Warriors

Wrapping hands over her swollen belly, she was frequently glancing at the phone. It’s the day he calls. Be it her pregnancy hormones or her uneasiness, she was being restless and worry lines are forming on forehead. Its past the usual time. She was trying hard to distract herself. Her eyes moved to the old couple walking through road. Man was saying something and the lady nudged her husband’s elbow and next moment both of them laughed together. Seeing them, unknowingly her lips curved upwards.

Suddenly her phone rang and she hurriedly attended the call. “Hello…” she excitedly spoke.

“Ma’am, this is from bank.”

“Haa…” She cut the call disappointedly in the mid. Her mood swings are at peak these days.

“Beta…” An old woman came near her with a glass of milk.

She just took the glass and drank milk without a word.

“Get up. It’s time for our walk.”

“No…maa…not today”

“We never misses this walk beta. Get up”

She reluctantly stood up and put the slippers on. Both ladies started to walk towards nearby park.

Sensing the disappointment in her daughter’s eyes, she began “Beta…Rahul will call.”

“Maa…it’s only once in a week he is calling me and he missed it today. What should I do maa?” Anu whined.

Maa chuckled at her expressions. She can see her reflection in her daughter in law…no…daughter. Once she was in her daughter’s place.

“Betaa…He may be busy. He will call you for sure.” Maa consoled her.

“Maa, How did you manage when you were pregnant with Rahul? Papa was also not there..” She hesitantly questioned.

“I was sad beta…but I was more proud of his father. He was serving his country. When we marry, we vow each other to stand together. I was with him. He was fighting in border and I was fighting here alone. We both were in battle field. I did it for him and I let him go for our country.” Her eyes moistened.

“Maa…sorry” Anu was feeling guilty to scratch old wounds.

Maa gave her a painful smile and continued, “We were married for eight months and I was conceived. I telephoned him from the hospital itself. We were so happy and excited. He promised to come back soon. But after a week I got the news of his demise. I was shattered.” She hiccuped. Its after a long time, she is sharing everything. They took seat in nearby bench.

After silence of few minutes, “Bacha…Life is unpredictable. I took up the government job and even before I realize, Rahul was born. Even after his demise, respect in the people’s eye towards me was my strength. Many people was showing sympathy and sometimes mocking behind us, but the respect in many eyes gave me the will to live. When Rahul chose army, I wanted to say no. I realized that I was the one who taught him to be selfless like his father, then how can i deny him. I let him go too.” Anu placed her head on maa’s shoulder. Patting her head,she said “Then you came and became our companion, now this champ is coming to us also.” Maa kissed her head.

Anu felt like being a child in mother’s lap. Suddenly something stroked in her head, keeping her arms around belly she asked,“Maa, what if its not a champ and a girl?”

“Then what, she will be with us and wont go away from us like these boys.” Maa chuckled and answered her.

“No maa….we will let her join in navy. Let her be one woman army.” Anu spoke with twinkilng eyes.

Maa was looking intendly at her and hugged her tight. She was a proud wife, proud mother and a proud mother in law and soon to be a proud grandma; be it a boy or a girl.

“Its getting late Maa….lets walk back and also I want to scold your son for not calling me.” Anu stood up.

Ladies walked back bickering and chattering throughout the way. They stood unique amid the crowd in bazaar, they stood strong, they let go their dear ones for the country, they were warriors and they are preparing themselves to fight for the country.