chapter 1

                 An Old Lady                (A Short Story)                   Pawan was in hurry and stepped down the stairs of his building to catch the bus for his office.       Usually, It was Pawan's daily routine but today, there was going to happen something strange with him. He had no idea about it.            He came out from his building and said hello to the guard. Yet, he completed few distance from the building. Suddenly, he heard a voice "Stop, Stop, Stop my son".         He turned back to see, from where the voice was coming. When he turned, he saw an old lady who had worn the dirty clothes. She was bended down with the help of a trembling stick. Her face and body had wrinkles. Her eyes and face was black but hair was white.          Pawan had totally afraid to see such a horrible look of that lady. He thought that lady may be a mad women. So, he ignored her and turned for going to office.         But, that lady cried again with a pain voice, "Please stop, please listen my son. Please help me."    Pawan did not want to stop there because he was getting late for his office but due to her painful voice he could not go for othor step.        So, finally, he turned back again and came near to the lady and said: yes tell me. What do you want with me?Old lady : My dear child, please do me a favour and help me to reach to the bus stand.Pawan : Sorry aunty, but, I would like to tell you that already I had become so late for my office. So, please tell someone else to help you.Old lady : Listen my child. I am a helpless lady. If you will help me, God bless you dear. So, please show mercy and help me.Pawan: But aunty?Old lad : Please son.Pawan : Ok aunty, I will help you. But, please do fast.Old lady with a smile caught Pawan's hand for going to the bus stand. Pawan supported her very well to move towards but after few minutes he was being irritated with her speed. But, he has no option.Pawan : Aunty, where are you going?Old lady: I am going on my job.Pawan laughed and said: Aunty, it's a good joke but I am not in the mood of joke.Old lady : It's not a joke dear. Really, I am going on my job.Pawan: Aunty, you cann't control your trembling hand then how can you do a job. You are looking too old like 70 years old. I think, you should take rest at your home. Old lady: I have not found of it, dear. It's my compulsion. Pawan: Compulsion? But, how aunty?Old lady : Dear, you will be surprised to know that I have a son like you. He is well settled and have a very good job. But, he has no time and no money to spend for me. Once, he stopped to provide meal to me timely. He always scolded me for no any reason and used abusing languages.Pawan: But aunty, why have you not raise any objection against him?Old lady : I objected him many times and requested for not doing such type of behavior with me. But, he said, "doesn't matter".Pawan : But aunty, you are his mother! Old lady : Offcourse, I am his mother. I had told him again and again that "I am your mother and you should not set such a bad example." But, he replied me "Mom, If you have any problem then you can leave this house but I can't change me for you."Pawan : Then what happened?Old lady : I compromised with the situation. Time was passing pleasantly. But, one day, when I returned home from my evening walk. There was a lock on the front door of the house. My son and his wife had gone for a party. They returned in mid night from the party and opened the door. I entered in the house with them. They did not ask me for dinner.Pawan : It's so shameful aunty.Old lady : Yes, It was so shameful and painful for me. I had no choice at that time. I slept with hunger but decided to leave the house of my son forever.         Next morning, I leaved the house permanently and finally murdered my emotions, love and affection for my son.Pawan : Aunty, did you try again to contact with your son?Old lady: No, after leaving the house, niether I have tried nor him.Pawan : Where and how are you leaving in this condition?Old lady : I am doing a job of maid and leave in a hut. But, I am happy now because I am self dependent and have no expectations with anyone.Pawan : I am extremely sorry aunty. I should not ask for such a stupid question and tease you. Please pardon me.Old lady with smiling face: No, my child. You have not ask any bad questions. I have told you my story that you also don't behave like my son with your parents.Pawan: No, no aunty, I promise you. I will never behave my parents like your son.Old lady : Dear child, my journey of bus stand has been finished now. You can leave me and go for your office. Thank you so much for your help. God bless you my sweet child.Pawan : Aunty, you have taught me a lesson and I will teach other that no one like you wandering helpless and homeless.       By the pen of Niraj...