Ammi

She stood still with no reaction as she opened the door for Ali and his newlywed. He entered the house holding her hand and called everyone.

Everyone included his old ailing mother, three daughters and Sameena his first wife.

"She is Chameli, your new ammi (mother). Give her the same respect as you give to your ammi. "He commanded.

"Hindu girl won't be accepted here, Ali. "old granny roared in anger.

"Fine, then I'm not going to bear you. Get out at once," he shouted back.

No one uttered a word and started making arrangements to accommodate Chameli.

She ordered all three daughters to do all household chores. Girls would get aggressive but Sameena never revolted. She had accepted Chameli as her fate. She never cried or reacted to the humiliation and insults she faced. She was thrashed badly everytime when she delivered a girl.

Her daughters charged her for her pitiable condition. They pressurized her to speak up but she remained passive. Ali distributed sweets as he got the news of Chameli's pregnancy. Sameena took utmost care of her ignoring her misconduct. After nine months Ali's happiness knew no bounds when she delivered a boy.

He took Sameena along to take care of Chameli in hospital. He rushed to meet her while Sameena stood outside the hospital. Suddenly there was a lot of chaos as an unknown fire broke out. She wasn't allowed to enter the hospital. Later she was informed that both Ali and Chameli succumbed to the fire. The house wailed but she didn't shed a single tear.

One day Sameena was not at home and her daughters grew tensed. It was late night when she entered holding an infant in her hands. Everyone was confused but granny understood.

"This Hindu child has no place in our house. Don't forget Sameena his mother ruined your house to make her own. "Granny was furious.

"Which house Ammijaan? Where I was hit every other day. . . Where my daughters were considered maids. . . where I had no existence? The house where I had no place. . . Where I wasn't considered even a human. Ammi what is the fault of this innocent soul? Motherhood knows no religion, no barriers. When I held him in my arms I had no grudges. . . my heart was filled with love. . . only love. "She kissed his little forehead and the little one held the finger of his 'Ammi'.