Roshan came running inside his house. His face was red and tears were continuously flowing from his eyes. His mother Sandhya came running towards him and held him. But he slightly pushed her.
“What happened to my baby? Why are you crying? You went to play outside. Did you get hurt?”
But Roshan didn’t reply. He was crying inconsolably.
Roshan is 12 years old and the only son of Sandhya and Alok. Roshan is a well-behaved kid and also very good at studies. Everyday, he and his cousin Nikki go to play in the nearby park with their friends.
Sandhya felt something was wrong and without waiting, she called Alok in his office.
It was very unusual for Roshan. He used to share the tiniest thing with his parents. Roshan is the apple of their eyes.
Alok entered the room with a rush and Roshan hugged him tightly. Alok can feel his heartbeat which is running fast.
"Look Mumma and Papa both are here. Now tell us what is the matter? Did you get hurt while playing?”
Roshan took some breath and moved his head in no.
“Did you have any fights with someone? Have any of your friends said anything to you?” Alok asked, holding his hand.
“Mumma… Papa…” Roshan spoke for the first time after he entered the house.
“Yes beta… tell…” Alok asked affectionately.
“I went to play in the park. Aaryan asked me that…” Roshan was still sobbing.
“What did Aaryan ask?” Sandhya asked impatiently.
“Mumma… he asked me, Are you not Nikki’s cousin?”
I said, “Yes, I am her cousin. Why are you saying this?”
He said, “Yesterday when you didn’t come to play, I asked Nikki, where is your brother Roshan?”
She told Aaryan that I am not her brother and that you both got me from somewhere and her mom told all this to her.
Sandhya and Alok’s faces turned pale listening to all this. They never thought in their dreams this could happen. For a second, their heartbeat skipped.
25 years Ago…
Sandhya and Alok's marriage was an arranged marriage.
Sumit was Alok’s younger brother and they both handled their late father’s business together. Sushilaji, their mother, was the eldest in the family.
Three years passed, Sandhya and Alok were trying to start their family. Relatives, neighbors all started asking about good news to Sandhya.
Sandhya started getting worried and after a few months they decided to see a doctor.
“Look Alok and Sandhya… Your case is complicated. It is not like that there is no hope but it will certainly be difficult.” Dr. Kothari, a reputed gynecologist of the city said after looking at the reports.
Dr. Kothari started the medication and regular tests and checkups. Sandhya’s sadness, Alok’s worries, Sushila’s tension, and people’s talks started increasing day by day.
Two years had passed and Sandhya started feeling depressed but Alok kept Sandhya motivated and supported her with all his love and care.
“I think now you should go for IVF.” Dr. Kothari said with a serious tone. Those days, this technology was not widely known, so Doctor explained to them about it.
“So after this, I will become a mother?” Sandhya questioned as her eyes sparkled with hopes. After months of disappointment, she finally felt hope.
“Look Sandhya, this is something no one can give a guarantee about. But I would say, you should try and try with a positive attitude.” The doctor said convincingly.
After so many months of disappointment, Alok and Sandhya were feeling a little relieved and hopeful.
Not only weeks, but even months also passed without any progress. All these procedures and medicines impacted Sandhya physically and its failure affected her emotionally. Alok tried every possible way to keep her strong and happy, but gradually he was finding it all difficult.
“Alok… I guess I should accept now. Motherhood is not in my destiny. We are trying for many years now and nothing is working out. But because of me, I don’t want you to suffer. I don’t want you to be restricted from the joy of fatherhood. Why should you be punished?” One day Sandhya said to Alok looking into his eyes.
Alok couldn’t understand.
“I think you should get married to someone else.” Sandhya moved her face in a different direction.
“What??? Have you gone crazy? Do you even know what you are saying? Look at me… Look into my eyes and tell me.” Alok pulled her towards him.
Sandhya couldn’t look into his eyes and tears rolled down from her eyes. Saying all this was so difficult for her.
“I just want you to have every happiness in your life.”
“Really?? If you want me to be happy don’t you know my all happiness is with you and only you.” Alok was very hurt.
“You know what, I have decided something.” Alok said firmly.
“What?” Sandhya looked at him with fear.
“That we are not going for any more treatments from now onwards. I knew you suffered a lot because of all these procedures physically and mentally. This is it. I don’t want anyone other than you. I can’t see you going through more.” Alok said with conviction.
“But…”
“We are there for each other and will always be. Don’t you think that is enough? I will keep you happy always.” Alok hugged her tightly.
After this decision, the bonding between Alok and Sandhya grew stronger with each passing day. They made each other their world and their life revolve around each other.
After a few months Sumit got married and Amrita joined the family. Amrita’s nature was a little different. She was quite straightforward. She doesn’t like to be taught or controlled in any way.
Amrita conceived within one year of her marriage. Sushila was very happy with the news as after so many years, she is finally going to become a grandmother.
Sandhya was sitting in her room and tears were rolling down from her eyes. It is not that she is not happy for Amrita and Sumit. She wished them with all her heart and also happy that they will get to experience the most beautiful feeling of parenthood. But somehow her heart is aching as the pain and void of not being a mother still resides in some corner.
Alok knew Sandhya is disturbed and sad, so he thought it would be good for her if she goes away from this environment for some time.
