HONK!!!!The car stopped with a screeching sound. “Oh sorry” she said with a nervous smile. She has been completely lost in her own world. Holding flowers in one hand, grocery in the other and planning the evening ahead of her. She cursed herself and hoped the flowers did not feel her shake within.
He would scold her if she told him that she was about to come under a car, holding flowers in her own hands. She smiled inwardly. And to imagine on his birthday!!!
She reached home and placed flowers in the vase. He did not like flower much. He was just indifferent about them. But today is a special day. She wanted to make this day special for him. She had planned everything, a warm birthday eve with just the two of them. Of course tomorrow will be party with his friends, their relatives but today it was just the two of them. His favorite chicken recipe, some Chinese noodles. She smiled again.
She was singing with the stereo playing her favourite song. OK it was his favourite song but now it had become her favourite too. That’s what happens. Now, his likes and dislikes were hers.
She had cut all vegetables for noodles and chicken was marinating too. She thought of taking a quick shower before he comes home. She scanned the drawing room in a quick glance. His shoe was hiding under the sofa. How many times?? It runs in the Y chromosome I guess!!
She had taken shower. Everything was ready in the kitchen for quick hot noodle. Chicken was ready to go in microwave. She looked at her watch. He should have been home by now. Today some new excuse for sure!!!
She was getting a bit restless as another half an hour had passed. She was trying to calm herself surfing the channels but nothing could hold her interest. The doorbell rang and she hurried to open it.
He was standing there, sweaty, dirty and holding a muddy ball in his hand. She didn’t know whether to scold him for coming late or just hug him. She tried to sound a little strict and said “look at you. Go take a shower first. Why are you late by the way?”
He replied “I didn’t wear watch today Maa. I did not know that I was running late”. He smiled sweetly and added, “You know I don’t want to get scratches on your gift”
She was arranging his shoe in the rack, football already in its place. “Ok go take a shower now. I’ll prepare dinner”
“What are we having today” he enquired running inside the kitchen.
“chowmein and roasted chicken” she replied knowing he would just love it.
He didn’t sound very happy. “umm I thought I can make Maggie today. Tomorrow we can have chicken and all in the party. But it’s ok”
At all of 11, Maggie making was his new passion. “Its ok we’ll have Maggie. Its your birthday tomorrow so whatever you want”
He turned around and hugged her. “You are the best Maa”
“ Aaagrh!! I had just taken bath!!! Go get a shower first then you get a hug!!!”
He ran towards the bathroom “OK maa towel!!! And you are still the best” He was humming the same song under the shower. She joined in the chorus humming slowly while looking for his night tracks.
Its a special dedication to all the single Mums this Mother’s day. It’s not easy to raise a child on your own especially when you are not a celebrity. I have been observing a single mum-son duo for over an year now. I salute her bravery for the choice or rather sticking to the only choice left to her. I salute her zeal for life. The son is a remarkable kid and at such young age, I can read the concern for his maa in his small endeavors of making tea, coffee and keeping himself engaged at his maa's office at times. It’s a special bond they share, that i can not put in words. Big hug to both of them and Cheers to the spirit of Motherhood!!!
