A NEW MORNING...

Neil and Amrita had been with each other for nearly ten years now. Right since the time they were in college, to their first jobs together. They know each other in and out. Neil had been brought up by his masi(his mother's sister) and Amrita's mother was a single parent. Her father was no more. She was just a few months old when he met with an accident and never came back home. Her mother never  thought of remarrying, her only aim was of bringing up Amrita well and seeing her doing well and settled in life.

Sumita, Amrita's mother, a college lecturer would teach students at home after coming back from college, taking care of the house and kitchen along with her daughter. She never took any help from her brother or any of her in laws. She toiled hard all through just to see her child grow up into a beautiful flower. Now that she was to retire from her services at the college soon, she wanted to see Amrita and Neil married at the earliest. She wanted to use all her funds and savings for the wedding and then lead her life on the pension that she would draw. 

But she wanted the wedding to be soon because she did not have a house of her own and once she was relieved of her service, she would have to let go of the accommodation that the college had provided her. This was where Amrita grew up and Sumita wanted to see her step out of this same house into a new phase of her life. 

She very clearly told Neil's masi, as well as both Neil and Amrita about her plans of getting the youngsters married soon but Amrita was not ready.

Amrita was actually never ready for marriage. She was always scared of leaving her mother,of leaving her all alone in this world. She knew she was her mother's whole world and she did want her to get lost in the milieu without her. So she said a strong 'No' again. 

Masi was well aware of Amrita's fear and her dilemma. So she came up with an idea. She met both Neil and Amrita at home one evening and asked Amrita," Amu what if we find a home for Sumita?"

Amrita looked at her suspiciously...and angrily told her that she was not ready to send her mother to an old age home or something of that sort, just for her own happiness. She could never think of seeing her mother in an "orphaned" state.

Masi offered her a glass of water and calmed her down. She said she never thought of sending Sumita to any old age home, she could never ever. She said that she meant that why couldn't they settle Sumita. Get her remarried so she can be happy in her own home with a partner in life. Masi's childhood friend Vivek's son and daughter-in-law were shifting to the USA on a job assignment for a few years but Vivek was not ready to relocate. Vivek was also a single parent and had brought up his teenage son when his wife departed. Vivek's son was very open about relationships and he wanted his father to remarry. He wanted a companion and partner for his father, who was loving and caring, who would love the whole family. Masi suggested him as Sumita's life partner.

The idea drove in and Amrita went home happier. She sat at dinner with Sumita and as soon as her mother started the topic of her marriage, she agreed but on a condition....that her mother got married first.  Sumita was angry and furious but Amrita knew that she will agree sooner or later.

The next day masi went to Vivek's place with Neil and Amrita. It was a small middle class household. Amrita quite liked Vivek Uncle. His son and daughter-in-law were happy loving people. The house and the members so full of love and life. She knew this was the perfect family for her mother. 

Two three meetings more and Amrita fell in love with the family. Now she had to get going. She had to bring in happiness into her mother's life, new colours and a new meaning to her life.

She threw tantrums, stopped talking to Sumita, stopped eating and eventually Sumita had to give in. A meeting was arranged first with Vivek's family and then both Vivek and Sumita were sent out for dinner. Vivek was a matured person and was very understanding. They both shared about their own lives, their children and much more.

The decision was made. Sumita made it clear that it was because of her daughter that she was taking this step. Everyone in Vivek's family accepted what she said but knew they would soon make her their own.

"Maa please wear this light pink saree. Masi got it for you. Here let me help you. Please wear a lipstick maa." Smiling she arranged the flowers around the bun that Sumita made at the nape of her neck. 

"Chalo Maa! Hurry! We have to reach the marriage registrar's office on time", saying this Amrita held Sumita's hand she led her mother out of the door towards a new morning, a new morning of hopes and happiness. 

©®Madhumita

*Based on a true story. The names of characters changed .