Her Mother's Lover

"Happiness [is] only real when shared." ~Jon Krakauer

The wedding preparations have begun in full swing now that the Pandit ji have fixed an auspicious date and time for the wedding to take place. It'll be a simple wedding ceremony, in the presence of the marriage registrar, with only a handful of close family members and friends present. The registry marriage, devoid of any wedding extravaganza, was Anu's wish. There's no such close family members on her side to take on the responsibilities of arranging the marriage. So a simple registry marriage was the only available option for her.

But no matter what, Mira Aunty and Parimal Uncle, Sumit's parents, are overjoyed and excited at the prospect of the imminent arrival of a daughter-in-law in their household. They are going out on shopping expeditions almost every weekend. Anu also accompanies them whenever she can afford time. 

With only one month to go for the wedding, most of the preparations have already been made. This weekend, Mira and Parimal are going to visit a renowned apparel shop to purchase their own outfits for their only son's wedding. On Mira Aunty's insistence, Anu is also accompanying them to help them make the perfect choice. 

"Look, Anu beta, how is this saree looking on me?", Mira Aunty asked inquisitively, placing the pallu of an off-white silk saree with maroon border tentatively on her shoulder.

"You look older than your age in this saree. Please choose something more colourful.", Parimal Uncle protested.

Watching their playful banter, Anu sighed silently. If only her mother could participate in her wedding, she would have been this happy!

*****

Anu was seventeen-years-old when Meghna, her widowed mother, introduced her to Ajay Uncle. And she took an instant disliking for him. Ajay Uncle made many efforts to win her heart-- buying her expensive costumes, taking her and her mother to lunch at high-end restaurants, showing genuine interest in her studies-- but all in vain. He seemed like an unwelcome intrusion in her life. Finally, when Meghna announced her plan of tying the knot with Ajay, Anu shifted to her college hostel and snapped all ties with her mother. Meghna sent her money every month, but apart from that, there was no real connection between Anu and Meghna. Anu received Meghna's letters on regular intervals, pleading with her to come back home, but that didn't change her heart. Meghna's phone calls, too, went unanswered. Gradually, the frequency of the letters dwindled and finally, they stopped altogether.

*****

Dear Maa,

Hope this letter finds you in the pink of health. You may be astonished to find a letter from me after ten long years. But Maa, I'm really sorry for all the pain I unknowingly inflicted upon you. Your marriage to Ajay Uncle came as a rude shock to me. After Papa's death, you and I had built a life together. And there was no space for any third person in that life. But I was so wrong. I saw you as a unidimensional person. Just a mother. Nothing else. I failed to recognize your need for a partner, your craving for intimacy. In my rage, I snapped all ties with you. But my perception changed entirely when Sumit came in my life. I began to view you as a woman.

Please forgive me if you can. And please try to attend my wedding ceremony. I'm sending an invitation card with this letter. You'll find all the details in the card.

With love,

Anu.

P.S.- Please try to bring Ajay Uncle with you, too. I want to see both my parents happy on my wedding day. 

*****

With trembling hands and teary eyes, Anu folded the letter and slid it inside an envelope. 

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