chapter 41

SerendipityEpisode-41Suhasini Ma’am’s face grew serious as she glanced quickly at the front of the form. In the column beside the father’s name—Sameer Iyer—it read: "No More." But inadvertently, she hadn’t noticed it."I'm sorry, Mrs. Iyer... I wasn't paying attention. I was busy reading about Arya's achievements, and..." Suhasini Ma'am apologized, unsure of what to say next."It's alright, Ma'am. No problem," Megha replied, taking the form back.She had faced similar situations many times before—mostly at school, particularly during PTMs. It seemed almost guaranteed."Your husband isn't here?" or "Is Mr. Iyer on a business trip… or at work?" Many parents would ask such questions, only to apologize once they realized the truth.But no matter how gently it was said, it was like pressing on an old wound, one that never fully healed. And just like that, the wound began to ache once more."Arya, you were saying something?" Suhasini Ma'am looked over at Arya."That's why my mom is my dad. She never makes me feel like I’m missing anything,"Arya began with pride. "She balances both roles of mom and dad perfectly. She meets all my needs, whether it's for school or my football training. She works hard to provide the best for me.""She's always busy, but she still wakes up early to make my tiffin every morning.Even though she can’t help me with my studies every day, she spends her weekends with me.Every night, she doesn’t go to sleep without talking to me, and she calls me two or three times a day from work.Sure, sometimes she gets angry or scolds me, but it’s only out of love.Everyone says I look like my papa, but I am my momma’s daughter. She’s my role model, and I want to be just like her—strong and successful."Suhasini Ma'am listened to Arya’s words, stunned, while Megha's expression softened with surprise.‘I never imagined that suddenly mam will ask Arya about her father, but I am proud of you baby, I never thought that you think a lot baby’ Megha thought.She hadn’t noticed when her eyes grew teary, quietly dabbing them with a handkerchief.“Mrs. Iyer, you’re fortunate to have a daughter like Arya. We’ll admit her as an exceptional case—very few children excel in both academics and sports like she does. We’d be honored to have her at our school.”Suhasini Ma'am stamped Admission Confirmed on Arya’s form, her face full of admiration.Megha and Arya thanked the principal and left the office, waiting outside in the crowded hall. Megha was still thinking about Arya’s heartfelt words.“Arya… baby… I didn’t realize you thought about all of that,” Megha said, her voice thick with emotion."Mamma! Don’t cry." Arya reached up to wipe the tears from Megha’s cheeks with her hand."When I was younger, it hurt a lot that Papa wasn’t there," Arya said."Kids would sometimes tease me. I remember three years ago, at the Father’s Day celebration, Grandpa came with me instead.I argued with you that I will go alone... Everyone else had their fathers, but I didn’t.I cried… and you cried with me too, holding me while we both fell asleep without eating."Then, that night, I got hungry, and I remember us sitting on the balcony at midnight, eating dal and rice." Megha nodded, remembering."For the past two years, before Diwali, we’ve been visiting ‘Ashray’ and bringing snacks, books, and clothes to the children there.So many of them don’t have mothers and fathers; they’re all alone, living with strangers or distant relatives.So, Mamma, am I not lucky? I have you… and you’re the best Mamma.”Megha, overwhelmed, listened quietly as Arya continued.‘Arya, when did you grow up so much, baby? I’m your role model… I feel so blessed today to have had you, my sweet girl.’To be continued....© ®️ Meghna_Yadav 2021Special Thanks to friend Gayatri and my loving daughter, my buddy.Hello Readers,Illuminate the five stars of ratings with your gentle touch. Do let me know your thoughts via comments..Thanks and Regards,Meghana Yadav...