Part 13 – Her Heart Therapist

Karan stood up quickly from his chair.
“Madhu Kapoor?” Karan asked Rajeev, shocking him with his reaction. Karan took a minute to come out of this revelation.
“Rajeev, can I ask you a favour?”
“Please go ahead.”
“I personally know Madhu. She is related to one of my former patients. Please handle this matter very, very delicately and responsibly. I know you would do it for any case that comes into your hands. It’s my earnest request in this particular case.”
“My dear, you have my word. And I will keep you informed regarding this case.”

Karan called up Madhu,

He asked her to accompany him shopping as his mother’s birthday was near. After purchasing a shawl and a few sarees, they relaxed in a garden, which was situated in the interiors of the city.
“Karan, I feel you should have brought Samiksha along. Then this time would have been romantic rather than boring.”
“Nah, that isn’t true. In the long run, I will receive blessings from not two but three lovely ladies in my life. What say?”
Madhu smiled at Karan and the greenery and floral blessings around them.

“And how is life. Hope your health is fine and so is everything else.”
“Yes, Karan, I have been blessed with such a beautiful family. I can’t ask for anything more.”
“Glad to hear that. I ran into one of my close friends lately. Dr. Rajeev Sinha.”
Madhu cleared her throat, trying to hide her uneasiness. Seeing her fidgeting with her fingers Karan asked,
“Are you fine?”
“Yes of course. May we leave now? It’s getting late.”
“Sure. But if you can lend me a few more minutes?”

“Tell me.”

“I have always looked up to you as my mother, regardless of what I am to you.”
“Karan, why did you say that? You know how much regard I have for you. No need to mention your relationship with my daughter has made me the happiest mother on this earth. She couldn’t have got a better partner. God has blessed me with a son in your form.”
“Is it so?”

Madhu stared at him.

“Then will I have the privilege of handling your grievances, if you have any?”
Madhu continued staring blankly at him. His glance was different, as if trying to figure out something. Not to mention, his acquaintance with Dr. Rajeev had already alarmed her.

“You can pour out your heart

to your son without the fear of being judged. You do consider me your son, and I am asking you this considering the chastity of our relationship.”
Tears started rolling out of Madhu’s eyes, and she tried to find a handkerchief in her purse. Karan handled her his and looked deep into her eyes. She rested her head against his shoulder and talked with a restraint.
“Mahesh and I love each other. When Samiksha’s mom passed away, I could not stop myself from satisfying all the needs of Samiksha. She was a motherless child, craving for love and affection. Instantly, I took her in my arms and accepted her as a gift from the Almighty.

Madhu lifted her head and continued.

“My mother told me that I have a life too. Even I will get married one day. How my future husband might look up to Samiksha was unpredictable. It took me seconds to tell her I would never marry and take full responsibility for Samiksha. My decision was challenged by my family for obvious reasons. But I had made up my mind. I shifted to Mahesh’s home regardless of what people would say or think. As time flew, a bond started blossoming between Mahesh and me. We were drawn to each other unknowingly and became a support system for one another.

“Samiksha did not know

about this. In fact, we both decided to keep it concealed from her. She might not have understood the depth of our relationship. She loved and grew fond of me a lot, but her mother was and is still in her heart. When she was mature enough, I asked her once, casually, what if Mahesh remarried? She will get a mother legally. She lashed out at me and warned that no one could ever take her mother’s place in her life. I was shocked at her behaviour and tried to pacify her.

“But she told me

once and for all. Her real mother was dead, and no other woman could ever replace her or take her place. Mahesh and I got the clear message, and we decided to keep our relationship undercover forever. Mahesh and I never again brought up this topic. We love each other, Karan. And this bond is not just . . .”
Karan kept his hand on hers.
“You have said enough. My respect for you has grown tenfold today. You have done something only an angel would. You gave up your whole life, the precious years of your youth in bringing up the girl, who was only your sister’s daughter. She can never repay you for what you have done for her. Not at least in this birth.

“Given a chance, you were free to marry and get settled happily like any other girl of your age. And you could have even declared your love for Mr. Mahesh. But you chose to become her guardian angel and sacrificed for her. I wish she understood the depth of your love and the intensity of your feelings.”

Thereupon,

both of them sat in silence for a minute.
“Karan, I have conceived. And I want to abort this child at the earliest. You cannot imagine the trauma I am going through. I feel I have cheated Samiksha. Betrayed her behind her back.”
“You have sacrificed your life and youth for her. What else can you give her? On top of that, you are blaming yourself for the circumstances. In my opinion, Samiksha should know what you and her dad share. And she should accept this wholeheartedly. She has to.”

“No Karan.

What if she hates me? She might start hating her dad, too. She will be all alone then.”
“Even now, you are thinking about her well-being. Let us give this a thought.”
Karan paused for some time and continued,
“I won’t let you sacrifice your happiness and continue with the turmoil you have lived through by being in this hidden relationship. I don’t see anything wrong in living a happy life with the one you love. Please. Let me handle this.”
“No Karan, what if she hates you too?”

“These are just suppositions. We must try situations before haunting ourselves with the results of our actions. Go home and relax. Throw all the garbage of worries right there,” he pointed towards a dustbin. “Go to your home peacefully. You wish to give birth to this symbol of care and love, right?”
“But Karan”, she sobbed again, and Karan took her hand into his.

“Do you trust this son of yours?”
“More than God.”
“Then go home with peace in your heart. We will keep your child safe and make Samiksha realise what she has lost over the years.”
“May God bless you, Karan. You have come into my life as a blessing. I could never thank you enough for what you are doing by just existing in my life.”
“Mothers don’t thank their sons. Happiness is your right, too, and I will leave no stone unturned in bringing smiles and joy to your life.”

Finally, Madhu left the garden with a new ray of hope in her heart.

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