A Surrogate Mother By Minarva Priyadarshini

Today they returned empty-handed, as always. The doctor kept saying the same things again and again. But they were unable to believe that they could not give birth to a child. They should consider surrogacy, the doctor suggested.Ananya felt devastated because she had a strong desire to experience pregnancy and motherhood. She always wanted to feel the changes inside her as a mother. Arman tried to make her understand that even though she could not give birth, the child would still be theirs, and she should find happiness in that.

After a week, they decided to consult another doctor. They had already taken leave for the appointment. They both looked broken inside. Sabita, their maid, sensed something was wrong but didn't dare to ask directly. 

She went to give tea to Ananya and asked, "Ma'am, should I prepare lunch today? It seems you both are going somewhere. "Ananya sighed and replied, "Where else will we go, Sabita, except the doctor? Make lunch today; we will most probably return by lunchtime."

The next morning, Ananya and Arman went to consult the new doctor. This time they were ready for the possibility of a test tube baby. As suggested by Dr. Mehta, they started searching for a surrogate mother. They contacted many agencies. Though they found a woman willing to be a surrogate, the doctor declared her unhealthy after a checkup. Finally, they failed after trying their best.

One fine morning, they were both sitting on the balcony, looking at the clear sky and the rising sun. Ananya asked Arman, "Arman, is it really not possible to have our baby? I am literally hopeless now."

Arman responded, "No, Ananya, we shouldn't lose hope. There must be a way. Let's rethink the possibilities."Just then, Sabita came to serve them tea. Ananya asked, "Sabita, you have only one daughter, right?"

"Yes, madam," Sabita replied.

"Can you conceive our child in your womb? We are tired of searching for a mother for our child. If you give your consent, it will be a blessing for us, Sabita. Take your time and let us know what you think," Ananya said.

Sabita didn't understand much about this but nodded and left. Arman, skeptical, said, "I don't think she can."

Ananya replied, "Let's try it and see what happens."

The next day, Sabita came and asked Ananya what she had to do. Ananya explained the whole process to her. Initially, Sabita was scared of going through this,but Ananya convinced her that it was normal and assured her that they would cover all the expenses. Additionally, they promised to give her some money for her daughter's future.They went to meet the doctor for Sabita's checkup. This time, the doctor declared her a perfect candidate for surrogacy. With Sabita's consent, the process began. 

After three months, Sabita conceived Arman and Ananya's baby. The doctor suggested a diet and other care routines during the pregnancy. The couple took perfect care of Sabita, often asking how she felt and about the baby's movements.

Ananya went to her office to take pregnancy leave. Many colleagues congratulated her, but a few taunted her for her late pregnancy. During regular checkups, both the baby and Sabita were found to be healthy and fine.

Ananya and Arman were happy now, eagerly awaiting their baby's arrival. On April 1st, Sabita was admitted to the hospital as her labor pains started. Ananya and Arman were there. Finally, the baby was born—a boy. The couple felt ecstatic.

After a few days, Sabita and the baby were discharged from the hospital. They named their baby "Nikit." After a few days of rest, Sabita resumed her work at their house, and Ananya rejoined her job. As Nikit grew, Sabita took care of him daily, pouring all her love and affection into him. If he cried, Sabita worried and did everything to make him happy. Although she wanted to breastfeed him, Ananya strictly denied it, insisting on bottle-feeding.Sabita noticed a change in Ananya's behaviour after the baby's birth. Sabita left the house before evening and returned early in the morning for her household duties and to care for Nikit. The baby, more familiar with Sabita, was taken care of by Ananya at night.

Time flew by, and soon Nikit turned one year old. It was time to celebrate his first birthday. The couple planned a grand celebration. As Arman worked as a software engineer in Hyderabad and Ananya in a bank, they had many friends and colleagues. They invited them all to the birthday party. They even bought new clothes for all the family members, including Sabita.

On the eve of the birthday, guests arrived one by one. The couple was busy introducing their child, Nikit. Sabita stood in a corner, unnoticed. When someone pointed her out, Ananya introduced her merely as their maid, hiding her significant contribution. Sabita felt deeply hurt, realizing her true position in the family. She returned home with a heavy heart, tears in her eyes.

This incident highlights the emotional wounds surrogate mothers endure after giving birth to someone else's child. A mother's heart cries, leaving a forever mark.