Part 3
Time runs very fast, she was a newly wed but as she entered this home she become one among them. Her routine was getting clearer as the time ticked. how many people lived, what were their requirement at each time. she was getting all those details in her heart. Slowly but steadily she started to understand each and every requirement of the house members. Servants used to take care of everything and Devika used to give instructions but as she came in. She took the reins of the house, though it was Devika's order which she followed, the personal touch was what she added to everything.
As the time elapsed she was providing things even before they were asked for. She made sure the water was drawn out from the well for cooking, bathing, washing, cleaning. Keeping the hot water for bathing, Flowers for puja, vegetables for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. In short she didn't wait for anyone to ask her a thing.
She did everything for everyone at home. Neither they appreciated her nor gave credit to the efforts she put in. Just like one thing didn't change, that was her mother in law's complaints. Whatever she did for her mother in law, there would be one of the other complaint or taunt with it. Even though she did as she was asked Devika would make sure to find a reason to taunt. Maybe another women in the house would take up her place had made her insecure.
But she was not the only one who could hurt her. There were many to point out. As things started to happen before hand, people start to expect more from her and also start taking you her granted. She became the salt of the house. Neither anyone noticed her nor her presence felt. She was quiet but millions of things she carried out in a jiffy. Her service oriented mind and endurance was something no one understood.
Her inherent nature to accept things the way they are had helped her in life. She didn't expect anything so never did she mind their words. She always took them as to mend her ways to please them. They were her elders and they knew what was right for the younger ones. That was her belief, which was instilled in her veins since birth.
She always looked forward for her husband return as that meant she got her dose of energy from him. Smiles, that too lots of smiles, with just his presence next to her. He did get her few petty gifts but those were just priceless for her. It pumped her spirits thereby carrying on her duty with easy. they acted as silver lining to her life.
25th October 1981
Today was no different from the day it was few decades ago, today also Madhav was digging a hole again in the hall with his walk and this time too the reason was Devika. Only difference was it wasn't Devika who was delivering but her daughter in law. He was scared if anything wrong happened, what else would he do to bring his wife back from the depths of sorrow.
He had enough pains already and prayed the almighty that let the happiness of this house return. As he prayed a new cry emerged out of the room inside, bringing the smiles on everyone face except Devika. She wouldn't care, already from past month she was having tough time managing the servants as many left owing to her temper.
Her DIL used to take the wrath and servants would have been grateful of her but now situation was different. She was asked for bed rest in the end days as the midwife was expecting some complications in her delivery. And following the birth of the baby, she was wondering what else held in future.
As she was still in her own thoughts, she heard her husband, Madhav ask the nurse to hand the baby first to Devika. She wondered why this sudden care for her and she didn't want to bound with that tender one. Before she could utter a thing she had the small one in her hand. Her mind told her heart not to surrender but then her hands against her will held the small one very carefully. Tears flew out of her eyes blocking her view to see her grandson, as she was still trembling with her new feelings.
Madhav said "Finally, we got our son back."
She starred in to his eyes to get confirmation of those words and as he kept on repeating the same, she finally bit by bit started to accept that it was indeed her son, who had returned. Nothing else registered in her mind.
Tears which were accumulated for years started to pour from her eyes. She became too emotional as she struggled to talk but finally said "My Ranjit is back."
She had weaved so many dreams to the extent that she had decided on the names too and how she would bring up her son. Of Course her dreams had been to take care of the whole family at that time. But as that broke she was shattered to no avail.
Even the baby cried along with her feeling the pain. Madhav tried to pick the baby from her as the midwife came to take the baby for the first feed. But Devika resisted it, and fearing her reactions he signalled the midwife to wait for a little bit more time.
However the baby was not in the mood to listen as it was very hungry.
Madhav taking the opportunity heart too cried as he witnessed his wife said "Devika, control yourself by that time let him get his fill his stomach.
That was it, she was back to her form as she ordered a glass of milk to be prepared for the baby. She would feed him but wouldn't let anyone take him away from her again.
Seeing the situation midwife got the milk from his mother and let the grandmother take care of the small baby. Anyways the mother was too tired after the delivery to take the responsibility.
Away from all but still in one corner a man was rejoicing for having a boy of his own. Worried for his wife, he had held his breath till he had heard the cry of the baby.
He was eager to take him in his hand but before he could pull himself to do the same, he had witnessed his parents getting emotional with the baby. Seeing them so much attached, he kept himself away.
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