Eternal Smile

Preeti spent the first few minutes after waking up, in something very special. She would count the days remaining before she saw her sister, Nilu and her beloved parents. Two years ago, Preeti had left her home to pursue her masters in the United States of America. It was a well-earned scholarship for a privileged seat in an esteemed organization. Now it was her graduation time- the family couldn't hide their happiness.

When you belong to a middle class family, you live a life amidst several dreams in the making, achingly prolonged fulfillment of wants and needs, few dashed desires yet life full of beautiful hope. Preeti’s parents had led a strenuous life throughout; giving their all to ensure the two loving daughters got the best of the education. Approximately seventy percent of their monthly earnings were allocated for the study fees and overall development of the children. The parents thought so little about themselves and ever so gleefully. Whenever they could save more, especially possible around festivals and occasions, the parents went many steps ahead to pamper the kids even generously. A cinema and a luncheon at an affordable restaurant on a monthly basis; a fortnightly park visit and yearly trips to popular temples and grandparents’ home became a priceless routine.   

When Preeti had her parents over, she ensured she stood by them at all times just so they enjoyed their first ever overseas trip. Nilu had described dramatically how her parents had been planning, shopping and packing for well over a month; on the eve of the US trip, they still emitted doubts and sighed that they had not planned well enough and they could still fit in more things for Preeti.

Preeti and Nilu had traveled quite a bit- for their parents, it was the first time and the daughters wanted the parents to have the most fantastic memories. While they feared their parents might feel home sick and perhaps, take a long time to get used to the living patterns in a western country. The parents were quite the exact opposite. Even before Preeti could formally introduce her parents to her Indian neighbors, they had become quite acquainted of another during the morning walks. Not only did the parents enjoy trying different local cuisines but also went on to name the pancake as the Sweet American Dosa. Even before Nilu and Preeti reminded them of long drives and mandatory carry-ons before a vacation, they were in for a pleasant surprise how, their parents were effusing natural enthusiasm and clearly enviable curiosity. Their parents had become kids, full of energy and infinite amount of vivid imagination.

Every day, they madly missed the comfort of home, the regular temples visits, and the ease with which they could buy last-minute groceries from shops across the street. They missed just being home and in the only surroundings they knew all their lives. They hadn’t a particle of experience travelling abroad; nevertheless, they had welcomed this experience so happily and excitedly. A smile never faded from their faces. Never!

On one of the ordinary dinners at home, Preeti insisted that her parents let her serve everybody. It seemed to the parents that Nilu was aware of what was happening although she evaded giving any signs of comprehension. When the parents sat on the dinner table, they both noticed a little note for each of them, under the plate. They darted glances around and signaled one another to open the letter, almost simultaneously. Preeti and Nilu stood rooted to the ground, without much expression.

“Thank you Maa and Paa, we love you very much. You did it all with the rarest, most genuine, beautiful smile. Your smile is a sign of ultimate power, courage, sentiment and selflessness. We too want to smile like you both. Thank you for everything.”

Preeti’s parents were in tears. In no time, all the four were uncontrollably emotional. They consoled each other embracing one another. Preeti and Nilu had always made their parents proud.

Preeti, who was academically so brilliant had stood first in the state in her matriculation, she was a top rank holder in the University level too. She had been exceptional in her job and in fact, in whatever she took up. During her graduation of the masters program, her parents had been so excited and thrilled that they were speechless. Beyond all the forms and nature and magnitude of gratitude that Preeti had for her parents, she and her sister specially thanked their parents for donning such bright smiles despite all the trials and challenges, setbacks and failures. For many decades, the parents had indeed faced life, not with even one complaint and regret; they had refrained from frowning at life during low points. Instead, they had an eternal smile – The rarest, most genuine and beautiful smile indeed.