Part 5

They met in the evening at Pushpa’s mom’s house. She pointed towards a little baby crawling on the bed. ‘That’s my daughter’, said she. Kishore looked at the tiny babe with utmost affection. She was a replica of her mom and had those same large ‘doe eyes’. ‘She’ll grow up to be as pretty as you’ said Kishore to Pushpa. ‘So, was this the surprise you wanted to show me’ added Kishore. ‘Yes’, replied Pushpa meekly. ‘It’s a cute surprise indeed’, replied Kishore. Then they sat over a cup of coffee and chatted for some time though Kishore had no mind to do it. As he was conversing with Pushpa, he came to feel that she is now far away from him; someone else’s wife and even mom to a daughter from that marriage. This realization pricked like a thorn in his heart and made him ‘bleed on the thorns of life’. He tried to be as formal as possible with her now but all the time felt the need to escape from the situation and hide his pain and tears from all around. After a day or two, Kishore went back home on leave. His mom took note of his wasted, emaciated and morose look and asked him what it was. He broke down before his mom and divulged everything. His mom consoled him saying, ‘We’ll find a better girl for you; Forget her now…she is married already’. Kishore starred at the blank and thought to himself, ‘Is it really possible to forget…

To be Continued..