The Moonchild – 19th Part

Karan, Sumitra, and Anurag were eager to meet Samiksha’s relative. After several knocks, the door finally opened. Samiksha could clearly feel the loud beats of her thudding heart. Poorna stood at the door, talking to someone on her phone. As soon as she looked up at the visitors, her phone almost fell from her hand. At the other end, the three were equally speechless.

“Dada,” Poorna cried and ran into her brother’s arms. Karan and Anurag held her like a baby. Poori, how are you?” Karan asked, caressing her head. Sumitra wiped her tears and looked at Samiksha with appreciation. She held her hand, and the two sisters-in-law gave the siblings their moment. Anurag tapped her cheek. “Look at her, Dada. She looks so grown up and responsible all of a sudden. Doesn’t she?”

“Yes, Anurag.”

Poorna noticed Samiksha and Sumitra. She at once embraced them. “Thank you, Bhabi(sister-in-law).” She joined her palms and told Samiksha. “I am so happy for you,” Samiksha replied. Sumitra opened her arms and hugged Poorna. “She did what she said,” Sumitra spoke, looking at Samiksha. “Not yet. Still, so much is left to do.” Wiping her eyes, Poorna spoke, “Come inside, all of you.”

She welcomed everyone inside her home. Looking at the walls around her, she continued, “Now my home looks almost complete.”
“It will be complete very soon, Poorna.” Samiksha placed an assuring hand on her shoulder.

Karan and Anurag looked around. Once again, Poorna buried herself in Karan’s arms.
“How are you?”
“Very happy, Dada.”

A knock on the door drew everyone’s attention toward it.

“Joy. My son, Dada.” She walked fast toward the door. As soon as she opened it, a sweet boy entered. Surprised to see so many people together, he looked at his mother.

“Ma, who are they?”
Anurag held him up, “I am your elder, Mama. And he is the younger one.” He pointed at Karan, who touched his chin and looked lovingly at the cute child. Wiping his tears, he opened his arms, “Come, beta.”

The atmosphere was charged with unconditional love. Poorna introduced all of them to her son. One by one, they gave him gifts. Samiksha had carried with them, saying there was a small kid at her relative’s home.

Poorna performed the ritual of Bhai Phota by applying sandal paste on their foreheads and offering them sweets. Her joy knew no bounds as she celebrated this festival after years with her brothers.

Joy was blissful to have so many relationships all of a sudden. “Where are my Dada-Dadi? Why didn’t they come to meet me?”

Suddenly, all were silent.

Samiksha took Joy near her. “Hmm. You have friends?” Joy nodded. Do you fight with them?” he repeated. Dada had a small fight with your mom and dad—tiny. We all will convince him soon. Then he and Dadi will also be with us.” Karan got up and went inside another room. Samiksha handed Joy over to Sumitra and went after him.

“What happened?”
“Why are we giving false hopes to the boy, Samiksha? We all are grown up and used to adjusting and compromising. He is a kid. He will end up with a broken heart.”
“Relax.” She placed her hand on his chest. “Till yesterday, had you thought of meeting Poorna again? On this day of Bhai Phota?”

“No. But …”

“Have faith in God, Karan. He will never trouble Poorna so much. She has had her share of suffering. Now, things will turn in her favour. I trust my Bandhu. See.” Pulling the window curtains sideways, she showed him the moon shining brightly in the sky. “His light shows me that good times are on the way.”

Slowly, she rested her head against his chest.

“It shone the same way when you visited our home for the first time that day. I got you, the biggest happiness of my life. Poorna will get hers soon.”
“Did we disturb you, love birds?” Poorna and Sumitra barged in. Samiksha blushed and stood apart from Karan.
“No, my dear. Tell me where your better half is.”
“He has gone to see one of his relatives. He will be back soon. I hope you all will stay until then, though I understand you can’t wait long.”

Anurag spoke, “That is true. We will have to leave Karan. Baba and Ma will be worried about us. It’s been two hours since we left home.”

Sumitra immediately told Poorna, “We will come soon. Everything will fall into place. Don’t worry. I must tell you that Samiksha has decided to bring you back to our home. Now, see, she has won half the battle. Let’s have a group selfie.”

They had to leave, even if unwillingly. Poorna caught Samiksha’s feet. Samiksha at once made her get up.

“What are you doing, Poorna?”

“You have won me, Bhabi. I will never forget what you have done for me.”
Joy asked, “When will you all come? I will tell my friends tomorrow I got so many relatives as my Diwali gift.” Everyone smiled at the bundle of joy. Finally, they left with hearts full of happiness and satisfaction.

At home, Hemant Sen was impatient and worried as everyone was late.

To be continued/-