20 hours of labor had left her exhausted and on top of that, her husband had gone away on some business trip. She just wanted to faint when the doctor said
"Just one more push, Anupamaa... I can see the baby's head already..."
Gathering all her courage, she pushed with all her might and a loud cry filled the room.
"It's a boy again", said the doctor.
In a few minutes, the nurse brought the baby and placed him near her. She moved her hand slowly up to feel his tiny form. As soon as she moved close to his hands, he quickly clutched her finger tightly. Her eyes shone with tears of love and the exhaustion and pain left her at his touch.
***
The day had been extremely hard. With Toshu having an accident, her husband away and Baa blaming her as usual. She had been at her wits end not knowing what to do when 11 month old Samar had come crawling to her. Thinking he needed something, she bent down to pick him up when he reached out and held her hand. Slowly lifting up his body, he held her for support and stood up. "Ma..." He giggled as he took the very first step in his life. The day turned out to be one of the best.
***
She had lost her dream, her everything. Without Moti Baa she didn't know how she would ever go on. She wanted to scream, cry and grieve but Baa had ordered her to make food for the guests and so she was confined to the kitchen. As she fried the thepla through her tears, she felt a little hand pull her pallu.
"Mummy..."
She bent down to reach her son.
"Samar?"
He reached out and took her hand in his and simply nodded. She nodded back understanding his unsaid comfort.
***
She sat on the bed reminiscing the horrible nightmare. Her husband, her life, her marriage, everything was over. She didn't know how she would live ever again. Suddenly, the door opened and in entered her son. Seeing her looking all devastated, he went near her and took her hand in his. Gently he pulled her up from the bed.
"Samar..."
"Mummy.... I love you..."
Saying so, he guided her out of the room.
***
She knew she loved him. Thinking about it, she realized she had been in love for a very long time. She knew he loved her but she hesitated because or her baggage. What if at some point, he felt burdened? She sat on the chair contemplating on what she should do when she heard a knock at the door.
"Samar..."
One look at her and he understood the war within her. He gently reached out and took her hand in his and said.
"Mummy... I am here..."
She pulled him into a hug knowing she could fight herself better with him holding her hand.
***
The was over, she was going to be his finally. Her Bapuji had given her away when Samar came forward and announce that her children would give her away. As he took her hand in his, she looked at him with thankful tears in her eyes. He had been the one who had always held her hand through every up and down. She whispered
"Samar..."
He looked into her eyes and smiled. With a crack in his voice, barely noticeable, he said
"Mummy.... Anuj will hold your hand from now..."
She nodded through her tears. As he got up to leave, she reached out her free hand and held him.
"Doesn't mean I won't need yours..."
"I know..."
They smiled at each other understanding that no matter what, they will always be each other's strength. Walking behind the couple, he joined his siblings to tie the knot.
***
Random Musing... Inspired by today's scene... I wanted it to be only Samar... but I won't complain❤️
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