Reena

'Home is a heaven in this crazy world', Reena thought to herself. She was a single mother and raised her eight-year-old son by doing multiple jobs. Mornings she worked at a gunny-bag manufacturing facility near her home. Evenings supplied tiffin boxes at a working women's hostel. Rest of the day was meant for her son. One day her son's friend invited them for his birthday party.

Reena thoughtfully packed home made besan laddoos for the party. Dressed her son in new outfits and wore a silk saree herself. Mother and son went to the party and were flabbergasted by the decorations, lights as well as tide of people in expensive outfits. Reena felt embrassed to inter the gates of the huge mansion. Reluctantly took small steps for her son's happiness furthermore was pleasantly greeted by the family. There were various games arranged for kids on the sprawling lawns, while the elders chatted in groups. Reena felt leftout and timid. The boy's mother noticed her standing alone and came to her with some juice. Reena was speechless and managed a smile. The boys mother thanked her for accepting the invitation as well as talked on random things like weather, pollution, children's health and school. Reena felt confident and opened up a bit.

As the evening grew darker everyone went inside for the cake cutting. The enormous hall was illuminated with massive hanging chandlers, the walls adorned with art pieces and colourful balloons and cutouts of cartoon characters were placed artistically. The cake was cut and Reena handed the packed besan laddoos to the boy's mother mentioning to be consumed at the earliest. Mother and son had their dinner and went to thank the boy's mother for their cordiality. The boy's mother in return thanked Reena for the besan laddoos, which were her favorite. At the same time cited that there was a wedding lined up in the coming week and if Reena was interested to take orders for besan laddoos. Reena was ecstatic and agreed. The boy's grandmother joined them revealing she too liked the laddoos and if Reena was interested in taking orders for the biweekly kirtans at their residence. Reena happily agreed and went home jubilant.