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MOTHER'S DAY GIFT
A Mother's Day Gift

MOTHER'S DAY

Chapter 1

She just found her seat and compartment, in the AC coach. She asked her maid Jini to put the bags and quickly go to her coach n settle down. As she sat down, heaving a sigh of relief, after a very stressful day, she saw a fair, bonny baby on the berth next to hers. He was about four months old, yet he gave her a cute toothless smile, which lured her, tempted her to take him in her loving arms, which were aching to hold a baby. She looked around but couldn't find the baby's mother or anyone else around her. So Rima, started playing with the little baby, of course, without touching him. They both were so engrossed, that they forgot time. When the whistle went on and the train actually puffed, Rima frantically looked around for the parents. Just then, she saw a train- conductor and told him about this little baby. He too was perplexed and didn't know what to do. He couldn't immediately react, but then pulled the emergency chain, thinking the parents couldn't board on time. The train halted; but no one came. The Railway police were called in, to take charge of the baby. As they picked him up, the child began to cry looking pitifully at her. Strong Maternal feelings in her were stirring within. To keep her calm and patience was most difficult. Her heart was yearning to cuddle the baby so it would stop crying.
She looked with pitiful eyes at the baby, as if begging her to keep quiet.
Since no one boarded the train, the police were discussing about taking the baby away. As they lifted the baby, a note fell down. Quickly a constable picked it up and handed it over to the sub-inspector. He was shocked beyond words, absolutely dumbfounded ! Gathering courage he asked her, "are you Dr. Rima Rane ?". She looked quizzically at him and said, "yes, I am". " Mam, Can you please quieten the baby and read this note". Her maternal instincts were stronger than the current scenario. She hugged the baby lovingly, caressing it, soothing it, quietened him.
Now she gestured for the note. As shereadit, non-stop tears were flowing down her cheeks, she was actually sobbing ! She was in a dazed state, absolutely shocked and stunned. Someone offered her water, she took a few gulps mechanically n re-read the letter again and again.

"Dear Doc, I heard you and your husband's discussions, arguments and your pleading, when you were telling him, the fault lies with him. He is infertile; but you did not want to humiliate him, hence you carried out several tests. Finally when he insisted on a divorce, you suggested IVF from an unknown donor or adoption. He refused both and thus you decided to part, telling him, I can remarry and have children, but since I love only you, I will adopt a baby and be a single parent, at this he sarcastically laughed and smirked at you".

"My fiance, my love, the father of this baby died in covid. Neither set of parents accepted me with the baby and I was dejected. Since I an unwedded mother, I was planning to go away to some unknown destination, and struggle to survive. When I heard this argument, as I was waiting for a check up, I thought it was definitely God's plan to hand the baby to you. But I wasn't sure, you would do so. I followed your movements and saw your loving maid crying. She too was deciding to join you, hence I got this information and decided to give you our baby, the remembrance of my love, my darling husband Shashi. I have only one small request, you may name him whatever you like, but please call him Vir as his Dad had decided this name for him. I know he will be loved and well looked after, God bless you.
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Chapter 2

The police sub-inspector was in a strange dilemma, the train was being held unduly late. How should he solve a strange case like this. He requested Rima to get off the train and come with the child to register a case. Rima said, "Sir, what case, what have I done? I have no role in this entire episode. The lady constable, who well understood the situation requested her boss to take Dr. Rima Rane's details and let them go as if nothing had ever happened. They would give some other reason for the train's delay. Most unwillingly he closed the case and released the train.

Rima immediately called her maid Jini and started questioning her. Jini said she will come to Rima's coach at the next station and explain things.

Jini told Rima that this has been going on since the day, saab and you decided to separate. I heard your "saas" saying, she will have him married again, then he will definitely have children. This really shocked Rima, who was a doctor. Such crude beliefs ! He will spoil that poor new bride's life.
Rima next asked Jini if she had Vir's mothers numbers. Jini looked down sheepishly and said yes, but she has asked me to use it only during an emergency. Rima firmly told her it's an emergency. Jini called Vir's Mom Simi. Rima told her to come and see her urgently. She was going to Lonavala, where her parents had a cottage, a holiday home. She shared the address and phone numbers. Next, Rima called her Mom, "Ma, I am coming with an infant son, so please rush and get everything required for a newborn, Mom I will answer all your questions, once I reach, because I don't have any answers yet ". We will be there in about eight hours, before that my son Vir's nursery should be absolutely ready. She and Jini made many plans about Simi n Vir.

Rima's mother Mala knew all about Rima's marital problems. She knew there was nothing abnormal, nothing wrong detected in Rima. Both Rima's parents were doctors so they knew and understood the actual problem.
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Chapter 3

Rima kept speaking on the phone to her Mom, asking her for the latest updates. If she remembered something, immediately she would call and request her to get it, without fail. Her joy knew no bounds. She was super excited with this surprise from God, her Mohan, her Krishna, the kind Lord. Infact she was mentally deciding to give one of Krishna's many names to her son, now her very own little Vir.

My God Jini ! You have Vir's milk, cereal everything here, must say you two have well planned the entire saga ! Well done Jini, really well done ! She cuddled her little Vir close to her chest; and felt a very strong connection with him, a surge of love in every cell of her body. For a second she thought, only if Raj could have accepted this reality, things would be so different. She was in love with him, since her teens and her heart broke, when her in-laws forced her to leave. Even a few minutes before she was leaving, she told him, "Raj, accept the fact, we can still have a baby. At least it can have my genes". He flared up, I can't imagine another man making you pregnant. She said, "I have explained this in depth, I won't even know who he is; if you can't accept this then let's adopt. He said I don't want to father some illegal child born out of lust or perhaps a rape; no way !

She wished him well, and said, "I have loved only you and shall continue to do so; but I will definitely adopt a child. And she thought, look ! In a matter of an hour, Here I am ! already a Mom.

When the station arrived, she saw her Mom n Dad waiting at the platform, waiving out to her. When they came to the door, she carefully n lovingly handed over Vir to her Mom, then got off. After touching her parent's feet, she said, "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM. THIS IS MY GIFT FOR YOU BOTH, A GRANDSON FOR YOU BOTH". They kissed and blessed Vir amply, as they proudly held him, their little bundle of joy.

On reaching home and settling down, she told them the entire saga. Her Mum Mala said, I am so happy you called his mother Simi too, your Lord Krishna has given us ample, through this sweet Simi.

Next day when Simi arrived, Mala made her feel very much at home. "Simi, you have given an invaluable gift to my daughter, stay with us, you and Vir are most welcomed here ". To this Jini said, "ahh you forgot me Maushi, I was an important part of this plan". They all had a hearty laugh ! There was happinessssssss all around, in the air. Rima was ecstatic with joy, as she proudly held her little son.

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Chapter 4

Simi was hesitant to live with Rima and family but they convinced her to stay back, finally she agreed. Mala said, they would have to keep a nanny, who would be a paid employee. Here Simi could breast feed Vir, and he like Kanhai, would have two mothers. This made sense to Simi, who would be able to stay with her own child, that child who was, a symbol of her and her Shahi's love.

As the name Kanhai came out of Mala's lips, Rima decided that's going to be her son's name. She secretly wished to change her own name to Yashodhara, and that brought a smile on her face. She knew she would soon have to go through many formalities and procedures.

Days passed by and Raj heard about Rima adopting Vir. In the mean time his parents had desperately tried to find a bride for him. People had heard about their separation and believed in Rima, as she was a qualified doctor. So Raj was an unhappy sad man, whilst Rima and family enjoyed every moment in little Vir/Kanhai's company. He was an absolute darling who entertained everyone around him. In a few weeks he would turn one. Rima decided to celebrate his first birthday, as a grand event.

Chapter 5

She wanted it to be a grand occasion and began planning for a grand party; it would be a birthday cum introduction party. On an impulse, she invited Raj and his family, including her sister-in-law Hema, who was her close friend and was much against this separation. Hema was also aware about everything in Rima's life.

There was plenty of hustle and bustle two days before the birthday. Rima's parents had booked an entire resort overnight and a few rooms for three days. Rima said, "Mum I too will need a few rooms for some guests, so Mala booked some more rooms.

On the eve, she had arranged a singing program, to be followed by Antakshari. She was eagerly awaiting Hema's arrival before she got busy with other guests. Hema was in touch with her and knew all about Vir's arrival into Rima's life, but she wanted Hema to play with him, as Hema had always asked her, "vahini when will you make me an Aatya? "

As soon as Hema arrived, and she saw little Kanhai, she fell in love with him right away. Hugging him, she said, "bala, mi tujhi aatya ho kaay"! Rima introduced her to Simi, who by now knew everything and everyone. Hema decided to convince her brother and parents to accept Vir. But Rima told her not to; "let it come from their heart, only then they will be able to love him like their own grandson".

Soon Raj arrived with his parents and was a little surprised to see Hema playing with Kanhai. He was playing with her, as if he knew her. Raj was wondering how did they gel so soon.

For a few moments there was awkwardness in the atmosphere. Then Hema simply plopped Kanhai in Raj's arms. To everyone's utter surprise Raj reacted very positively. He tried to play with Vir and even gave him the gift he had carried.

A strange thing had happened when Raj was buying this gift, he was yearning to cuddle his own child, he felt a surge of love overpowering him. He bought the gift as if he was buying something for his own son. Now he felt that same overwhelming feeling. Without bothering about anything or anyone around him, he kissed Kanhai with all his heart and showered many more kissesn hugs. Rima and Hema were the happiest. Hema loved them both and was now hopeful of a reunion.

That musical night was truly musical. Those amazing cords struck the chords of their hearts. Soon Raj took Rima in his arms and Vir or their Kanhai was seated on both their laps, half and half.

On his birthday eve, Kanhai united his parents, without playing a flute. They forgot all that had happened like a bad spell, a nightmare.

Of course Raj's parents took time, because of their ego and old beliefs.

Raj decided to join Rima and manage their family hospital. Rima's parents were so very happy to have their son-in-law back, as the CEO; but the best was, this time he was all over again in love with their darling daughter Rima.
THIS WAS LITTLE VIR OR KANHAI'S MOTHER'S DAY GIFT TO HIS MOTHER YASHODHARA OR RIMA.

Armin Dutia Motashaw