We were a nuclear family of three. It was three months since our only son, Karthik, had moved abroad for higher studies. Happy for him, but we missed him every day. Our home has lost its laughter, radiance and happiness; it started to look like a brick cuboid!! We felt lonely, especially my wife who had quit her job when my son was born. I could feel her pain, I wanted to comfort her. So, I proposed a dinner date and a movie!!
But, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She reasoned, “I love you, but I know this other woman would love to spend some time with you.” I asked if three of us can go together, she said "No, It would be different when it is just you two!" I thought she might have called any of my old girl friends, I was not in touch with! She dialed her and asked me to invite her.
I said, "Hello" and the lady said, " Beta, whats wrong, aren't you well?"
It was my mother on the other side.
I looked at my wife, she gestured me to continue
“Mom, Shall we go out for dinner this Friday?!!” I asked her.
She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “Did I ever say 'No' to you?!!”
My wife and I moved into a separate house three months after our marriage because we wanted privacy and my parents never opposed!! Two years later, my father died and my mother started living alone in the same house. In the beginning, we used to visit her every weekend; weekly became monthly and monthly became occasionally, after I moved to other end of the city. I have my reasons : Tired, Busy with work, Busy with kids, Family Time!! She never insisted us to visit her, she was worried that I had to drive so long!!
That Friday after work, I drove over to pick her up. When I arrived at her (no more our) house, I found her arranging flowers at my father's photo. She draped herself in her favorite red saree that I gifted her with my first salary. She smiled at me. Even at the age of 65, she has that same spark in her eyes when she smiles.
We went to that restaurant where we used to go frequently as a family when I was a child. She said, she would place the order. She didn't even look at menu, she ordered all my favorites when I was a kid, and they are still my favorites except I became more conscious of my intake. During the dinner, we had talked about many things - recent events of each other's life, Karthik, my friends, movies and many more.
When we sat in the car, I asked her if I can take her on a long drive. She didn't ask "Where?". We drove 20 miles, straight to my house!! Its been many years since my mother visited us, always we go to her place.
When my wife opened the door, my mom hugged her and said, "Thank you!!"
My wife responded in a low voice, "Sorry, it took us so many years!!"
My mother made my house, a home again!! She filled the void in our home and also in our hearts!! There are silent smiles, louder laughter, fresh aroma from puja mandir, soothing music, old recipes on dining table and new plants in our garden. My wife found a wonderful companion for cooking, shopping and watching TV serials!! Their favourite pass-time is skimming through shadi websites for suitable bride for our joint family!!
How much I missed my mother, especially her beautiful smile!! I thank my wife every day for that beautiful dinner night!!
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