Two into Two is Four
Rekha Thakur came to Delhi to join a good college . She finished her schooling in a town of north Bihar . She belonged to a staunch orthodox Brahmin middle class family . She secured very good marks in twelfth grade and got admission in a reputed college .
After a couple of months there Rekha met a Christian boy Kurian from Kerala , though he was in a different section . Usually they used to visit the college library at the same time . Kurian was also good at studies and he was a good sportsman . She used to send her messages on his excellence in sports which was reciprocated by Kurian . After a couple of months both came closer and started liking each other . Gradually they were getting closer and closer day by day .
Once she met him personally to congratulate him on selection as captain of the college cricket team .Both shook hands . Kurian said thanks but kept on holding her hand .
“ Now leave my hand . “
Kurian smiled and said, “ Now it’s my turn to congratulate you also miss Rekha .”
“ Congrats to me , what for ? “
“ For topping in Maths in the university . “
“ It’s nothing extraordinary . Your name has been recommended for leading the university team . “
After graduation Kurian got a job in Kerala government under sports quota . Kurian asked Rekha “ I am going to join a job in Kochi . “
“ What’s your plan ? “
“ I can’t live without you . “ she said sadly holding Kurian’s hand
“ Then follow me . I can propose to you right now . “
“ Let me talk to my parents . “
“ I know they won’t accept me . First I am a Christian and then an orphan . I was brought up by a father of a church . What if they don’t agree? “
“ Then we will marry in court .”
As expected , Rekha’s parents didn’t agree for her marriage with Kurian . They said “ If you marry him , we will perform your last rites and forget you forever . “
Kurian asked “ Then what to do ? “
“ Arrange for our court marriage . “
“ Are you ready for this bold step ? “
“ Why do you have doubts? I am dead for them . “
Kurian and Rekha went to Kochi . Kurian joined his state government job . They got married there . Rekha asked “ What will I do the whole day alone here ? “
“ Relax for sometime . Then you can join post graduation or some teaching job in a nearby school . “
“ Good idea . “
But soon she was pregnant . Kurian said “ Now you have to drop joining any PG or job . Take care of yourself and the baby . You can join a PG or job after a couple of years . “
Kurian was now representing his state cricket team . When Rekha was six months pregnant , he went to Mumbai for a national level championship . While batting on the pitch, he was ready to face a pace bowler . This bowler was the fastest pace bowler in the Indian cricket team and was also one of the top three pace bowlers in the world . While to save being hit by a bouncer Kurian got hurt in the back of his head. He fell down unconscious on the pitch bleeding from his nose and left ear. He was rushed to the hospital but the doctor declared him dead . Doctors said that he suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage .
One of Kurian's teammates informed Rekha about this accident . Rekha’s world shattered . She was speechless for quite a while . Practically there was no one to console or support her except a couple of their friends and two neighbors and her domestic help Maya . She had already been written off and disowned by her parents .
Next day Kurian’s body was brought to Kochi . One of Rekha’s college friends lived in Kochi . She was informed , she came along with her husband .They managed Kurian’s last rituals in collaboration with the local church . As per Rekha’s and Karan's wishes his body was cremated and his ashes were buried .
Rekha had managed to bring a widow Maya from her native village as domestic help . Now Maya was her sole companion in Kochi . Rekha had to compromise with her destiny . She got compensation from the state government besides a job. She decided to join the job a few months after delivery .
One night she got labor pain . Maya called an Uber cab. A few minutes after they left for the hospital , Maya asked “ How far is the hospital ? How long will it take to reach there ? “
The driver said “ It’s far away , at least another half an hour .”
Maya asked the driver to stop and said “ Bhaiya , madam can’t bear anymore .She will deliver here only . “
Maya and the driver helped Rekha to deliver in the car itself .She gave birth to a baby girl. The driver said “ Now relax madam , I am taking you to the hospital. After dropping Rekha at the hospital the driver said “ Mam , you keep my card . You can call me anytime when needed . Just now I have to leave as my kid is alone at home .”
Rekha said ‘ thanks ‘ and the driver left . Maya put the card in her pyjama pocket .
The hospital took care of the post delivery protocol . As the delivery was normal and both Rekha and the baby were normal , they were discharged from the hospital within 48 hours .
She had her own baby Tanya as a lifetime companion . After a few months she joined her job. Maya used to look after her baby in her absence . After about two years Maya met the driver in a market . Both recognized each other . Maya said “ Namaste sir .”
“ Namaste , how is your madam now? ”
“ She has been sick for the past week .And from today Tanya baby is also not well .”
“ I gave you my card and said you should not to hesitate for any help from my end .”
“ Sorry sir , Madam wanted to thank you in person . She asked me about your name etc. Unfortunately on return from the hospital our clothes were sent for laundry and your card was lost .We don’t even know your name . “
“ I am Amar . What is your address ? ” He noted the address and gave another card to Maya and went away .
Rekha called Amar the next day and said “ I am sorry . I even couldn’t thank you properly that day. I could not reach you due to Maya’s negligence , you know. “
There is nothing to be thankful for that day . How are you Rekhaji ? I am sorry I didn’t know about you . You are a single mother . “
“ Now I am recovering slowly but I possibly infected Tanya . It was a viral fever.”
“ Don’t worry . She too will be well in a couple of ways . “
“ Maya was telling me that your baby was alone at home so you couldn’t stay any longer in the hospital. However, that day you came as an angel in my life .No words would be enough to express my gratitude . And how is your kid ?“
“ Please Rekhaji , you are shaming me .My son is good . Now take care of yourself and the baby . If you permit, I would like to see the baby also . ”
“ It will be my pleasure . Please visit any day , when we are okay for your safety . Amarji , When you come next, bring your son also .”
“ I will come on the weekend .”
Amar came to see Rekha on the weekend . He had brought some toys and chocolates for Tanya .His son Satya was also with him. Rekha herself opened the door . She was extremely happy to see them . She welcomed them wholeheartedly and loved Satya saying “ How cute a boy ? How are you beta and what’s your name ? “
“ Aunty, I am Satya . I am good .”
In the meantime Tanya also came running . Amar lifted her in his arms . He gave the gifts he had brought for her . Rekha asked Amar to sit and relax . She asked both kids to go and play in another room . She brought two cold drinks and sweets and said “ Please have it . Maya has gone to get some groceries . She will cook lunch for all when she is back . “
Amar had come on a motorbike . Rekha asked “ Why did you come alone ? Where is your wife ? “
“ I am also a single parent like you, a divorcee . “ He said in a dim voice
“ Oh sorry , what happened to your wife ? “
“ She divorced me . She could have got legal custody of Satya but she wanted to enjoy a free life and then remarry with a rich guy .”
“ Oh , sorry to disturb you .I shouldn’t have asked your personal question .”
“ I am also a single mother , you might be knowing . “
“ Yes, most of the people in the town knew about Kurian and probably you also .”
Both the kids enjoyed each other’s company while Rekha and Amar were sharing their past . After a few hours all had lunch and Amar was leaving . Both kids wanted to be together for a longer time . Tanya said to her mother “ Mummy , please stop Satya Bhai . Can’t he stay here with us . “
Tanya said “ Let him go now but they will come back soon .”
Then turning to Amar she further said “ Amarji , please come back with your son sooner .”
After their first meeting Amar with his son used to visit frequently , especially on weekends . . Rekha with her daughter also started visiting Amar’s house on weekends . All the four were becoming like a family .
Once while chit chatting at Amar’s house Rekha asked “ Why did you come on bike , where is your car ? “
Amar laughed and said “ That wasn’t my car . I was just an Uber driver . “
“ Driver ? “ she asked surprisingly
“ Yes , you heard right .I was a driver. Actually I was a software engineer in a startup . The startup could never take off , it flopped badly . I was jobless for more than six months . I needed money and I opted for Uber driving . I had to look after my son also .But now I am well settled in a job . Soon I will have my own car also . “
But Tanya was not willing to go . She started crying . Seeing this Amar said “ Let her stay here . I can drop you back or you too can stay here . By now you also must be aware how tough single parenting is . ”
“ Yes , I agree . “ Then turning to Tanya she said “ It’s getting late . Let us go baby . “
Tanya said “ Why can’t we all live together forever ? “
“ Yes , Papa . I also support Tanya’s idea . “
Both Amar and Rekha were surprised at our kid’s talks and kept looking at each other for quite some time . Then Rekha turned her eyes away . Amar said “ It’s a great idea . What I dared not speak so far, the kids have said so easily.”
Rekha kept silent. Then he said again “ Both of us agree that single parenting is a tough task . Can't we all join together to make ‘ two into two is four .”
Both kids jumped in joy and said “ Hurray .”
“ So what’s your say , Rekha ? “
Seeing Rekha silent again Amar said “ I understand it’s your silent approval .”
Her face was blushed red .
xxxxx
This story is a work of fiction .
