THE VISIT
The mission of reconciliation to my paternal home in Mumbai turned out in the manner we least expected. On sighting Grandma from afar, Mum knelt down, touching her ears as she moved on her knees from the gate to where she was, begging for mercy in tears. Her knees bruised as she moved along, desperately in need of peace. It would take the devil himself to be unmoved at the sight of this scene. Grandma never saw this coming, as she was motionless throughout and quite difficult to tell her next line of action. Mum was obviously in pain, and I hated to see her in that manner. I gently wiped away the tear that dropped my cheek. When she got to her, she bowed and touched her feet, kissing them
LIVING WITH MY AUNTThe unfriendly reception I got from my aunt gave me a hint that I was in for trouble. She showed me the way to my room and asked me to meet her in the kitchen after showering. It was too early to miss my mother, but I did it anyway. I compared her reception with what Mum would have done on my arrival - the embrace, the kisses, the pampering, the list would be endless. I exhaled to let out negative energies when I said, ‘I’m already here, and there is no going back. So, stay focused’.I joined my aunt i
MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IN SCHOOLDelhi Public School (DPS) was a famous society in India with twelve of its private schools spread across Delhi alone. My school, particularly, stood out of them all by strictly following its original mandate to set up higher standards of education, making conscious efforts to turnout outstanding scholars with balanced personalities. DPS, R. K. Puram, was the best in spicing up teaching with games, like Sports and other Extracurricular activities.My first time in school was fun-fil
THE LETTERMum received the letter and after reading its content she became uneasy with the message. She started making some preparations to visit my grandparents and intimate them about what was going on so that they would take necessary actions to help me. She wrote and sent a letter ahead to notify my grannies about her visit without letting them know the purpose of the visit.A week later, Mum embarked on her train journey to Mumbai. The journey would take almost an entire day to arrive in Mumbai, considering the transfers and intermittent stopping at various junctions. She boarded the first train departing from Bombel Patel station because there was no direct train from Uttar Pradesh to Mumba
The Suicide AttemptAll efforts to take my life proved abortive, as Grandma stayed glued to me with comforting words throughout our stay in Mumbai. She was just all over me with lots of pampering and making sure that I was alright. Frequently, she specifically prepared meals and fed me herself. The most embarrassing aspect of the pampering was to bathe me, even at almost age twelve. I permitted her anyway because as it was with me; I was ready to stink for all I care. Had she not insisted that I ate, I would
Loss of Memory"Mother! She is awake!’’ Nadia ran to her mother in excitement to break the good news. Her family had long been waiting for the stranger to get out of her comatose state that lasted for four weeks. The major sign of improvement that kept them hopeful was her mumbling of words. For the past four weeks, she had been in seemingly deep sleep under the care of Kamala and her family. Kamala was a medicine woman married to Mr. Barad, a Koli fisher and graduate living in a village near Worli, a posh city in Mumbai. They both had a child they named Nadia, and had been finding it difficult to conceive again after her birth, nine years ago.Mr. Barad had g
The New FamilyAmira’s stay with the Barad family seemed to have attracted more blessings to the family as they all recorded profound progress in their daily life endeavours, which Kamala had not failed to notice that she found her more endearing. On one of the nighttime discussions with her husband, Kamala affirmed Amira was the light that came to the family because their livelihood and general wellbeing had improved since she became a part of them.Amira and Kamala grew very fond of each other that they could talk about everything and anything, and tease each other a lot too. Many people admire their kind of friendship, especially after knowing they were not siste
THE CONVERSATION“Kamala, we have an unfinished business,” Amira reminded Kamala on their way from the bush to get herbs, as they walked on the narrow dirt path that led to their home.“Oh, yes! Dish-making was the last to-do on the list. Is there anything else we have left unattended to?” she replied as she searched through her memory for what we have left out. It has been a hectic day, and her plan was to rest her tired body after cooking for the family.“Yes, please continue the story about Amira as we walk back to the house.”“I know you like gist, but didn’t know you were that obsessed. Where
Sarah regains her memory!By the time Sarah woke up, Anika had left the house with his foster father. She tried to talk about the seemingly embarrassing situation as proof of getting back her memory, but Mr Barad and his wife were unwilling to give her a listening ear mainly because they were trying to ward off the thoughts of reality dawning on them at the time that they wished she stayed longer with them.They were uncertain about what would become of the family if they lose the relationship that they have built with her when she regains her memories. Her presence had brought remarkable growth to the family, and letting her go might be letting go of the aura of blessings around them. Second, they were trying to pro
THE REFLECTION‘Mind power is the most useful tool gifted by God in human’s possession. It can yield the greatest physical force one can ever imagine. With one’s mind and imaginative powers, anything can be created - obstacles or opportunities, failure or success, setback or progress, unhappiness or happiness, you name it. The thoughts that pass through your mind are responsible for almost everything that happens in your life. It all lies in your hand to choose the ones you want!’These re-echoed words from my mother had kept me going even as I stared at my Ninety-Seven-year-old mother on her death bed. I have passed this message to my children, my children to m
ONE HAPPY FAMILYLife got better after my discharge from the hospital. It really feels good to be home with Mum; a dream that came sooner than I expected!My grandfather was as good as his words; he released the Mother deed through his lawyer for us to reclaim the ownership rights to all my late father’s properties. His volition to hand over all that he forcefully took away from us was borne out of his deep affection for us, not necessarily to compensate for what aunt Adhira did to me.After signing the documents, Mum and I had moved back to Delhi. We shouted out of joy as we playfully ran around the house to feel the cool breeze of its surroundings with pride, of course, as its lega
THE SURPRISEThe hospital declared the private wards open for visitors, with rules stating they do not permit more than two visitors at a time. They advised the visitors not to stay longer beyond the visiting hours. Strictly adhering to these rules would provide the patient with an ample amount of required time to rest.Mrs Ava walked in first to see Amara, followed by Sarah. The rest would take turns to visit afterwards.“Hello, Amara! How are you feeling?” Mrs Ava asked. Without waiting for my response, she continued, “I sincerely apologise for our inability to help you out without any evidence against Adhira. On matters like yours, the authorities cannot swing in
THE STOLEN TWIN"Please, pardon me for this mess," the midwife said after two minutes of sobbing and clearing litters of tissue papers on her table.So, back to the story..."Later, the hospital management asked me to see through the case of a pregnant woman with prolonged labour in Ward 5. I met her in the ward when her husband had already left to fetch some baby items necessary for delivery. After carrying out a proper check on her, I realised she wasn't dilating fast.It was when Amira barged in to see me that I discovered she was Aadi's wife we had been talking about. The more interesting part was, she was having a twin pregnancy!Going through
THE APPOINTMENT WITH THE MIDWIFEIn the waiting room, Chan opened up a conversation about Nosocomephobia, which charged up the atmosphere with all kinds of emotions. Everyone had a thing or two to share with their medical phobias. Each experience came with either some cringes at some bizarre phobias or jesting at someone for the experiences that sounded ridiculous.Chan, especially, picked on Sarah after she shared how the name ‘Hospital’ made her feel sicker. “I have never visited a hospital, even when pregnant until the compulsory day of labour came. I had no other choice than to visit it for the first time just to have my baby. Here I am in the same hospital I gave birth, not feeling cranky at all. Maybe family matters have their unique way of t
THE DISCOVERYAfter the exchange of greetings, Chan explained to the midwife they were in the hospital for Amara and would like to know her state. He didn’t want to disclose the primary reason for their visit.“She would be fine and should be up after the stitches. I have to go now,” the midwife replied politely. It was obvious she didn’t recognise them, especially Chan, who was her late friend’s husband. They liked it that way to avoid raising any suspicion that might ruin their plan. It is possible she might escape in an attempt to avoid being caught if she was guilty. So, everyone had to apply wisdom, and caution too, till they could get her to talk
SARAH IS ALIVE!Friday was here, and all roads lead to Gechiya Hospital in Delhi. There were lots of delays and disappointments before Kamala and Sarah got to Chan’s place. At the time they arrived, Chan couldn’t hide his feelings of being upset with them for not keeping to the time. They had planned to meet at his place at 13:00, putting into consideration the distance from Koli village to Delhi before proceeding to the hospital together with Anika. But Kamala and Sarah arrived an hour behind time.At 14:15, they were already at the hospital, making enquiries about the midwife when they saw a group of people rush in with a girl on a stretcher. The manner with which they br
WELCOME TO MY WORLDGoing back to school welcomed me with the news that Mrs Ava was no longer my class teacher. The school management posted her to a higher class, which should have been the right position in the first place because of her level of academic qualifications. I had the privilege to have her as my teacher because she was standing in for my present class teacher who was yet to take up his post for official reasons, while also awaiting her retiring predecessor to clear her table as she relieves her from duties. So, the management took her to my class to close the gap left by my supposed class teacher till he was ready to take up his post. I don’t have details of why this arrangement had to
THE JOURNEY TO DELHIAfter five months, Delhi had not changed from sending good vibes. It was still bubbling with life as ever. Typical of the city, Delhi keeps its visitors captivated with interesting sights and entertaining activities throughout their stay. There is never a dull moment in Delhi, as Amira with Kamala could sight people at different points on the streets enjoying life to the fullest. The city’s unique distinction of having fun places all around did not cease to amaze them as they share their experiences. It is always full of life that it could give other great cities a run for their money.The houses were well arranged on the streets, and easier to identify despi