“So finally, got promotion and it's on my birthday..kids and geetu will be more than happy today..oh god! Thank you so much for everything..what else I want” I thought in my head and rang bell of my home. Geetu opened the door. I hugged her and then my kids. They wished me birthday. I was the happiest man on the earth. We went out and return in night. Before, going to my bed, I checked my mails placed at my desk. There was an old letter with a familiar hand writing addressing “To, My SUN“.
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"To
My SUN
I wish my sunny a very happy birthday and may god bless you with all the happiness and prosperity. Son, I am sorry that I disturbed you, but I could not resist myself to wish you. I thought of calling you in day but did’nt as I thought, it may spoil your day. This is not at all about the decision you took for us. We are more than happy here. Sometimes we miss you all but then control ourselves. I am good and your dad is also doing fine. You know, he threw a party to all the kids residing here. He was very happy. He said “dear, I see my sunny in all these kids..it might be our bad karma that we are not that much lucky to live with my child..but am really happy that he is happy in his life (with moist eyes)”. I cooked your favorite food “Rajma Chawla” for everyone here
It’s been three years from the day when we came here. Initially, we missed home but with time we adjusted here. Your dad and I made some new friends here. We chat with them and the day passes. Sometimes, we feel aloof, but then we sit under a mango tree (your favorite) and think about your childhood days. Moments revive us. Dad still writes with that pen, that you gifted him when you joined your first job. He feels proud to see it everyday. He says “I am proud that my son has achieved more than me and will achieve what he truly deserves”. This makes me proud of both of you. I am lucky that I’m married to him and more than luckiest to have you as my son.
I think, I have taken more than enough time of yours writing many words. But I coud’nt control myself as I felt like talking to you. I hope everyone at home, geetu and my grand children are happy and healthy. We wish you luck and lots of happiness.
Sorry again & loads of love.
Your mom (Mamma)
2 March, 2008"
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The letter shook me from head-to-toe. “How can I forget them? Why I did this to them?” The questions killed me every moment that night and I could not sleep. I wanted to talk about this with geetu but I could’nt. I decided that I’ll visit them next morning. I spend whole night thinking about next morning.
Next day, I went to VRIDH ASHRAM which was 150 Kms away from my place, where my parents were residing or should I say, I made them to live there. I entered and saw many old people. Some were exercising, some were gardening, some were teaching and some were sitting on relaxing chair. I saw an old lady standing near a mango tree with some children. Her hair were full grey, spectacles on her eyes wearing blue khaddar saree. I ran, hugged her and started crying just like a child who returns from school after getting punished by teacher. She consoled and asked me, who am I. Yes, she was not her. She was not me mamma. I apologized and asked for my mother, in turn she asked for her name. I said, she is Parvati. She looked at me for a while and cried my name “sunny?”. I said, “Yes aunty ji, I am sunny..where is my mom?”. She said, she is inside with your dad. “How are they? I am here to take them back. I am sorry for everything”. She smiled and said “say everything to your parents..they love you like anything..and still miss you”. The words made my eyelids more moist. I just wanted to meet them as early as possible.
“Come in..here they are..” She said. I entered and shattered. They were gone. They were gone far far away from me. There was just a picture of both, hanging on a wall. I managed to go near it but could not managed myslef to even touch that it. “Had they done anything wrong or were they selfish parents? Why you put them in so much agony? You know they both died on the same night when your mother wrote some letter to you? I think it was your birthday..and you got your gift? They died near your picture” She said. I cried and cried like anything. “I have lost everything..I wanted to hug them..I wanted to say sorry.. I wanted to say sorry..” I cried.
Words from:
Prince Dildar Singh
erprincedildar@gmail.com
