The Moonchild – 20th Part

Hemant Sen asked Mithila in an impatient tone, “See these kids. No one is bothered. It’s so late.”
Mithila replied with her usual calm, “It’s hardly 9 pm. And Samiksha seems to be visiting her relative after years. Obviously, they will chat and enjoy the moments. You worry unnecessarily.” The doorbell rang. “They came. Please be calm now.”
Charu opened the door. The happy faces she saw told her the whole story. “Maa, they are back.”
Mithila rushed towards them. “How is your relative Samiksha? She would be overjoyed to see you after all these years. Is she married?”

Hemant Sen strolled and said, “Dugga Dugga. Mithila, let them get fresh first. Talk later. You all go, and we will meet at dinner.” Mithila smiled and agreed with her husband.

The dinner went on with a discussion of Samiksha’s visit to her relative.

The four mentioned the meeting, the required filters, and the necessary changes.
“So, take me to meet your cousin, once, Samiksha. I love to meet people.”
“Sure. Maa.” She exchanged a quick glance with Karan and Sumitra. Eyeing the freshly made Mishti Doi of vanilla flavour by Charu, Samiksha immediately spoke, “My cousin likes this a lot. Maa, we shall take these for her when we visit. She will be glad.”
Mithila went blank at once as it was the favourite dish of none other than her dear daughter Poorna. Hemant touched her hand and reminded her, “The food is getting cold.”
“Yes. I am having it.” But the memories had already flooded Mithila’s mind, making her vulnerable.

The next morning, Mithila was sitting on her bed when Samiksha knocked on the door.

“Come, beta.”
Samiksha sat comfortably beside her mother-in-law. “Maa, the Mishti doi was so delicious yesterday, wasn’t it?”
Mithila’s smile faded for a second, and she spoke, “Yes, it was. Charu is an expert in making it. Especially …”
“Especially?” Samiksha asked curiously.
“Nothing. Where does your cousin stay?”

“Don’t change the topic, Maa.”

Samiksha covered Mithila’s hands with hers.
“Till when will you hide your pain, your tears?” Mithila kept staring at Samiksha, shocked.
“I am fine, Samiksha.”
“Maa, I know you have never treated me as your Putra Badhu. I am also your daughter, right? Like Poorna?”

Mithila freed her hands and rushed towards the door. She locked it. Coming back to Samiksha, she asked her,
“How do you know about her? Who told you?”
“Relax, Maa.”
“No, I cannot afford to lose Karan and you now. I no longer have the strength. I will shatter if you two leave me too. In fact, I will not survive this.”
“Maa.” Samiksha kept her fingers on Mithila’s lips.

“Sit down.” Samiksha offered her a glass of water. “Drink.” Mithila was surprised by the kindness Samiksha showed her.
“No one will go anywhere. And I promise Poorna will come back to our family, and everything will be fine.”
“Samiksha, you don’t know your father-in-law. He is the most adamant person I have seen in my entire life.”
“But he doesn’t know me. When I decide to do something, I see it through to the end. Of course, if it is in the goodwill of all.”

“How do you know Poori?”

Mithila fondly addressed her as Poori.
“I came to know. I am now part of this family. And trust me, all is going to be fine.”
“How do you know?”
“My Bandhu hinted to me yesterday. I was strolling on the terrace when he suddenly appeared from behind the clouds. We talk to each other, Maa.”
“Karan told me. He saw you for the first time when you were talking to the Moon, right?”
“Yes.” Samiksha blushed. “He shone very brightly, indicating good news. And guess what? We met Poorna yesterday.”
“What?” Mithila almost screamed.
“Shh. Yes. We met her. And she is delighted with her in-laws. Her husband loves her a lot.”

Mithila was spellbound at the news. “Take me there.”
“I will. Whenever you say.”

“She has a son, Joy.”
“What? I cannot take so much happiness at once. Please take me to her.”
“We will meet her. But please let us not hurry in this matter. We have to handle it sensibly.”

“How old is Joy?”

“Almost four. He is brilliant, just like his Dada.”
Mithila embraced Samiksha. “I must have done some good deeds to get a daughter like you.”

Samiksha took Mithila to Poorna the day after. Poorna couldn’t believe her eyes. Samiksha was the witness to this sweet union of mother and daughter.
“Poori. You look so different. Completely changed. A perfect wife, I must say.”
Poorna wiped her mother’s tears. “Not like your Samiksha, though.”
“I agree. Come, Samiksha.” Mithila took both of them in her arms. “I don’t believe I am seeing this day.”

“Where is my Naati?”
“I am here,” Joy called out from behind. He ran into his grandmother’s arms. Samiksha had already informed him, as their bond had been made.

Mithila showered her grandchild with endless love. She lifted him in her arms and sat cosily in a chair. Their conversation was worth watching. She kept asking him questions, and before he answered, her next question was ready.
“Naani, you are just like my mother. She also asks me so many questions. I get tired of answering her.” Mithila planted a kiss on his forehead. Their talk seemed never-ending. Samiksha wiped her tears of joy seeing this much-awaited reunion. There was a knock on the door. It was Poorna’s husband, Rex. He was overwhelmed to see his extended family.
“I missed meeting you, Di, last time.” He looked at Samiksha and spoke. “Poorna showed me your selfie the other day.”

He formally met his mother-in-law for the first time. Joining his hands, he bent to seek her blessings. She touched his chin and blessed him. “My Poorna is lucky, I must say. It’s we who are at a loss.” Mithila became serious suddenly.

“It’s afternoon and lunchtime.

Why don’t we all go out for lunch?” Samiksha suggested. They all agreed happily.
“Let us go to The Chef. It is very famous here.” Rex recommended.
“And there is a beautiful fish tank there with so many colourful fishes, right, Papa?”
They all happily started for the restaurant. The lunch was carried forth amidst laughs, talks and memories.

From the entrance door, Hemant Sen entered with one of his clients. And he decided to sit in the Vip lounge. After his lunch, he was about to leave. Someone called him from behind. He turned back and found a little boy with his wallet.
“This fell from your pocket when you removed your handkerchief, Dada.” He smiled at the boy and thanked him. He bent down and spoke,
“Thanks, my boy. You are such a sweetheart. Why are you roaming alone here? Where are your parents?”

“I came to see the fish tank. It is so beautiful.” The boy was none other than Joy. He pointed out to the three people seated a bit farther. “My family is there.” Hemant Sen rose and looked at the people the boy had pointed out. He was tongue-tied.

To be continued/-