The most awaited Sunday

Maya, the fifteen year old little girl, is enthusiastic today and is eagerly waiting for her father. As her tenth board exams are over, she will be taken to her dream home; as promised by her dad.

Maya has lost her mother at the age of one. Her father Shyam has toiled hard for whole day and night to earn bread for their livelihood. Shyam and his wife Janet had a love marriage. Janet belonged to an affluent and orthodox Christian family. The very moment her fascination and inclination towards a destitute Hindu boy was realized at her home, her studies were terminated. This made Shyam and Janet alert about the hurdles and hardships waiting ahead in their life. They decided their fate and left the city in the moonlight with dreams and aspirations to make up their life. They travelled long so that no shadows could ever chase them and made their living in countryside. Shyam started working in a nearby glass factory. He would leave early morning for his work and was back by evening only. Though Shyam was paid low, Janet was contented even in their impoverished situation and was thankful for all she had. Within a year, Shyam and Janet were blessed with a baby girl whose eyes sparkled like the stars and glowing face curbed all their distress. Shyam and Janet were celebrating their life in spring and moon. 

Their happiness didn't last for long. A mishap hit the family hard and left Shyam and Maya in utter agony and dismay. Shyam was bitterly broken without knowing how to revive his life back with a baby girl. He couldn’t’ imagine about living without Janet as her love has embraced him hard in his core heart. His work schedules were very hectic and compelling. Raising a daughter alone was really challenging for him. After a lot of heigh and neigh he made up his mind to leave Maya with Sister Sherley of Little Flower orphanage with heavy heart. Sister Sherley was aware of the mishap happened to the family as Janet used to regularly visit the chapel and orphanage with sweets. Sister Sherley took the baby in hands. ‘Don't worry. She is safe here. She will grow and nurture with other kids.’ 

“Sister… Sunday is an off day for me. I wish if you could permit me to take my daughter with me on Sunday. Shyam pleaded in his broken voice.

‘It is against the bye laws of this orphanage’ Sister Sherley said reluctantly.

“You know what has happened to us. Maya is my only ray of hope. Please Sister… do me this favour” Shyam begged apparently.

“I will think about it” Sister Sherley consoled and turned back with little Maya. The moment baby realized she is being taken away she cried hard and made all menial efforts to escape the very fate and to get back into her father's lap. But Sister held her tight. Shyam couldn't control himself and burst into tears. Somehow he managed himself and consoled himself.

Then started his anxious wait for Sunday for he could take his daughter home. He counted for days and hours and the most awaited Sunday came. He decorated his home with balloons and colorful papers to impress his princess. The home was turned into a wonderland. Seeing her father, baby Maya hugged him so hard and both of them were outburst into tears. Sister Sherley warned Shyam “Make sure you leave baby back by 6 p.m sharp…otherwise….” The words were left incomplete. Shyam was aware of his privilege and he promised sister to be back in time.

Shyam hugged and kissed his daughters hard and they played together for whole day. They wanted to grab the pleasure of every priceless moment. Shyam wished if time would come to a still. They slept hugging tight and even cook together. As the clock struck 5 Shyam got alert and started to orphanage with his daughter back. Sister Sherley was waiting in the corridor for them. The moment the baby realized that she is being taken away into another world, she cried harder than before. Shyam was left with no options other than returning home with a heavy heart.

This became a routine for them. From Monday morning to Saturday night, Shyam would chase his dreams and work harder for the anxious wait of Sunday. Sunday is a fun day for them. Father and daughter will go for outing, trekking, fooding, shopping and Sunday evening again brings dismay for the monotonous week ahead waiting for them.

 Days, weeks and years passed. Maya grew up as an intelligent and god fearing girl with her colleagues of orphanage. She was passionate for gardening and painting. Sister Sherley was particularly concerned about Maya and would always extend her support to her. As she grew, Maya wished if her father could take her with him. Some of her friends taunted her asking “You have a dad, then why you are staying in orphanage like orphans?” This made her disturbed and she expressed her desire to Shyam. But he was helplessness due to hectic schedules of work which were really challenging.

“You are now grown up. I am bothered about your safety too..” once Shyam replied in anguish as Maya’s compelling tone got authoritative approach. “ I work for whole day and night, so that you can get everything you want. You live in an orphanage but see the stuffs you own… dresses,shoes, accessories and what not? Is it the way and orphan lives? Be thankful for all we have.” Shyam replied.

As Maya grew older her ecstasy to leave this orphanage hiked. Somewhere her teen heart longed for freedom. She wanted to fly like a damsel fly and chase the world with her dreams. The strict and arrogant rules of orphanage made her hostile. Shyam too realized that his daughter is growing and she needs more care and affection. Also, she too deserves for a better life. At last he decided to bring Maya back home after her tenth standard exams which were commencing from next week. Next Sunday Shyam announced “After your exams, we shall shift to home.” Mayas’ joy knew no bounds. She was in Cloud nine and danced like never before with applaud. Her wait for exam was also over. She was counting days by day, hour by hour to escape from this orphanage. 

The coming Saturday is the ‘Day of Freedom’ for Maya’. She packed all her belongings and bid goodbye to all her friends. A tight hug to Sister Shirley for all the good deeds she did and perhaps the uncountable scolding too. Her friends looked at her enviously and wished her a beautiful life ahead. 

“Maya…..whenever time permits do visit this orphanage.” Sister Sherly said. 

“Oh sure.Sister.” Maya said in excitement and left with Shyam to her new world of hopes.

******************

“Dad from today onwards, I will be cooking food for us. Is that fine?” Mayas’ eyes sparkled as a diamond. “Also I have planned to lay a garden in the front area. Hibiscus, Bougainvilla, Ixora and Roses. Isn’t that exciting?” Maya spoke in zeal. Shyam could see the infinite lust of freedom and charm in his daughter, but he was scared of what will happen once she enters the home. 

As Maya entered home she was left in utter astonishment. “Who is this…. Lady?” Maya voice got broken.

“This is your mother. Now we three will make this home a real couch of happiness.” Shyam said. “But you said my mom has passed long back. Is this my stepmother?” Maya’s eyes interrogated. She couldn’t control her rage and anger. Emotional outburst was at its hike. The lady and Shyam kept mumb. 

“Maya, we should always give our life a second chance. I always told you about my botheration for your safety. You being with your mother gives me solace and comfort. Please corporate.” Shyam pleaded.

 Maya’s anguish knew no bounds. Her father, whom she thought as a living icon of god has been so pertinent. I loved him so much but I never knew he is such selfish. Tears rolled down the eyes of Maya. She entered into the room and locked the door. She sat on the floor and cried as never before. She wept and cried louder and louder for hours and hours. Maya could not believe what is happening all around. She felt very low and dejected. The whole night she kept on sobbing without knowing what to do next.

Next morning Maya opened the door with hurricane of emotions within. The lady and Shyam were still sitting there. “I want to meet Sister Sherley. Let me go back.” Maya said with a frosty nosed stare without peeping into the eyes of either of them. The lady wanted to interrupt but Shyam nodded in agreement. “Shall I drop you back? Shyam asked.

“No” Maya said in a barbaric tone and left.

Maya’s heart beat faster than ever. She feared her body is making faster movements than her mind and soul. She entered the orphanage and her eyes searched for Sister Sherley.

“Sister Sherley is in Chapel. Why you came back?” one of her friends Treesa asked. Maya ignored the queries and rushed to Chapel. She sat by the side of Sister Sherley and chanted prayers. She felt better and relaxed. After an hour Sister Sherley stood up and was astonished to see Maya back. 

“Sister, I can't go home. My father has remarried and has brought my stepmother at home. He wants me to live with her. I can better stay in this orphanage. My Esteem is at stake. Please help me out Sister… I can’t handle this.” Maya outburst with tears and emotions. 

Sister Sherley stood calm for some time. “There are some things in your life that you don't know or perhaps those things were kept untold by your father. But I think this is the time I should reveal truth.” Sister continued.  

“You were told that your mother Janet died in an accident. But actually she was imprisoned for killing two abductors who forcefully entered the home with the intention to take you away at the age of one. It was a live incidence of child trafficking. Your mother tried hard to rescue you and at last was subtle to stab both of them using sickle kept in kitchen. Both died instantly. She was convicted for 14 years imprisonment. Your father didn't had either power or money to revoke her. He always told you about your safety and security being his primary concern and so he left you here with me. The lady whom you call your stepmother is none other than Janet who is back to life after 14 long years of suffering.” 

 Maya felt as if the entire universe came to a standstill. She could not utter a word. Is it a moment to rejoice or cry hard? Life has taken her to such a reforming stage, she never knew.  

“Janet is special for me. Earlier also, she used to visit me on Sundays. You also firstly came to this orphanage on Sunday and since then every Sunday was special for you and Shyam. Today is also Sunday. Be kind enough to them, your parents, who owe so much to you. They have already suffered more than they could in this life. Let this Sunday mark the best beginning in your life.” 

Tears rolled down the cheeks of Maya. “I want to meet my parents. They could have told me.” Maya said in a broken voice

“They would have feared how you will accept these. Anyway it’s all over.” 

Maya turned back with a smile. As she came out Shyam and Janet were waiting outside the chapel to witness the retrieved reformation of their teenage daughter.

“Mumma.” Maya hugged Janet. “Sorry for being rude.”

“It’s alright. I got my baby back.” Janet caressed her with affection. 

Shyam was smiling and elated at the motherly bliss

Shyam walked briskly and sat besides bouquet of May flowers which were at its peak of beauty. He closed his eyes. “Did I do anything wrong?” The inner consensus of Shyam resonated.

“No.” The divine voice from within revoked. He leaned his head on the wall and opened the priceless pristine memories which had been curtained from all lights.

Janet never knew that she had lost her baby during delivery itself due to respiratory trouble. “I think Janet won’t be able to survive this shock”. Doctor said in a compassionate voice with her eyebrows winked up. “I don’t know if I am right. But I suggest you to replace the hallow with a baby left in the hospital premises yesterday by some unknown. This will give a chance to both for survival.”

Shyam was not left with much time to rethink. He did as told by doctor before Janet gained her consciousness.

Janet never knew Maya is their adopted child and Maya too believed them to be her parents. Sister Sherley unknowingly has added flare to their relationship.

“Where shall I dump all these lies for solace of mind?” Shyam’s thought rebounded.

“Let’s go home dad.” The chirping sound of Maya hit his ears.

“All these lies have bestowed me with a family to live with and rejoice. Let the truth bury within me itself.” The inner self replied.

Maya held the hands of her parents and walked for home. “Next Sunday we will go to Tree park Mumma… It’s really fun riding in the park and the cookies sold there are marvelous” Maya giggled with her plans. The wait for next Sunday started.