Nishimma
was sitting in the veranda of her house, as is she was waiting for someone. Every
day for the past 6 years on this day she would be sitting exactly at the same
place right from morning. But till now, no one came as the answer for the wait.
No-one
knew her original name. She was Nishimma for both old and young. Kids loved her
for her stories. She had the talent for capturing her young audience with her mesmerizing
words and eyes full of emotions and expressions.
In the
past, she was Neisha. She came to this town as a young bride. And ever since
then this was her home. Her marriage was a happy one. Her husband was the most
loving person she has ever met. They were college sweethearts before becoming
the most beautiful married couple. But good things don’t last forever. Likewise,
her good days didn’t last long. Her husband died in an accident when their baby
boy, Monu was just six months. She still doesn’t know how she survived the days
after his demise. Everything felt so unreal and sad. Her in-laws who were
supposed to be with her, decided to move apart and started accusing her. They
believed it was her and Monu’s bad luck which caused the death of their son. When
their words become poisonous swords, she left that home. And from that moment
it was a constant struggle to stand on her own feet to survive. The only thought
that made her living was Monu. She did multiple jobs and worked for more than
15 hours a day. But she felt all her hard work was paying off when Monu got the opportunity
to do his studies in an US university. She sold all her belongings and counted
until the last penny, till she had enough money to pay for her son’s dreams. And
willingly she moved to an old age home when her son went to chase his dreams.
Monu was heartbroken to leave his mother when he was going searching for
greener pasture. He promised his mom to be back soon, and take her with him.
But
that promise, just remained as words. And every year, the day Monu left,
Nishimma will be seen in the veranda … waiting for her only son…
***
P.S –
Neisha :- Derived from Indian Elephant, Gneisha – God of all good things in life
Veranda :- A roofed platform
along the outside of a house, level with the ground floor.
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