Posted:
Wrote this flash fiction for a prompt on another site. :)
Kindly Read and Review.
Prompt: For $100,000 a woman in need of cash agrees to be the surrogate mother for a rich, childless couple.
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Lakshmi
The $100,000 cheque flashed before my eyes for the nth time that day. The offer was too tempting. Besides, it was just a question of 9 months-for a childless couple-that'd pass in a jiffy!
The eyes of the wanna-be parents were beseeching. They were poor in Indian societal mindset-despite being rich in dollars -as they had no child. They were a humble couple, and seemed genuine in their word.
The wife would stay in India till I delivered their baby. I'd get my money as soon after. Then we'd part ways, they'd move back to the US, and I, back to nursing my ailing parents.
My parents resisted the idea, but I accepted their offer nonetheless. A little help for them would help my family in a big way, after all, medical bills are to be paid too!
That was about 9 months back.
Today as I lie, drained physically, the doctor breaks in the news, 'It's a daughter. Lakshmi has been born in your house!'
I smile weakly and reached out for the cheque. I felt selfish in accepting the money, and also regretted my decision, but the vivid expressions on the parents' faces told me that my decision was right!
At home, my parents were smiling too, though they never voiced their happiness. Mother got her cataract treated and dad could now afford his diabetes medicines.
Indeed Lakshmi had blessed two houses, though in different forms.
(238 words)
Lakshmi: Goddess of money/wealth.
Preeti Datar
4 Feb 2007.
Kindly Read and Review.
Prompt: For $100,000 a woman in need of cash agrees to be the surrogate mother for a rich, childless couple.
----------------
Lakshmi
The $100,000 cheque flashed before my eyes for the nth time that day. The offer was too tempting. Besides, it was just a question of 9 months-for a childless couple-that'd pass in a jiffy!
The eyes of the wanna-be parents were beseeching. They were poor in Indian societal mindset-despite being rich in dollars -as they had no child. They were a humble couple, and seemed genuine in their word.
The wife would stay in India till I delivered their baby. I'd get my money as soon after. Then we'd part ways, they'd move back to the US, and I, back to nursing my ailing parents.
My parents resisted the idea, but I accepted their offer nonetheless. A little help for them would help my family in a big way, after all, medical bills are to be paid too!
That was about 9 months back.
Today as I lie, drained physically, the doctor breaks in the news, 'It's a daughter. Lakshmi has been born in your house!'
I smile weakly and reached out for the cheque. I felt selfish in accepting the money, and also regretted my decision, but the vivid expressions on the parents' faces told me that my decision was right!
At home, my parents were smiling too, though they never voiced their happiness. Mother got her cataract treated and dad could now afford his diabetes medicines.
Indeed Lakshmi had blessed two houses, though in different forms.
(238 words)
Lakshmi: Goddess of money/wealth.
Preeti Datar
4 Feb 2007.
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