The repentance
He picks up the little girl from school explaining to the teachers it is urgent that she leave. They give him a confused expression but, let the girl go.
"Where are we going daddy?" Sara giggles in excitement as he loads her on his back like cargo and heads for the car.
"To see your mum".
"I have a mum? "she nibbles on her handkerchief shocked by the fact her father has denied for so long. He would tell her mama went to God's home. But, if in fact, she is alive then, why did he lie?
They stop in from of the temple. So, it is God's home.
He sees her cleaning the corridors as the monks are busy in meditation.
"Teacher", Sara whispers almost too loud to be considered a whisper. Madhu hides her frame behind the pillar worried what RK might do next.
"Pssst", the father daughter duo mutter in unison.
She slowly reappears, face first followed by hands and then, plunges forward in a hurry. She gathers the duo in a gentle embrace and leads them out, not knowing how her actions will be read.
"Where is mum?" A very impatient Sara pulls on his father's inseam.
"She is your mum", he gently pushed her toward Madhu. The pent up emotions were finding their way out. Her shivering hands reached for Sara. Rivers of salt water flooding down her cheeks.
The child seemed confused and excited all at the same time. Excited because the nice lady was mother, she was not the strict woman his father had told her. Confused because she did not live them.
"Why doesn't mommy come home?"
"Because daddy is stupid and fights too much", he stoops down to her level but, his eyes trace Madhu's moments.
"You are stupid", she giggles and hopes he overlooks her mischief.
"Daddy got very angry with mommy one day and told her never to come home. She said sorry but, daddy was stubborn. Then, daddy found out it was his fault and not mommy's. He is asking for forgiveness now. What do you think mommy should do?"
The girl pondered for a bit before yelling, "punish him good mum. I will stay with you. He doesn't know how to do anything right. How come I no get to stay with you? I will stay here and you tell him".
She picks up little Sara placing loving kisses everywhere. "My baby. I missed you so much. You were so little then and look at you now. All grown up".
"I am not a baby now nice la…….I mean mum".
"That's right. You are a big girl, aren't you?"
"Should I leave her with you tonight?" his question is laden with guilt.
She grabs hold of her emotions and speaks legality. "I do not have custody".
"I give you permission, legally speaking", he bites his tongue for the poor choice of words.
"What do say Sara?" she looks for her features in her daughter's carved face. The luscious curls she never go to admire, the pinned nose just like hers, the one sided dimple, the hazel eyes. Sarah was her reflection talking back.
"Okay, I am angry with him anyway", she folds her arms and gestures RK to leave.
He does so with a slight smile at her daughter's innocence and some hope for the future.
Pati Patni Aur Panga
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
