Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 7)

We had our lunch in one of the strikingly impressive hotels in town. In the open rooftop with the stunning beach view, I had the most wonderful time.

  Mum wore her beautiful red sari after a long time. Gentle breeze tingling between her hair strands. She looked younger than ever before. Dad in his crisp shirt looked as fresh as ever. We no doubt looked like one perfect family.

It all came down to knowing my dad now. His likes and dislikes, interpreting his actions, his gestures....I wanted to know anything and everything about him.

  We finished our lunch and dad kept the napkin aside and asked, “So, where do you want to go now?” looking at me.

  “I want to go home,” I said.

  “Go home! Are you sure?” he asked. I thought you would like to do some shopping. He smiled.

  “Haha... no, not now. Don’t be in a hurry to empty your bank balance dad.” I giggled.

I want to speak with you. I know nothing about you. I am immensely excited. Let’s go home and have a long chat.

  “Okay, if that is what you want to do then we will go home,” he said.

Dad paid the bill and we left.

I sat besides dad watching him drive. Mum sat on the rear seat. I felt a wave of satisfaction in my heart.

  “What are you looking at?” dad asked.

  “I am proudly looking at my dad. I’m really lucky!”

  “I thought I was the lucky one to have a daughter like you.” He said smiling. I love you dear.

  “I love you too dad!” Are all dads so pampering? I like it though...I nodded.

  “haha...you are smart, aren’t you? Just like your mum.”

  Isn’t it Shruti?

Yeaaah, I know...She is one smart girl. It was pretty easy growing her up. The best possible daughter I could have ever had.

  “Oh mum! Thank you... It was only because you were such a fabulous mum. I reciprocated.

  “OMG I think this is getting too emotional,” I said. No more dramas...I said raising my eyebrows.

Hmm...Dad murmured.

He parked the car into the garage and we walked towards the lift.

We sat on the couch relaxing. Mum opened the window and a gust of wind blowed through the window.

  “It is a beautiful house,” said dad feeling the breeze.

  “Mum has got a very good choice, hasn’t she?” I said immediately.

“It was my luck that I came to see this house at the right time. The owner wanted to sell the house urgently and got lucky on the go,” Mum responded.

You were always lucky Shruti...remember those days when you always got the simple questions in quiz during college days?

  “I wasn’t lucky; it was only that I knew all the answers.” Mum grinned.

  “True...I was often amazed by your genius answers in the economics lectures.”

  “Yeah those were incredible days. Some were truly magical” Mum looked at dad immersed in memories.

  “Indeed!” Dad smiled looking at mum.

As the cold wind kept blowing the clouds gathered above and the lights dimmed to create a beautiful ambience.

I spotted a connection between them immediately. I felt a strong sensation of positivity and love, twirling and churning the early evening into a meadow of zest and youthfulness.

  “Uhmuhm...I will go get some water,” I pretended being thirsty and went to the kitchen.

I thought they needed their space. But I stood behind the wall and was trying to spot any interesting outcome....am I spying my own mum and dad? I thought... but then it is necessary...I convinced myself to commit the crime.

Dad looked at mum and she smiled.

  “Thank you so much for looking after my daughter so well,” Said dad.

  “It is my pleasure Akhil. I loved each and every moment spent with her. I love her most in my life Akhil."

  "You have changed a lot from the college days...'" said dad.

  "What do you mean by changed?"

  "Back then you were so reserved but now you are a confident, outspoken woman but I still can feel the same charm in you."

"Yes Akhil, I tried my best to forget my parents demise in an accident but I hardly could come out of the deep trauma and I always remained silent in class. Fortunately I had a group of amazing friends and teachers in my animation institute and my passion for art changed me completely as a person," said mum with a smile on her face.

  "Oh! I am sorry. I had no idea about your situation."

  "That's okay Akhil. I barely shared it with anyone."

  "You should have... maybe you would have felt better...You know what I mean?"

"Yeah I totally understand, may be...but that was not how things were then," Mum gave a gentle smile and looked down.

"I at all times had deep respect for you. Your discipline, your intelligence awed me many a times...only that you were aloof from others, that's what prevented me from talking to you."

  "Not your fault Akhil. I was just caught up in my little cucoon."

  "Well, I wanted to ask you this from a long time...how did you adopt Netra?"

"Yeah! A beautiful story...I had decided to leave for Mumbai from Bangalore considering my career prospects and I wanted to lead an independent and happy life.

  I adopted Netra in an orphanage in Mumbai. It was an important visit to the orphanage as I wanted to donate a part of my earnings to the children. I wished to start my new life with a good deed. But as I was talking with the officer, an old couple came there with an absolutely gorgeous little girl. They said the girl had no one to look after her and that they were too old to take care of the baby. As they spoke the girl looked at me with wide eyes and smiled. My heart melted. I knew I had a deep connection with the baby but hardly did I think I would end up adopting her.

 I was above to leave the room after I handed over the cheque to the officer. As I turned, the baby cried out loud as though she was calling me. I could not help but turn back and look at her. The wide brown eyes, the tender fingers, the beautiful glowing skin. I stood there amazed by this enthralling charm and beauty. I went and picked up the baby and started walking up and down trying to pacify her. She stopped crying and I did not have the courage to keep her back.

 The officer looked at me. And I was almost in tears for the first time in many years. I felt like I had got back the lost love of my parents.

  "I want to adopt this baby," I said to the officer.

  "But, you are not married, are you?" she wondered.

  "Yes, I am not but I promise to take very good care of her. I have no plans to get married. I am in love with this baby." I said smiling.

She looked at me, smiled and said, "You have got a heart of gold. At this age you have donated such a huge amount to our orphanage. I definitely trust you dear."

I immediately called up aunt and informed her about my decision. She tried a lot to change my mind but the little angel in my hand overpowered all the other hurdles on the way and I convinced aunt that I needed to be with this angel and I am ready for this responsibility.

And there I was starting my own family with my little daughter."

  "Truly amazing to hear Sruti...may be Netra was meant to live with you," dad smiled.

  "...umm ...I want to apologise to you,” mum said.

  “For what?”

  “I knew that Netra was your daughter when she was five.”

  "But...how?" dad wasted no time.

"I often went to the orphanage to donate money or just to share some chocolates with the kids and I met Nisha there. We became good friends. And she wished to meet Netra.

And so I took her to the orphanage and as soon as she saw Netra she said "She looks just like Akhil's wife, Netra."

"I stood shocked. There were a series of emotions running in my mind...fear..of loosing my daughter, angry of introducing my daughter to Nisha and surprise about how quickly she recognised Netra.

I immediately thought of you. But still I asked ..."Who Akhil?"

"The boy in our college who topped our class, do you remember him?" asked Nisha.

I definitely did not forget you for you had created a place in my heart with your charisma, your sense of humour and intelligence.

  "Akhil, really?" I asked surprisingly.

  "I knew his family when I stayed in Ahmadabad," She said.

My fear started blowing up like a balloon.

  "So, are you still in touch with them?" I asked hesitantly.

  "No," she replied to my relief.

  "But Akhil has been searching for his daughter since his parents sent her away," She said.

She explained me in bits about what had happened.

 Looking at my pale face she assured," Do not worry Sruti, I will not tell Akhil about your daughter. You are a very good mum."

I smiled at her, thanked her for understanding me and left immediately. I was worried about being separated from my daughter. It would have been the worst thing to have happened to me after my parent's demise.

I prayed each day for our well being.

 As time passed I was totally convinced that Netra was born to be my daughter. I and Nisha ocassionally met over a cup of coffee or at birthday parties and remained good friends."

Dad smiled, "It is all about destiny Sruti. My life would have been much better if my daughter was there with me but all that pain vanished when I saw her grow up this matured, beautiful and independent. All the credit goes to you."

  "You are such a nice man," said mum looking into dad's eyes.

Standing in the corner I was enjoying the burst of love in the air. They looked enchanted by each other.

I entered the living room with three glasses of juice.

  "Where did you vanish?" asked mum.

  "We were waiting for you," said dad.

  "Nothing much...just clearing up a few things," I said with a smile.

Then we spoke for a long while and time travelled at jet speed.

It was evening and mum decided to go and prepare dinner while dad and I continued to chat.

  "So, do you like anyone?" asked dad out of the blue.

  "Like someone? What do you mean by that dad?" I baffled as if my secret was unveiled.

  I mean "do you love anyone my dear?" he smiled.

  "mmmm aaahhh I hesitated a bit... well there is a guy whom I like a lot," I blushed

  Oh really? Then when can I see him?

No dad we have not yet discussed about this ....it's just a recent sentiment. We are just good friends dad. There is nothing serious. I tried to convince him, but it vain.

  “Everything starts with a good friendship. If you really like him then do not hesitate to tell me.

  "Can I see his pictures, if you don’t mind dear?” He spoke with a brilliant spark in his eyes.

Okay dad. Please wait a moment, I will be back.

I went into my room and brought some photos...few with frame and and a few without.

Dad eagerly looked at the pictures and pointed towards Suhaas and asked me,"Is this the guy you were talking about?"

"Yes dad," I replied shyly.

"Does your mum know him?" he asked.

"Yes she does. She has met him often. She likes him too."

"That is great news. I would like to meet him. Can I?"

"Definitely dad, I will call him over tomorrow. "

"Why tomorrow. Why not today."

"Today! I exclaimed in shock."

"Yes. Today is Sunday and I am sure he must be free. What do you think dear?"

I became nervous within seconds as if I were to compete in the Olympics finals. All of a sudden I felt my bladder getting full.

"Oh yes! I think he must be free. I will give him a call and confirm." I pretended to be cool.

I called up Suhaas and as soon as I heard his vivacious voice, I relaxed.

"Hi! Netra...what are you up to...I am getting bored here." He said to my relief.

What better situation could I have wished for? I thought for myself.

"Then in that case why don't you drop in at my place tonite for dinner?" I said.

  "Okay, then I will see you in 30 mins. Bye," He hung up.

I took a deep breath and kept the phone.

Dad was looking at me awaiting my reply.

  "He will be here in around 30 mins dad," I said.

Dad smiled."That's good." He muttered.

  "Then why don't you tell me about Suhaas," said dad.

I was above to start and dad interrupted ...before that let me inform your mum about our new guest.

  "Shruti! We have a special guest this evening. Suhaas is joining us for dinner. Just wanted to inform you," He spoke out loud enough for mum to hear.

Mum walked out of the kitchen and she said "Suhaas?" and mum turned towards me with this exclamatory look on her face.

"Yes mum, Dad wanted to meet him...like he is my good friend." I said, hoping that mum was convinced.

But....mum is smart..."I know...a very good friend," she smiled and went into the kitchen.

I slowly looked at dad and dad gave this cute wide smile and I unknowingly started blushing.

 Within sometime, the bell rang typical of the way Suhaas rings the bell and the most awaited person in the room arrived.

  "Hi Suhaas, how are you?" I asked

  "Good. Was getting bored at home...how is mum?" he scanned through the living room for mum and his look stuck on dad.

Suhaas looked at me and raised his eyebrows.

  "He is my dad," I said.

  "Dad? ...wow!" He was still in shock and confusion.

All these years we had never discussed about my dad much. Knowing that it might hurt me Suhaas kept the conversation at bay.

  "Hello Sir, how are you?" Suhaas greeted dad in a low voice.

  "I am good young man! How are you?" Dad smiled.

  "I am good, Thank you Sir"', Suhaas smiled.

Mum came into the living room and greeted Suhaas, "Hi! Suhaas, how are you dear?"

  "Fine Aunty", he looked a bit relaxed after seeing mum.

Then after a short chat we sat on the dinning table and started our dinner.

Even though I was a bit nervous about what dad might speak with Suhaas regarding our relationship, I felt happy and complete from within. I had a feeling that this is my perfect family.

And just as I feared, dad put up a bold and straight question, "Do you love Netra?"

Suhaas stopped gulping the food in his mouth and looked absolutely spell bound just as we were.

 I was looking at mum to see her reaction. She looked amused rather than shocked to my surprise. And Suhaas was looking at me when I turned towards him.

  And Suhaas said "Yes, I do and I would like to marry her one day."

We looked at each other’s blank faces and strangely burst into a big laughter.

The topic no more looked serious. Everyone became relaxed as if we all knew this was about to happen one day.

 As days passed life looked prettier than ever and our family grew bigger and happier. I met my grandmother and grandfather, though it required a bit of convincing dad. All that required was a bit of courage, politeness and forgiving heart. Mum had instilled these values in me, so it was all about finding the lost footprints and following the right path to the destination.

Time travels at such a great pace when you are busy discovering the intricacies of life. Soon it was our wedding day. Finally I am getting married to Suhaas.

 I am glad that I am married to my best friend and we can spend the rest of our lives with each other. No doubt I am having loads of fun.

It has been two years since we got married and next June we are looking forward our little bundle of joy. Suhaas and I are absolutely thrilled by the fact that we are about to start our family and a new leaf is about to shoot in our life. I feel like the luckiest girl on earth right now.

 I am going to stay with my mum...well actually my parents. They are definitely made for each other.....God bless them both!

If this is life then I can live it a thousand times!

Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 6)

Mum was listening to him with apt concentration. Time passed in a jiffy and we had no clue. All three of us were engrossed in the past.

The past slowly merging with the present creating a gradient of beautiful colours of love, expression and emotion.

He continued with the tale, “We enjoyed life to its core and soon the best thing happened to me as if all the present happiness wasn’t enough. I was soon to become a father. The day she told me, I went crazy with happiness. That was the only day I remember myself going insane out of joy. My joy knew no bounds. I called up my parents and told them the good news. They were very happy too. My parents came to Mumbai and stayed with Netra for help. They bonded really well.

Her beauty increased day after day. She looked fresh and gorgeous.

My heart filled with excitement and joy just waiting for the big day. Finally the day arrived and she was in pain and her pain translated into my heart beats. I prayed to God till her cry stopped. I could barely sit for a second. Finally the screaming was over....

.... And I thought she will not have to be in pain anymore.

I heard a small baby crying...I felt a sense of responsibility just hearing the voice of my child.

The future flashed in front of me. Netra watching our cute little baby play. All three of us having the best possible time. Even the thought seemed to give me a lifetime of happiness. What I wasn’t aware of was that I will have to live with that one moment of happiness for the rest of my life.

We knew that it was a complicated case but this was the least I had expected. I lost my wife forever. She was no more. She died... s..h..e di...e..d”

His expressions changed all of a sudden. He was in deep trauma. He stopped speaking. He could not say anything. His eyes filled with tears. He looked down and covered his eyes with his hands. He wiped the tears that showed no signs of slowing down as though he wanted to wipe his pain with his hands. His tears sparkled in the light.

The love for his wife was flowing from his eyes in the form of tear drops. He squeezed his eyes tightly and tried to control himself but he just could not. He broke apart and burst into a cry like a small child.

Looking at him cry, mum felt pity for him just like me. She got up from the couch and sat beside him.

He sat on the couch holding his palm tightly together. Mum touched him softly on his shoulder.

He took his hands apart and looked at the floor as if he was brought back to this world. His eyes were red. He wiped his tears and took a deep breath. I could not see him cry. Unknowingly drops of tears fell on my hand from my eyes. I could feel his pain.

For the first time ever I wondered how my mother would have looked like. I wished to see my father and give him a hug and cry on his lap. I felt like something was cutting me apart from within.

I felt chill and numb. I was thoughtless for the first time since I had seen Akhil. I just waited till he spoke.

He gathered all his courage looked at mum and he spoke, “You know Shruti, but she gave me a beautiful fairy to cherish all through my life. She was my lovely daughter. The treasure we all were waiting to arrive into our lives.

But the least did I know that I will lose the biggest fortune in my life, my wife. I could not forget Netra. Her absence left a vacuum in my life. And every time I was lost in her thought, my sweet little fairy called out for me.

She looked just like her mum. It did not take much time for her to get into my life. I loved her unconditionally. One month passed by and it felt like years. But my little daughter had magic powers and she healed my wounds very quickly.

I had moved to Ahmadabad and stayed with my parents after Netra passed away. My parents started convincing me to get married again. But I refused straight away. I defended strongly to any of their methods to get me married again. I could never forget Netra.

  Now my life revolved around my daughter. She was at most importance to me. I doubted if anyone else could give her that unconditional love that I gave her. I wondered if any other woman could love her the way Netra would have loved her. As time passed, my doubts turned into facts. I knew that my daughter will have to grow up without a mother.

  After a few months I had to go for a project to London. I went half heartedly. Not only because it was the first time was I going away from my daughter but also because I was going for a long time. I was worried about my little one. The day I left my daughter, was very painful. It took me a lot of courage to leave her and go.

  I would hear her voice over the phone for a few months. But after a couple of months due to my haphazard work hours, I could not hear my daughter over the phone for many a days. Every time I asked about her, my mother said that she was asleep or has gone out to the neighbourhood. I never realised what was waiting for me.

  One fine day my mother called me up. She sounded nervous over the telephone. I was worried to hear her speak so nervously. When I forced her to speak the truth she said that my daughter was sick from a few days and they thought her health would improve but unfortunately it did not. She suffered from severe diarrhoea and it got worse with each day passing by. She was admitted in the hospital in critical condition when my mother called me.

  Immediately I started making arrangements to leave for Ahmadabad. Two days before I reached home I got news that my daughter had passed away. I was completely dumbstruck. I was torn apart, I felt lonely, shattered and devastated. She was the reason I was happy, I was alive. She was my secret angel, but she no more existed. The very thought of not having her by side brought shiver down my spine.

  I came home and still my eyes wandered around in the house looking for my little angel. I was waiting to get a glimpse of her, which I knew I would not. My mother broke into tears looking at me. She said she was extremely sorry that she could not take good care of my daughter.

I could not even see her face for the last time. All I had was her memories.”

I was constantly looking at Akhil. I felt I was a part of his life. I could feel his pain.

  He stared at the floor and sat on the couch like a rock. Slowly a drop of tear flowed on his cheeks. He looked withered. He was torn apart from within.

  He lifted his head and looked at mum. His eyes still red. He said in a choking voice, “My daughter wasn’t dead.”

Mum looked down and a drop of tear dripped from her eyes on her peacock blue top.

  I was now confused, totally taken aback by his statement. I craved in my heart to know the truth. I could not more remain silent. I was eager to know what happened to his daughter.

I immediately asked, “So, Where was your daughter?”

  He spoke helplessly, “All I knew then was that she was alive. I had a ray hope when a couple of months later I met one of my college friends, Jinisha, who also happened to be our family friend.

  She had been to our house a few days before I came back from London. She told me that my daughter was absolutely fine when she met her.

  Looking at my condition she felt pity for me and revealed that my parents could have sent my daughter to an orphanage. For a minute I had lost my mind. I doubted her intentions. But as she started explaining to me I realised that my parents had made the biggest mistake in their life.

  Jinisha was a teacher for disabled children. So my parents enquired to her about the best orphanages in town. They lied to her that they wanted to make a donation. She did not have a clue what they were planning for.

  I rushed home and said that I knew everything. I asked mum to reveal the truth. She was silent for a long time. I screamed and pleaded and ultimately she burst into tears. She thought that my daughter was the reason that I did not get married. And that if she was out of my life then I would have a new beginning. They felt that way I can be happy again.

  What they did not know was that, I was happy and my daughter was the only reason I was alive. She was all over my dreams. I could not have a better life without her.

  She was somewhere in this beautiful planet. But she was taken away from me. I tried contacting the orphanage but they said the child has been adopted. They said it was against their rules to reveal the details.

  I tried everything but I could not find any information. I knew that my daughter was safe and I was sure that I will see her some day.

  And years later I learned to live my life on my own. I kept trying to know any clue where my daughter could be. I imagined everything possible under the sun. I kept dreaming about how she would look. I celebrated her birthdays alone. I yearned to see her more than anything else in this world. Since then I moved to Mumbai.

I speak with my parents over the telephone, but in my heart I still carry the burden of separation. My heart pounds when I think of Netra!”

  I asked him shocked! “You still do not know where she is?”

  Akhil took a deep breath and said, “And now after so many years I met one of my college friends “Nisha” and hearing my story she could not tolerate my pain and she said one of my college friends had adopted my daughter and she has name her....”

  “Netra”, mum cut him short.

Tears rolled from my eyes uncontrollably. I had heard something that I was suspecting from so long.

  “You adopted my daughter”, he said in a low deep voice, looking at mum.

Tears flowed and flowed from mum’s eyes. Just like me, she could not stop but cry. She knew what she had done.

  Netra! That is what I heard last. I could not believe my ears. I wondered, is he my father? I was in a deep disguise. I was saturated with emotions and all I could see was my father.

He was my father.

  He looked at me and said, “My dear daughter! Netra, I love you so much dear. I missed you... I missed you.” He wept.

I had never thought I will ever see my father. I kept staring at him. The halogen light lit his face. His eyes were moist and his skin was soaked in tears.

  He looked at me and said, “Shruti named you after my wife, your mother, Netra, who is no more.”

I was jolted back to reality.

  I stood up and walked towards him. Kneeled down and asked him, “Are you my father?”

  He looked into my eyes, his vision penetrating into my mind, he said, “Yes dear, you are my fairy little daughter and I am your father.”

I touched his hand as tears of joy kept pouring down my cheeks.

He quickly grabbed my cheeks in his hands and kissed on my forehead.

I was so much overwhelmed. I laid my head on his lap and cried till my heart was relieved of the agony and shock.

  While we were immersed in this daughter – father drama, mum on the other hand was sitting quietly. She was definitely happy for us but she carried a sense of fear on her face.

Dad got up and sat besides mum.

  “So, finally you get your daughter... a drop of tear rolling down her cheek.”

Holding her hand dad said, “Don’t worry Shruti, I will not take your daughter away from you.”

  He smilingly said looking at me, “I can see how beautifully you have grown up my daughter. I doubt if I could have brought her up so well. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart to have taken care of my daughter this well.”

Mum looked at him surprised. She thanked him even without saying anything. Her eyes spoke everything.

  I have no words to describe how good it feels to have such wonderful parents. I held both their hands and thanked them for being such great parents who understood me so well.

  I kept looking at dad and kept smiling. I asked dad slowly, I want to see my mother’s photo, can I ... holding on to mum’s hand tightly.

Mum gently patted on my hand and smiled at me acknowledging that she was alright.

  “Sure dear, why not?” He said and he opened his valet and there was a beautiful young woman along with dad. With brown eyes and fair skin, she looked amazing.

Wow! She is my mother? I wondered. I smiled and gently touched the photo as though I could feel her.

  “If she was alive now, then she would be really proud of you dear,” Dad said breaking into my thoughts.

  “I wish she was alive,” I said.

  “I too wish the same dear.”

Mum grabbed my shoulder and said, “I am sorry dear, you will be alright, don’t worry.”

  I looked at the clock and it was 4:00 pm already. I was surprised how time flies by....I had just disembarked from my past memories.

  Mum said, “Then I should start cooking lunch! It is too late.”

  “Oh! I thought we were fasting today,” I said naughtily.

Everyone burst into laughter.

  “We should celebrate our union ...dad...what about having lunch outside? ... I want a treat,” I chuckled.

  “Anything for you sweet heart!” replied dad smiling.

Actually I was waiting to share a lifetime full of memories with dad. There was so much more to know about him....

Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 5)

Mum stopped and I knew who is at the door. I looked at mum and she looked away from me.

I walked forward towards the door and I could feel my palm sweating. I felt numb.

I took a deep breath and opened the door and it was the same gentleman who came yesterday. I could not even smile well.

I greeted him, “Good morning! Please come in.”

He wished me back in a crisp voice, “Good morning! Dear.”

I thought mum would freeze into silence once again. But to my surprise she invited him for breakfast.

“Good morning! Welcome,” She greeted him with a smile. How are you doing Akhil?

“I am doing very well, Thank you,” He replied. What about you Shruti?

“I am good too,” Mom said.

“Did you have your breakfast yet?” She asked politely.

“Not yet.”

“Then why don’t you join us for the breakfast”

“Yes, Why not?” He smiled.

Akhil? I had never heard of him before. I wondered who he was! It looked like both of them knew each other very well.

Then we sat around the table. I looked at the clock and it was still twenty minutes to ten. He was early. He looked exited.

Mum started serving the hot Idlis (Indian dumplings) and the spicy curry. It was the perfect way to start a rainy day.

I was eager to break the ice but by then Akhil interrupted.

“Shruti, you cook really well.”

“Thank you,” Mum said with a gentle smile.

“I met Nisha recently.”

Mum stopped eating, she looked at him and said, “Ok, so Nisha is the reason why you are here. Huh?”

He hurried, “Please do not misunderstand her.” She has done a real favour to me. If she hadn’t told me about you then I would be in a very bad shape. Trust me! He pleaded.

First time in these two days I felt a bit sidelined and found myself to be more of a spectator. I knew that today I did not have to speak much. I continued with my breakfast, listening to their conversation with perfect silence. All I hoped was to know more about mum’s past and to see mum happy again as always.

He continued, “Do you both stay here alone?”

Mum looked into his eyes and said in a low voice, “I am sure Nisha must have told you about it.” And then she looked down and continued with her food.

“Yes, but I don’t know where to start from.”

Just then mum intervened, “Akhil!” she said in a sharp voice.

Both of them looked at each other as if they were trying to open up the old treasure of memories locked in their minds.

I looked at them startled for a second. My spoon slipped from my fingers and fell on the melanin plate making a squeaky sound loud enough to break their thoughts. Mum took her eyes off him and looked at me, but she couldn’t manage to hold it for long. We continued with our breakfast. There was complete silence. Not even a leaf moved, just the sound of crockery.

I was physically there but my mind was wandering all over the universe to find a clue about what was happening. I was pacified about one thing that mum was much more confident today than she was yesterday. I knew his name by now but I failed to understand who he is. And when he started to speak mum stopped him. Those 25 minutes I could not feel the blood in my body.

The silence started eroding my patience.

Akhil seemed to be planning for a very long discussion. This was the longest breakfast I could ever imagine.

I looked at him hesitantly. He looked at me and gave a warm smile. My hands started to sweat. I did not know what to do. I could not eat anymore. I somehow managed to gulp the rest of the food on my plate.

Finally the breakfast was over. And the time I was waiting for was nearing. I cleared the table along with mum as soon as possible. I rushed with each and every vessel.

All this while, Akhil was sitting on the couch waiting to break a conversation. It looked for sure that this time he would not go back without speaking with mum. We set right the kitchen and mum headed towards the couch. I followed her. There were butterflies in my stomach.

Finally, like a centre stage everyone settled down on the couch. I felt a thrill like the cricket world cup finals. It was very cloudy and was getting darker. Mum switched on the halogen light in the hallway. Everything was literally in light now.

Not able to wait even for a moment he broke into the silence, “I want to speak with you, please shruti,” He requested.

Both their faces reflected the warm yellow light and I was waiting to put some light to my ignorance.

Mum spoke up to Akhil’s relief, “Yes, tell me.”

“So what are you doing these days?” Mum asked.

He started to speak with a sweet twinkle in his eyes. His innocence magnetised my attention and his clarity of speech awed me.

“I am a senior Executive in Infosys, Mumbai.” He said confidently. I got promoted recently.

Mum gave a glance at his face. “That’s nice.”

“Thank you.”

“What about your parents?” Mum enquired.

He quickly looked away. The yellow light lit one side of his face creating a rim.

I wondered.

“I do not speak much with them these days.”

“What do you mean by these days?”

“I mean since last 22 years.”

Mum asked surprisingly and with concern, “But why?”

Still lost in thoughts she started narrating the story of a lifetime. I was looking forward to each and every word he uttered.

“As you know after our college days I did my MBA from Pillani College in Ahmadabad. I worked hard and secured good marks. I enjoyed my college life a lot. I had a whole lot of friends. I did not know how my two years passed by and later I got a huge break to start my career.

My career was fantastic. I got into a multinational company. And after 6 months of training they sent me overseas for 1 year. I had a fabulous exposure in my career just at the initial stage. Then I came back to Ahmadabad and I got a promotion along with a posting in Mumbai. Everything went just as I wanted it to be. I knew I was on the right track. Some of my friends got married but I was too busy with my career.

I made many friends. But only some were close to me. One of them was a woman who often caught my attention. She was very calm, talented, and quick witted and lovely woman. We often went out to have a cup of coffee. We bonded really well as friends.

Very soon my parents thought it was time for me to get married. I never really thought of marriage then but since mum insisted I gave in.

I married the first girl whom I first went to see. To my surprise she was none other than my office colleague and a good friend. I was a bit hesitant about how she would react to the idea. But she was happy to get married to me. And so were everyone else in the family. My good friend had become my life partner.

It was absolutely beautiful being with her.

As he narrated this his eyes reflected the love and sincerity in his marriage. I felt a lot of respect for his wife. By the way he described her I could feel her presence even in her absence. I was more curious to know.

She was the most beautiful person in my life. Life was gliding like sow. It felt pure and beautiful. I loved her light brown eyes.” He stopped and looked straight into my eyes.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. I had exactly the same eyes.

“She loved those red bangles.” He said and smiled at me. Suddenly I felt a deep connection. I thought he was describing more of me. I always insisted mum to wear red bangles. I have always loved that vibrant color.

I could no more sit comfortably. There was a deep look in Akhil’s eyes. All of a sudden I seem to have taken the centre stage. I was wondering what was happening.

He looked down and said “Netra was such a beautiful woman. I loved her the most. She was the one who understood me like no one else could.” His eyes were moist as he looked up.

I was taken aback. Netra! Still echoed in my ears. I was in a wonderland. I tried hard to understand what was happening. Netra was his office colleague to whom he got married, but it coincided with my name. I just wanted to know more.

Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 4)

Mum and I went to Mumbai and shifted the things to Pune. Actually, Mum did all the work while I stood like a birthday girl watching over the preparations being made for the party. I had no idea shifting would be such a tough job. I looked naive. From instructing the load lifters, the truck driver and negotiating the deal with the transport agent, mum was in total control of the things that were happening. She looked like a leader in tough situations. What a woman! I thought for myself.

We successfully shifted our things to Pune. It did not take a long while though. Within a week mum managed to convert the house into our beautiful home. The place was the same but it felt like home in Pune for the first time. I realised that a house is not what is important it is the people who matter the most.

I loved the backyard. And the sunset was marvellous. It was away from the clutter of busy mechanical life. This place was almost at the outskirts of Pune near my hostel. We could not have asked for a calmer and safer place for us to live in. It was like the much awaited break to our busy materialistic lifestyle that we were trapped into. And staying with mum in such a beautiful place was nothing less than heaven.

Watching mum do her work itself was like a motivation pill for me. I was undoubtedly happy. Having her handmade delicious Idlis and pastas, relaxing with mum over the evening tea and spending the nights with the crickets, the year just cruised past.

It was the most important thing in my life at that moment. It was my year 12 board exams. Whenever a doubt rose in my mind about my capabilities, mum just said one thing, “Be confident, no matter what stands before you.” It was my hard work and my confidence that I came up with flying colours in my exams. And I definitely trust those words even today.

Time glided away. After seeing mum work on animation ever since I recall my initial memories, I wanted to have a piece of it. I wanted to experience firsthand what it is like to create a whole character out of nothing. I had this deep interest building up within me and it was time to unleash it.

I joined an Arts college. I studied the traditional techniques for arts and gradually had mature understanding of the intricate, delicate and the pure beauty of the subject. I got increasingly passionate about it.

I made lots of friends in college and often brought them home. And one of my best friends was Suhaas.

He would say, “Even though art seems to be a matter of heart, the best master pieces are made at the subconscious state of mind. It is the language of the soul.” And I wondered, how else could art be defined in a better way.

He helped me develop a deep bonding with nature and animals which was unnoticed but a very crucial aspect of every form of art. Most of the time we worked on projects together. We had a great time at home with mum. She had an instant rapport with Suhaas and she definitely loved the vibes of the youth.

Our work frequently flashed on the college notice board and so did our close friendship create rumours in the college premises. But none of it managed to deter our focus in our aim. We strived for the best and best we did received. I was awarded the best outgoing student of the year and Suhaas grabbed the best project of the year award.

I completed my diploma in animation along with my fine arts degree. I shared all my work with mum and considered her valuable suggestions. I clearly remember the nights when I spent long hours working on my project and mum would just come in and sit in the room speaking nothing, just looking at me and smiling as though she is proud of her grown up daughter.

Three years passed and I was in the final year. Those were some of the finest days I ever had in my life and a huge credit goes to mum.

Everything seemed like present until the morning sunlight hit my face. I felt as if I was still in Pune!

As always I had kept the blinds open. I love the early morning glowing sunrays. The golden rays create an illusion of a fresh start even though life is just a continuation; there is neither a beginning nor an end to it. Just like today.

As I opened the window, the fresh morning breeze refreshed me and I disillusioned myself into the present. It had been raining all night. The window plane was damp and there were numerous puddles randomly spread over the backyard. The smell from the soil was unbeatable even better than those expensive perfumes.

I took a deep breath and decided to take a plunge into the day I have been looking forward to the most since the past few months.

After the thousands of memories creating a riot in my head all over the night, I looked forward to get an insight further into mum’s life before I became a part of her life.

I walked out of my room. Mum was taking bath. It was already 6:45am. Sundays are no exceptions to her; she woke up early as usual. I went back to my room and got freshened up. I did yoga for a while, had my bath. I did all the routine stuff but nothing seemed to be normal. Some kind of nasty silence still persisted.

It was breakfast time. And all the thoughts were wandering in my mind like the goats grazing in the grasslands. Mum placed the breakfast on the table one by one. She did not make any eye contact with me since morning.

I was watching her set the dining table, pretending to clean the living room. I was actually waiting for mum to start the breakfast so that I could break the long silence.

She served the breakfast for me on the plate and went and stood near the window staring outside. My heart sank. She looked disturbed. I hoped to see her fresh and happy this morning but...

I waited at the breakfast table but she did not move an inch. The light passed through her hair. It felt like the almighty was giving her the power to overcome the situation.

She should speak, I thought for myself. I got up from the table and stood besides mum.

It was a nice feeling to be besides mum after such a long night. I bend forward to make an eye contact. Mom quickly turned and looked straight into my eyes. I felt a huge sigh of relief. She gave me a smile for the first time since yesterday evening.

I smiled back to let mum know that I was happy to see her smiling.

“Mum, shall we have our breakfast?” I asked.

“Sure dear.” Mum replied gently.

We went towards the table and were about to start with the breakfast by then the doorbell rang.

Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 3)

I switched off the light and lying on the bed I looked at ceiling. The dim light from the lampshade reflected my gloomy state of mind. It was difficult for me to sleep with the day ending so unexpectedly. I turned to my left and cuddled the soft pillow lying beside me. Fiddling with the fur on the pillow cover, I recalled what aunt had told me about mum’s teenage days.

“Your mum lost her parents in a brutal accident when she was around sixteen.” She said to me one day.

I knew that since then she lived with her loving aunt. Aunt had two sons, so she took care of mum just like she would have taken care of her own daughter. She sweetly called mum “Shri” Which also means beautiful. No wonder everyone was fond of mum’s name “Shri Shruti.”

Just as her name suggests she has a beautifully trained voice which reflects her inner beauty and dedication towards her work. When she sings I can easily lose track of what I am up to. It is indeed mesmerizing.

Just as her parents passed away, she entered her college days. Not able to recover from her parent’s sudden demise, she was timid and shy. Her kind heart and intelligence rewarded her a few close friends though. The days spent at the university gave her the much needed confidence. Her self-esteem grew as she discovered her inner abilities.

”The university is what brought your mum back to this universe, “Aunt would say often.

The years spend in the college not only taught her how to manage a business but also how to manage a successful life in this challenging world. She had a group of career oriented friends just like she was. By the time she completed her college she was transformed from a reserved girl to an outspoken and smart yet humble lady.

After graduation she decided to take up her passion as her career. She took up animation.

I always wondered how mum manages be good at so many things, that too in one lifetime. I was not the only one awe inspired by mum’s talent. Aunt was always impressed of mum’s qualities, her sincerity, helpful attitude and hard work.

Every time I see one of the letterheads of mum’s company the first thing that comes to my mind is what aunt told me “Your mum was always determined to build a successful animation company.”

No doubt with so much determination and managerial abilities, she did accomplish her dream, all by herself. Mum had a unique capability in arts and was a total technology freak. The perfect blend of these two was 3D animation.

“Cartoons have the ability to bring out the hidden child in an adult,” Mum would say. And rightly so, she has the childlike innocence on her face. She loves what she does and her awards and accolades are the proof that her skill to render an emotion into an art form was very special.

Years passed by and aunt got increasingly worried about mum’s marriage.

Mum would just laugh it off and say, “Aunt, I have my whole life left to get married.”

In this midst aunt’s sons got married and the family got bigger. Aunt’s concern for mum grew by large. But little did she have a clue about what mum was up to.

Mum had a different perspective towards life. The very thought of it shocked aunt to the core. From the very beautiful city of gardens (Bangalore), she moved to Mumbai, where she had very high business prospects for animation. But she did not move to Mumbai alone. She brought a small but beautiful and extremely precious, doll-like baby girl along with her.

The baby was her perfect companion at this stage of her life. She looked after her like her own daughter. The beautiful round eye were unbelievably attention grabbing. She aptly named the new wonder in her life “Netra” meaning the one with beautiful eyes.

Mum’s childhood friend, Suleka told me “You were her little treasure. Your mum dedicated her life to look after you.”

Mum had adopted me in Mumbai.

For mum life appeared to be complete and beautiful as never before. She never thought there could be anything more interesting than animation and music but she was proven wrong.

Her world expanded. She got a new meaning to her life.

Every touch, every feel of the little child gave her bliss. She was in a deep trace. Sometimes she forgot that there were people besides her.

Drowned into this mesmerizing happiness, the untouched beauty and seemingly everlasting heavenly bliss, she nurtured each and every moment the little round soft fingers grow onto long attractive steady fingers. She enjoyed the small fairy like glowing face grow into a beautiful, vivacious, bright face that gave smiles generously to everyone.

Growing up was fun with such a wonderful mother. It is God’s gift to me that I have such a great mother. It was only after many years that I realised, I grew up without a father. She never let me feel the need of a father figure.

She is an independent, confident and courageous woman. And she strives her very best to imbibe those qualities in me.

Aptly her favourite quote is, “Even God helps only those, who help themselves.”

She stresses on the fact that that I should be able to handle everything in life by myself without expecting someone else to fulfil my wishes. And exactly that is how mum has been all her life.

With such a long evening, all the memories gushing into my tiny little head, the soft pillow was just perfect for the night to relax on.

I did not know when I fell asleep. Suddenly I could hear slight sound of the utensils.

I forced my eyes open. My eyes moved towards the only source of light, coming from the living room. It looked like a silver lining in the dark. Light passed through the slit blow the door. I squeezed my eyes and looked at the clock. I could vaguely see 2 O’clock. I guessed mum was hungry and was having her dinner. I almost stepped down from the cot and I realised mum needs to spend some time alone.

I decided not to disturb her. I sat reclining on the cot. I folded my arms resting on the pillow. I dissolved into my memories once again.

Seeing mum alone I recalled what Sulekha had told me once, “When your mum sent you to school for the first day, she did not accompany you. Instead she sent you with me because she feared of the separation, more than you were.

With years passing by like the smooth pearls curling out of a broken string, mum realised that she was undeniably unconditionally in love with me. It hit her hard when she realised that some day we had to take our own path in life and above all she believed in being independent. So she felt that we needed to stay away from each other for few years.

She sent me to a hostel in Pune when I was 13 years. I did well in my B-school. I loved the people and I had whole lot of new friends. Winters were much cooler than it was in Mumbai.

In spite of all the good things, I felt like my life was no more in my hands. Even though I spoke with mum very often, my initial days were terrifying without her.

Even over the phone I could feel the heaviness in her heart, but she would somehow control her tears. Her voice seemed like heaven in life for me. Even the few days were like a long wait to hear her soothing voice. Days seemed to appear like ages. Many a times I felt the need for a hug from mum. Everything was standstill.

Every night I would keep mum’s photo besides me and play the recordings that I had secretly recorded without mum’s knowledge. This was very much like my food and water.

But as years cruised by, I realised how important these years were. Staying away from mum not only made me realise her worth but also I became absolutely confident and I had started to believe in my abilities.

In my heart respect for mum grew to a great extent. Mum was my idol in each and every way I could think of.

Time unleashed its infamous quality-fast and furious.

Soon it was my last year in the hostel.

The day was special. It was my 17th birthday on the 17th of April. After completing my exams, I had planned to go back to Mumbai and spend my vacation with mum.

Someone rang the doorbell.

I opened the door and it was a surprise visit by mum. I was completely flattered. Taking no time I embraced her.

I felt a joy like the baby water turtles swimming into the vast ocean for the first time in their life.

I took a deep breath and looked at her. She looked matured. I could see a few grey stands of hair hiding and creating patterns with the black ones. She stared at me as if she had found a long lost friend, as if a series of visuals playing in her mind. Those few moments were enough to bring tears of joy in our eyes.

I lifted my hand to wipe her tears, but she held my hand halfway. She leaned forward and kissed on my forehead and wished me “Happy Birthday.”

This was the day she had brought me to Mumbai in search of a life that she thought was her world. I introduced her to my roommates. As she spoke to them, I could not take my eyes off her.

As I watched her silently, even though she looked a bit matured, she was as beautiful and serene as ever. I could feel the depth in the atmosphere. Her aura was so strong and I knew I will cherish that moment forever.

Every time she turned and looked at me, I felt like she was calling me from within. The beauty and grace in which she carried herself was marvellous. But at the same time her bold and independent attitude inspired me to a great extent.

She looked calm, soft and a bit lonely. It was then that I made up my mind that I will never ever leave mum alone. Time flew past and it was evening already.

We went to the hotel where she stayed. She looked stunning in her red sari. Her red bindi lit up her wide glowing forehead. Mum let down her silky hair. As she took her handbag the bangles created beautiful music like the rustling of the leaves in the evening wind.

As I looked at her hypnotised, mum shook my shoulder and said, “Netra! Get up. It is time for us to leave.”

I could not resist but ask “Mum, did not any one propose their love to you during your college days?”

Mum was taken by surprise by this question. She just smiled and lightly patted on my cheek and then we left. We spent some time in the mall shopping around. Then we went for dinner. Mum had ordered for a birthday cake. This appeared like a once in a lifetime event. I loved each and every second of it. I had no words to describe how happy I was.

After the wonderful and memorable dinner, we returned to the hotel room. It was a long evening. We sat on the couch relaxing.

“When are we leaving for Mumbai?” I asked. I want to stay with you for a few days and I will have to return back for my special classes.

She opened the side drawer and removed a small purse. While she put her hand in, I was wondering what mum was above to reveal from that tiny little thing. She got hold of a bunch of keys.

“I narrowed my eyebrows and asked, “What are these keys for?”

“These are the keys of our new house.” She said smiling.

“And where is our new house?” I asked completely excited.

“In Pune.” It is just 15 minutes away from your college.

Mum came near me, held my hand with the warmth that I had been missing in the hostel for so many years.

“I have been missing you for the past few years.” She said. You are above to enter the 12th grade. It is a crucial time for your studies. So I have resigned my job. I have a few projects to take care of; I can stay with you in Pune and fulfil those commitments. I don’t want to leave you alone any more.

My joy knew no bounds. I could feel my heart pounding with joy. I was waiting for the moment to come.