REAL FESTIVAL

                    

Subhadra felt very happy. She was confined to bed since almost ten months. And was feeling down and dejected and depressed. But today, on this festival day, Vasantha, her daughter in law made her wear a new sari and pulling an easy chair to the kitchen, sat her in it. She was preparing the festival lunch with a couple of delicacies, taking her advice and chatting with her.  Murali was surprised to see his mother in the kitchen after a long time. He sat at her feet with moist eyes. Bablu, her grandson was elated at the unusual sight. He too joined the others and together they presented a perfect family picture.

Vasantha raised her voice and shrieked, "That is why I always say she should get down from the bed. But why does she, she is a queen while I am here to cater to all her needs singlehandedly..."

Subhadra opened her eyes with a start. ‘So, was it all a dream? An unfulfilled dream?’ She looked at her old shabby sari and sighed.

Vasantha was shouting, “Look, we are all going to my brother's house for lunch.  Some items are in the fridge. It should be sufficient for you. Will you be kind enough to warm them for lunch”

Subhadra mumbled, "You know, Vasantha, I cannot even walk upto the kitchen. How can I..."

"I know, you will say the same thing. So I have to do everything for you before going. You never allow me any rest or respite.  What a bother!"

Murali heard everything and said in a firm tone,  "Today is festival, Vasantha. As it is, we are going out leaving mother alone. Why leftovers for her? At least cook something fresh and keep by her bed."

Vasantha frowned and went away grumbling.

After a while, Murali came to her with a hot pack. He placed that on the bedside table within her reach along with water and plate. He sat by her and holding her hands said, "We have to go, mother. If there is any need, call me. We will be back soon."

She nodded with a forced smile. She knew they will come home only late in the evening. She remembered her husband who left them all long back when Murali was still in high school. Since then she struggled with her meagre income as a school teacher to bring him up and educate him. After getting a good job, he married Vasantha. Until she was bedridden ten months back, she alone managed both the household as well as her own job. But now with her sickness, she had to stop working and became a burden to Vasantha. She closed her eyes. Without realising she dozed off.

Suddenly she woke up. She felt somebody was near her door. "Who is that?" she called.

A cute face appeared peeping at the door. "Are you sleeping, grandma?"

She smiled at Bablu. "Why, Bablu, are you people back already?"

He came in and sat by her. "I did not go, grandma. I dont like it there. Nobody there to talk or play with. So boring. I sat to study but I feel scared in my room. Shall I stay here with you in your room? I will bring my homework and do it."

She could imagine the anger of Vasantha and the scene she must have created when Bablu wanted to stay back. Murali must have persuaded her to agree. All that must have happened while she fell asleep.

Subhadra helped Bablu with his work and together they completed the task.

"Bablu, are you not hungry? Come, we will have food."

"Father kept my lunchbox on the dining table, grandma. Wait, I will bring that here and we shall eat together."

The lunch was simple without any specials. Still she felt highly contented eating together with the grandson. Bablu looked at her and whispered  in a low tone, "Shall I tell you a secret?"

She nodded.

"It is Father who told me to stay back with you. We entered a deal. When he goes out to give company to my mother, I should take care of his mother here. Good deal, no? I too liked the idea. So I am here with you!"

She smiled and kissed him. 'I can never forget this day..ever. The happiest day and the grandest.