MIRAGE

MIRAGE

The room was dark. She could hear feeble footsteps. She woke up from her bed and sharpened her ears. She was old and her senses too were not very sharp. She was nearing her last days. She lost her husband five years back. Now the footsteps were heard so near and was much stronger than before. She was unable to get down from her bed. The door slowly opened. Through the half opened door the rays of sun entered the room. Amma!! she was surprised to hear the voice. Now the words were very clear. Amma!! How are you? It was her son Ravi. He had left for states after the death of his father and settled there with his family. He used to send her money order every month. Now, after 5 years he had come to visit his mother. Her joy knew no bounds. She jumped out of joy. She felt that her body was filled with new energy.

Ravi came near her bed and hugged his mother. Amma, how are you? I am fine dear. You did not inform in your previous letter too that your coming. Her eyes widened with surprise. Yes amma, they have sent me here from my company for a week for an official work. It all happened very soon and no time to inform. Her eyes was filled with tears. She kissed on his forehead. She got down from her bed. Amma, what your doing? You just lie down! said Ravi. No No you have come after 5 years . Just wait I will prepare all the dishes u like within seconds. Ravi u like sweets right? I will prepare it dear. Amma no need to strain yourself !! She turned to him. What you said dear? Strain!! This is not at all Ravi. The days when I was alone here , the days when I had always cried for your presence near me were the days of pain and strain. Not when your near me my child!! Her words came in whispers. She was almost crying!! Amma , now I am here. Please don’t cry . Ravi hugged his old mother.

She went inside the kitchen. Where from I got so much of strength ? she asked herself. She was preparing lunch so quickly. She had finished with her son’s favorite sweet. She kept them in a plate and came to hall calling her son. Ravi was not in the hall. Thinking he might have gone to his study room went there. She did not find him there too. She was wonderstruck. She was searching for him calling his name aloud. Ravi! Ravi! Where are you son? Where did you go? See I have prepared your favorite sweet!! Come and have some dear!! she came out shouting . But Ravi was not found anywhere!

Just then lady in the next house was explaining this scenario to her husband. She was telling , Poor lady!! Daily she comes out calling for her son thinking he had arrived!!
She always expects that her son would come one day but all her expectations turns to be a mirage.


Amma- Mother