By Shikha Tailang

(AI translated version of – भइया मिल गया!)

Anita — Maa, will I celebrate Rakhi without Bhaiya this time? Anita asked in a soft voice.

Gomti Devi — Beta, you know that your Bhaiya Ajit died three months ago…

While saying this, Gomti Devi’s eyes welled up with tears and her voice started to choke. She began to hiccup loudly and wanted to speak but her lips could not do so. She was surrounded by the shadow of sadness.

Anita had sensed the wave of emotions rising within her mother and she started feeling guilty for making her mother sad. She spoke in a low voice.

Anita — Maa, you feel very sad about Bhaiya’s departure, don’t you? Like you, I too feel unfortunate remembering him. I had seen his face only till two years ago before my eyesight started deteriorating due to an eye infection. Whenever I remember that face, my heart becomes sad. Sometimes I feel that I too want to be with my dear brother…

Gomti Devi – Don’t say anything further. Gomti Devi said while reprimanding Anita. My dear! Ajit may have gone far away from all of us but his memories are still fresh in our hearts. What has happened cannot be brought back. This is the rule of nature. Your father had explained this to me when Ajit, my dear son, died in the hospital. Eight years! He was only eight years old! What an age for him to die. When his pneumonia worsened, the whole family made rounds of hospitals and doctors to save him. Papa did not sleep for many nights and they spent a lot of money on his treatment! But who can avoid destiny? What was feared happened. Now you are our support. You are just twelve years old. You have your whole life ahead of you. We want your life should be filled with light as soon as possible. Papa is busy collecting money to arrange for your treatment too. Let’s see when that day comes when our daughter’s eyes will be operated and she will be able to see fully. Son, no matter how much trouble you face, do not lose courage. God will do good to you.

Some ten days before Rakhi, mother and daughter were having such emotional talks. This conversation would have continued for some more time. Just then there was a knock on the door. Gomti Devi opened the door and saw Anita’s father Yogesh Tiwari standing in front of her. He had come home after completing his duty as a cashier at Aman Enterprises.

Gomti Devi – Oh! You! It was good that you came home on time. Otherwise, I would have been very worried.

Yogesh – Oh God! Boss was in a good mood today and he had to go home early in the evening to celebrate his birthday with his wife and children. So we got off work early. Now just give me some tea so that I feel refreshed. I am tired after working the whole day.

Yogesh said while keeping his bag on the sofa. Then he went to Anita who was lying on the bed next to the sofa and said while caressing her head.

Yogesh – What is our dear daughter doing?

To be contd. …