding. Open it and see for yourself. Do remember today is Thanks giving day and dad had so lovingly thought of this.”

When Maggie opened the packet to see the picture in a wonderful and large frame with her sitting by the side of her  husband standing  with his arm around her, she was thrilled beyond words. She turned to see Melisa looking intently at her with some trepidation as to how she would react to the framed picture and realized instantly Melisa’s loving care and affection for her and how she made a big difference to her life. Realizing how lucky she was,Maggie wiping the tears thanked the Lord for His blessings even as she pulled Melisa towards her and hugged her tightly smothering her with kisses.

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.”

The epiphany.

I stopped the car when I saw the flower shop. I was on my way to meet my sweet heart whom I have been dating for nearly a year. She was turning 27 this day. I ordered a bunch of 27 large red roses to be made into a fine bouquet. 

As I was waiting, I saw a young boy around ten years bargaining with the shop assistant. I heard him telling “I have only 10 rupees. Can you make a small bouquet of roses for that amount? “

The assistant told him, “Sorry, the minimum we make is for Rs.50/. I can manage a small one for Rs.25. What you have is not adequate”

The boy pleaded “Today is my mom’s birthday. I assure I can pay the balance in two months. Won’t you please help me?”

The assistant said a bit harshly “No credit. We are busy in the morning with customers. Please go away without disturbing.” With tears trickling, the boy turned to move away.

I called the boy,” Hey, come here I will get for you a bouquet for your mom. I am glad you are a loving son and remember the occasion to surprise her. She should be happy to see the bouquet. Please wait.”

Meanwhile the assistant gave me my bunch of 27 roses beautifully arranged and a small bouquet of roses for the boy that I had ordered.

I asked the boy to get into the car telling him that I would drop him if his home was not far away. The boy got down after a short distance before a small house. He said “Thank you, Sir. My mother is actually no more. She passed away last year. I used to get her from the adjacent gardens a few red roses on her birthday. She loved roses very much and would feel very happy. This year I thought I will get her a bouquet. Thanks to you, I can place it before her photo.”

My eyes became moist as my thoughts went to my mother in a senior home. She was past 70 with dimmed vision and reduced hearing. She used a walker to move about. We are a family of six sons and three daughters. Yet none of us found it convenient to keep her at our homes after my father passed away. The daughters- in-law were all working and no one wanted an old lady with them. Till then my parents lived separately. My mother is a fine lady, soft spoken and talked very little. My dad was not a rich man. He left behind his house which we sold and out of the proceeds paid the deposit to the senior home and the monthly subscription. She did not depend on us financially.

This arrangement suited us all fine though my mom’s willingness was never ascertained. We went to meet her initially once a month with wives. Gradually the wives stopped accompanying my brothers. The daughters were all in outstations I am the youngest and not yet married. The visits by everyone became gradually few and far between. Ever since I started dating, I could not also find time. It is almost six months since I met her.

The boy’s touching remembrance of his mom on her birthday opened my eyes. I rushed back to the flower shop and got a large bouquet of roses and other flowers. Along with my fiancee I bought some dresses and fruits for my mom and went to meet her. She was greatly surprised and was immensely happy when I introduced my fiancee.

 She had her face brought very close to her to see her and said” She is very charming and cute. You are mighty lucky. May you tie the knot soon and live happily.”

On our way back, my fiancee remarked “God willing, we shall keep her with us once we get married. We can employ a helper to attend to her needs.”

A celebration of sharing

(This story belonged to the years when the awareness of the harmful effects of fireworks on the Eco system was not fully known)

It was Diwali that day. The air was thick with smoke but full of fun and revelry and the atmosphere echoed with the laughter of children. The houses were all decorated in multi-coloured serial lights. The endless rows of diyas with dancing flames added magic to the ambiance. The children were seen running hither and thither bursting crackers and lighting sparklers. The smell of elachi, kesar and other spices wafted from the kitchens that were preparing scrumptious sweets and namkeens. One could see well-dressed men and women hurrying in cars to make the last minute purchases of dry fruits, gift boxes, sweets and clothes.

Siddharth and Ankita were sitting morose in the verandah watching the brightly-lit houses across the road. Siddharth put his arm around Ankita and gently patted her comfortingly without uttering one word. Both knew what was passing through each other’s mind.

***

Exactly a year before, the scene was entirely different. Their boy of eight years, Aniruddh, was busy a week before Diwali making endless list of crackers he wished to buy and in deciding how much of the money should go for the light and how much for the sound varieties. He liked long Lars that would bring to a stop the entire neighbourhood with its noise and dazzle. He also had a fancy for the multi-coloured fountains and flower pots while his dad had a weakness for rockets. His mother had an aversion for the loud detonations of the country made atom bombs. The boy and dad went with a predetermined budget only to be exceeded by several times. They came home with large packets that seemed almost impossible to finish single handedly even in a couple of days.

It was dark already. The loud explosions and brightness from the rockets and flower pots in the neighbourhood indicated the commencement of celebration. Aniruddh, despite his love for the fireworks, was a timid boy and afraid to light up the noisy stuff. He dragged his parents from the living room to help him in bursting the crackers. The boy let his dad do the lighting of crackers while he closed his ears with both palms and jumped with joy when he heard the muffled sounds.

 There was a slum close by and about half a dozen urchins, half-clad, in unkempt hair, stood outside the gate and watched the display with awe. For the poor and the deprived, Diwali day was like any other day of toil and hunger. The children watched with covetous eyes the vast spread of crackers of assorted varieties kept in a corner. When one of the crackers did not go off, one boy from across the gate rushed inside to pick it up and examine. Siddharth shouted at the boy “You fool, don’t go near, it may burst”

It was then Aniruddh said, “I have a request, Dad. They are all very poor and do not have the money to buy even a shirt. They are as young as I am. Can I call them also to join in the fun? We have so much crackers to burst.”

His mom said “No, give them some crackers and send them away. You don’t have to rub shoulders with them.”

 Aniruddh was adamant “Ma, I want them to enjoy as much as I do when dad lights up the crackers. They are also young like me and not accustomed to crackers. They will be in the lawn only for two hours. I will be happier to see them having fun along with me. Please do not say no.”

Siddharth intervened to say, “Ankita, let them also enjoy. Had I known Ranariddh’s mind earlier, I would have brought some clothes too for these urchins.”

Aniruddh was very happy and called the children to come in. For the next two hours it was a riot of laughter and gaiety amidst the glittering light and colour. The entire lot was finished except for a few stray items which Aniruddh gave away to the boys. When they started to leave happily, Ankita called them in and said “Don’t go away. Come inside and wash your hands. I will give you some sweets and snacks to eat.”

***

A year had since passed but the beaming and happy face of Aniruddh on the Diwali day was still fresh in their memory. A few months after Diwali, the boy died after a short ailment despite all the care and treatment.

When Ankita saw the urchins gathered at the gate again and seemed disappointed to see the dark house bereft of noise, brightness and particularly the pleasant boy. She could not suppress her tears. When Siddharth saw Ankita crying, he said “Get ready, let us go and get lots of crackers and sweets for Aniruddh’s friends. I will ask them to come after an hour for an encore of celebrations like last year. That would make Aniruddh happy.” She readily agreed and asked him to buy some shorts and T- shirts too for the boys.

When they returned back with the bundles the boys were eagerly waiting. Siddharth called them inside and gave them the new dresses to wear. Then under his supervision, the little urchins enjoyed to their hearts’ content the lighting of the crackers watched by Ankita with mixed feelings of joy and grief.

 One little girl in that group innocently asked “Uncle, where is the boy who played with us last time? We enjoyed this more last year when he was around. Has he gone out of station?”

Ankita could not suppress her tears and covering her face with her sari she cried aloud. Siddharth told the girl “Aniruddh is no more. We did this as we felt he would be happy if he could see you all in smiles today.”

As the entire lot of urchins stood speechless as if frozen, the little girl said “We are very sad. Had we known this earlier, we would not have made all this merriment.”

Ankita pulled the little girl to her side and said “Don’t feel sad. Aniruddh will be feeling happy wherever he is. All of you come each year on this day for making him and us happy.”

The second chance-Part II

Ms Neharika Rajagopalan, a regular reader of my blog and a blogger herself suggested that I write a sequel to my story ‘The second chance’ 

At my request that she herself write the sequel as a guest post in my blog , she readily agreed. It is published as The second chance- part II. It has interesting and unexpected twists and turns for the reader to enjoy.

Ms Neharika, a post graduate in economics from UK, a professional in development sector is the founder of DESHA DHWANI, a mental wellness awareness initiative. She has a blog ‘Straight from the Heart’ 

With immense delight and happiness, Sadasivam rushed home to inform his wife about the developments. She, too, displayed unbound ecstasy at the turn of events, and immediately started preparing for Vedagiri's stay, setting up his bedroom, desk, and other amenities. She went shopping for clothes on the same day, and stocked his cupboard with new clothes of various styles. She cleaned the house over and over again, and prayed to God for having provided her with a fresh lease at life. Her depression seemed to vanish completely, and Sadasivam looked on with satisfaction at the smile on her face, which had been non-existent for years.

Meanwhile, Vedagiri's parents were getting ready to move to the outhouse in Sadasivam's house. Sundaresan was upbeat, dashing around the little tenement to pack whatever little they had. Sundaresan's wife, Kamala, however, was moving around slowly, doing the same things over and over again. Sundaresan, who had stepped out to bring a carton box, smelled something burning as he entered the house. He saw that Kamala had left some milk on the stove, which had boiled and spilled over. Sundaresan immediately switched off the stove and looked around for his wife, only to find her folding a piece of cloth, lost in thought. He walked over to her and reprimanded her for her act - when he noticed her troubled face. 

"What happened, Kamala? Why are you looking so lost? God has finally showed gratitude and given us this opportunity. What is there to be worried about?", he asked.

"Hmm? You're right. However, I am only wondering how this arrangement will turn out, and whether this will create a distance between us and our son", said Kamala.

"Nonsense. We are going to be right next to him, in immediate proximity. He is going to get a good life. What's there to brood about? Come, let's get ready quickly", Sundaresan said.

Reassured for the moment, Kamala went back to packing and soon enough, the family moved into the outhouse which Sadasivam's wife Kamakshi had graciously prepared for their arrival. Days passed, and a comfortable routine set in. Vedagiri stayed with Sadasivam and Kamakshi, who officially adopted him as their son. Vedagiri would leave for school with Sadasivam, who would drop him in his car. Sundaresan would also ride along with them to go to office each day, in order to mind the canteen. He received great praises for the quality and taste of his food. Kamakshi and Kamala worked together in the kitchen and did the household chores together, while Kamala regaled stories of Vedagiri's childhood to Kamakshi. The latter would revel in these stories, and be amazed at the similarity between them and her own son's Vedagiri's pranks. Sometimes, she would shed a few tears while thinking about him, at which Kamala would comfort her and make her a strong cup of coffee to revive her spirits. 

Evenings were the best times at the Sadasivam household. Once Vedagiri returned from school, Kamakshi would rush to take his bag and listen to his stories. She would pile him with tasty snacks prepared by her and Kamala each day, and then spend time with him to complete his homework and studies. For dinner, both families sat together and had breezy chat sessions, after which Sundaresan & Kamala would retire to their outhouse, and Vedagiri & his new parents, to their home. Life passed on peacefully in this manner, and years flew by. 

Vedagiri was now working as a manager in a reputed bank, and Sadasivam had slowly started reducing his responsibilities at his business. He had found a bright and enterprising young girl to take over his business, and she was gradually taking on the role with efficiency. Her name was Spandana, and she was beautiful, with big eyes, a sharp nose, and full lips. She had a humorous nature, and would be at Sadasivam's house almost every day. She would spend hours with Kamakshi, cracking jokes and helping her make evening snacks until Vedagiri returned. She would leave just as he entered, and Kamakshi did not miss the coy stares they shared. 

A month passed, and Spandana started lingering longer in the house, well after Vedagiri returned home. She stayed for dinner on most days, and Kamakshi noticed the budding romance between the two. One night, she decided to discuss this with Sadasivam.

"Our Vedagiri has grown up so fast. He's nearing 27. Isn't it time to think about marriage?", she said.

"Yes, I have been thinking about it as well. I have been reviewing a few offers that came my way", Sadasivam replied.

"Why look for something when we have someone ready?", Kamakshi asked.

"What do you mean?", Sadasivam said.

"Have you not noticed how Spandana and Vedagiri look at each other? They are definitely interested in each other. We, as loving parents, must make the match by understanding the children's feelings", she said.

"Oh, I never noticed! That's great news. Let's ask Vedagiri once tomorrow and then visit Spandana's parents for talks", Sadasivam said.

The next day, Spandana was out on some errand. Vedagiri had returned home early. Kamakshi and Sadasivam were with him, drinking their evening coffee. Sundaresan and Kamala were also there. Kamakshi, therefore, decided to broach the subject.

"Vedagiri? I have been observing you since a few days, and have noticed a tangible change in you. You have started smiling a lot, and are literally glowing. Is there anything that you want to tell me?", asked Kamakshi.

Vedagiri was flustered. "What? No, Amma, nothing like that. I am normal", he replied.

Sadasivam said, "We're your parents, my boy. We know what is on your mind. We like Spandana, too, and think she is a great match for you. Would you like us to talk to her parents?", he asked. 

Vedagiri was utterly amazed, and gaped like a goldfish. Slowly, a smile started spreading across his face and his face reddened. 

"Thank you, Amma, Appa. You're right, of course. I am in love with Spandana and I think she is, too. It might be a great idea to talk to her parents. Just let me talk to her once to confirm", he said.

Kamakshi and Sadasivam were elated. Vedagiri added, "Meanwhile, I also want to ask Sundaresan Appa and Kamala Amma about this. Amma, Appa, are you also okay with this?", he turned and asked. Sundaresan immediately agreed and blessed Vedagiri. 

"Amma? What about you?", Vedagiri asked Kamala.

"Oh, great, have you remembered me finally?", asked Kamala.

There was utter silence in the room. Everyone was looking at Kamala, and Vedagiri's smile slowly faded from his face.

"Amma, what do you mean? You are the mother who carried me and brought me to this world. How can I forget you?", Vedagiri said.

Kamala looked mutinous. "Really, son? Can you tell me when? Did you remember me when I lurked in the corner, and you ran straight into the arms of your real mother when you came back from school? Did you remember me when I stood and watched as she fed you snacks and food, yearning to be there instead? Did you remember me when you first graduated with distinction, and came and fed sweets in her mouth first instead of mine? Or when you got your first job and handed the offer letter to her first, instead of me? Tell me, son, did you even notice that your Spandana didn't even spare me a second glance whenever we spent time here? She treated me like a servant, and what do you expect me to say now? That I will happily bless you if you get married to her?", she asked, without a gap.

The silence became even more pronounced. Vedagiri's face was a mask of shock, and he couldn't move his lips. With great effort, he opened his mouth and said, "Amma, how much have you hidden from me all these years? You have harboured this much resentment, and didn't it ever occur to you that you could have spoken to me about this? I have been observing Spandana, as well, and never noticed her avoiding you. In fact, you stayed away from her - and at that time, I assumed that it was because you were busy. What brought all this on?"

Kamala said, "Really? You were too busy making your own life, having conveniently forgotten that we gave you life. When could I have told you?"

Sundaresan intervened: "Kamala! What are you saying? Didn't we agree that we came here for Vedagiri's own good, and that we would willingly accept Ayya and Amma caring for him? What's wrong with you now?"

"When did I ever agree? You forced this decision upon me and I came without choice, since I had already run away from home to get married to you and could not go anywhere else. Nobody ever looked twice at me after coming here!", she said.

Kamakshi, who had been sitting quietly until then, spoke. "Kamala", she said, and her voice cracked a little. "How can you make such accusations without considering our years of friendship? I treated you like my own sister, and took extra care to ensure your well-being. We spent so many days together, discussing life and other things, and grew so close to each other. How could you think I treated you like a servant?", she asked.

"That was until your greed overcame your affection for my son. Isn't it your intention to use his money, now that he is earning so much?", Kamala lashed out.

Kamakshi fell on the sofa as if she had been electrocuted, and Sadasivam watched her in horror, afraid of what this would do to her. They both looked at each other, and their eyes met. They never shifted their gaze for 5 minutes, and when they looked away, it was in silent understanding.

"Kamala, you are like a little sister to me. When we adopted Vedagiri and asked you to come home, we thought we had got good friends. Little did I know that we would find a family to live and nurture Vedagiri with. We still think of you the same way. However, it was never our intent to push you away from him. It is sad that you feel sidelined - but this is not good for his life. A mother must always feel happy when her son gets married, without any negative feeling. Therefore, Kamakshi and I have come to a decision. We both will go away from here, to a place where we have built a rest house. We will never contact Vedagiri, you, or Spandana again, until we die. You can approach Spandana's parents and finalise the marriage - we promise not to tell her about it until then. We had already spoken to a lawyer and written a will which makes sure all my property is transferred to Vedagiri's name as soon as this happens. We don't want his life to be affected, because not being able to stay with a person one loves is the greatest form of misery that can be inflicted upon a person. I am sure you know this, having come away from your home to stay with Sundaresan. All we want is for Vedagiri to be happy. I hope this is agreeable to you", Sadasivam said. 

The tension in the room was unbearable. Finally, after a full ten minutes, Kamala gave a slight nod and said, "Very well, I agree to the marriage if you keep your promise".

Sadasivam held himself together and said, "In that case, Kamakshi and I will leave by the train early in the morning tomorrow, after settling things here. I had already started putting others in charge since I am getting old, so there are only a few things to be done".

Kamakshi turned to Vedagiri and said, "You've grown into a wonderful young man. We are very proud of you. Make sure you lead a happy life with Spandana and your parents. Please don't worry about us as we have reached the twilight of our lives. Goodbye, and good luck to you". Without saying anything further, she rushed to her room and closed the door. Vedagiri stood like a statue, his eyes wide with shock, and went outside an hour later. He did not come back until it was very late in the night. 

Early the next day, Kamakshi and Sadasivam reached the station. Kamakshi laid her head on his shoulder and shed a few tears, grieved that she could not see the wedding of her beloved son, whom she had lost once again. Sadasivam patted her head, and both of them sat side by side, waiting for the train. Suddenly, he heard a voice call out, "Uncle!", and he turned around. He saw Spandana running towards him and his wife. 

The girl came to a stop, panting, and said "Did you think you could leave without telling me?". 

Sadasivam said, "But, I did tell you that I was leaving and that it is your responsibility to handle the business henceforth".

Spandana said, "But, Maama, you never told your daughter-in-law that you're leaving town! Did you not think that I need to know?", and smiled a cheeky smile. 

Kamakshi and Sadasivam raised their heads in shock. At the entrance of the station, another person appeared - Vedagiri. 

He walked towards his parents, and said, "Amma, Appa, how could you think that I can get married without you? You are the ones who nurtured me, cared for me, and helped me become what I am. It is true that Kamala Amma and Sundaresan Appa cared for me when I was young - but I have hid something from you all this while. Did you know that Amma always beat me if I did not pass? Appa would be understanding, but Amma never thought that better circumstances could maybe help me study well. She always had enough money to spend for superstitious beliefs & instances in which relatives questioned her - she even made Appa borrow money for it. But she always made my needs secondary. I never mentioned all of this to you because I still respected her as the woman who gave birth to me and fed me, no matter how she was. However, her hurtful words yesterday taught me that she had never changed. After all, that you have done for me, without even making me feel obligated, how can she suddenly expect you to get out of the picture? So, I visited Spandana's parents last night. I told them the full truth - because, as the parents of the girl I am going to marry, they need to know everything. They agreed to our marriage. I am willing to get married only if you both rightfully take your places as my parents in the wedding. I also took my dad, Sundaresan, aside and informed him of my decision. He is going to take Kamala Amma and move to a rented home, and will up a catering contract elsewhere. I will provide them an amount of money each month for their maintenance. 

I know that this rest house you refer to is in Bangalore. I have requested a transfer in my bank, and owing to my good performance, they have agreed to an immediate move - and have also arranged for my accommodation near your home since I am going to be newly married. We also know that you are reaching ripe old age and need some time for yourselves - and hence will live in proximity, but not with you. Spandana and her parents will join us in a month, to conduct our wedding amidst a close circle of family and friends. Her parents have agreed to this as well. I cannot imagine for a moment that I would give your affection up just to get what I want. Words are not enough to express my affection for you. I will always love you, forever, for showing me the true meaning of parenting. I got a second chance at life, and I will not cast aside those who gave me this. Let's go, Amma, Appa", he said.

Kamakshi and Sadasivam hugged him with tears flowing in their eyes, as the train's horn sounded. The three of them boarded the train, and Spandana waved happily, the excitement of her new life in front of her eyes. Vedagiri smiled back serenely, realising that he would have to learn to live with a bitter taste in his mouth. His childhood flashed before his eyes, and he remembered every day, when he would come back from school only to find the house empty because his mother had gone to satisfy some obligation or the other. He remembered waiting for her to talk to him, so that he could tell her that none of the concepts reached his head because he was hungry. He remembered her reacting to all the relatives' demands, shouting and swearing at Sundaresan appa whenever he had a slow day with less business. He remembered how she would hit him when she learnt that he had failed his examinations, and how she would never talk to him for days together after that. He also remembered how he, by himself, would then hug his mother as she slept, justifying to himself that she had her own problems. He also remembered how all of this was reversed by the pure affection Kamakshi and Sadasivam showered on him. He had regained his lost childhood, but would forever feel that a part of his life was missing - for his love for Kamala Amma had never changed. He would have to live with that yearning for the rest of his life, but would never chase that yearning again. 

Life is all about compromises. One can never gain true love without some sacrifices, but will definitely lose it if he falls for pretentious and material love.