Chapter 58

~58~

Anu knocked the door to her apartment and stood waiting as her son came to open it.

"Samar..."

"Mummy... mummy are you alright I am so..."

"I am sorry, son.."

"Mummy, I shouldn't have been late... all this wouldn't have happened... I won't ever..."

"You were never late till now... I know you won't... I am sorry Bakhuda... I love you..."

"I love you too my Rockstar..."

"Who is it, Samar.... Mummy?"

In front of her stood her eldest son. She shut her eyes remembering the punch her son had given.

"Mummy..."

"Toshu..."

"Sorry, I was late..."

"Toshu... it's ok you..."

"I was 25 years too late... from the time I was born, I have been his son... never once thought of your feelings... not even when he went away with another woman... I am sorry... sorry Mummy... sorry I am a fool just like him... had I seen the truth earlier... whatever happened yesterday wouldn't have happened..."

"Son... let bygones be bygones... let's start afresh... yesterday's gone... it's over... don't blame yourself too much... you were brave enough to do the right thing yesterday... you stood up for me and my nightmare is gone far away from me life... all because you were brave... you are not like him at all son... oh no... that man was a coward... you my son are a good man... just like..."

"Anuj?"

"Mmmm"

"I wish I become more like him..."

A thrill of joy filled her heart. Her children loved him too and her motherly heart was finally satisfied. Samar came forward

"Mummy... you look different... is there something... oh... are you going to...?"

"Yes.. I wanted to tell you that... I just visited the register office... We will get married tomorrow..."

Samar gave a hoot of joy

"Really, Mummy... this is the happiest day of my life..."

He hugged her tight and she smiled as Kinjal came forward too. A few minutes later, she looked up to see her eldest son standing afar.

"Toshu..."

"Mummy..."

"Son..."

"I love you... I know your happiness lies with him... he is a good man... you both deserve every happiness."

She untangled herself from her kids and walked towards him. She cupped his cheeks and raised her eyebrow.

"What is bothering you son?"

"You know... I really wish I had been like Samar and not made enemies with Anuj... I don't know if he would like me..."

"He definitely would... he sent you a post birthday gift..."

Anu took out a small gift wrapped box from her bag. She handed it over to him.

"Here..."

Toshu opened to see a cup which had an inscription 'best son in the word'. A little note inside it read

'Whatever happened yesterday was not easy. I am really proud of your courage. You proved yesterday you are the best son in the world. Happiest birthday.'

Toshu looked at his mom with tears in his eyes and she nodded.

"You started off on the wrong foot son but you corrected a lot of wrongs by the single deed you did yesterday. You still have a lifetime to go... keep making the right choices and I would be proud of you... and so would Anuj..."

Toshu wrapped his hand around her and hugged her tight. She was about to comfort him when her phone rang. She took it out to see it was a video call from Pakhi.

"Sweety..."

"Mummy... I know..."

"I am sorry, child..."

"Don't be... he deserves it... Toshu Bhai did the right thing..."

"Mmmm..."

"Are you ok?"

"Yes... uh Sweety..."

"Yes, Mummy..."

"I have booked tickets for you to come back today..."

"Today...?"

"Yes... my Sweetudi... I am getting married tomorrow and I want you there..."

***

Anu walked to her room feeling excited that Aarav and Gopi Kaaka had been elated at her announcement. Now she was on her way to tell her baby. She opened the door and as expected, she saw Mukku curled up on the bed fast asleep. She walked in and sat beside her. Gently she shook her

"Mukkudi..."

"Bhabhiiiii.... 5 more minutes please..."

She smiled.

"I'll give you another half an hour to sleep. Just listen to what I want to say now..."

"Mmmm"

"I am marrying Anuj tomorrow..."

"What?"

Mukku sat up straight on the bed and looked at her.

"It's not a dream is it?"

"Nope..."

She threw herself into her arms and held her tight.

"I am so so so happy... Now I can call you Bhabhi anytime I want..."

"Aren't you doing the same now?"

"Oh... am I? Well I'll continue..."

She hit her head slightly.

"Mukku..."

"Mmm?"

"I need a favor..."

***