Saie's dear Mai!

Everywhere, there was an unknown emptiness! People just came in and many tried to talk, console , but Saie was in no mood to answer them. All faces were familiar but still that one face which Saie could never see again was that of her Mai's. 

20 YEARS BACK.....

Dressed in a simple ,typical Indian saari, with some green bangles in her hand, there stood a lady in front of Saie. Later, the elders of the house told Saie that the lady was her 'new' mother! A 'new' mother , this concept was enough for an eight - years old girl to start imagining and fantasising things. Saie would run all over the huge mansion, cherishing the moment! Afterall , she got a 'new' mother. Saie never knew what a mother was, since her biological mother died soon after her birth. Saie could never confine in the other sophisticated members of the house. Thus, this new mother's arrival was a boon. Saie named her Mai, a cute rhyme with her own name! 

Soon, Mai developed a close bond with Saie. Saie would run behind her Mai and ask innumerable questions which her mind could not bear to keep with itself. Saie's demands of delicious cookies, cakes , funnel cakes and potato fritters were fulfilled by Mai. Earlier, the cooks of the house made food for all, but it lacked the sense of belongingness. Saie would certainly get what she desired for, unless the thing she demanded was correct. Mai instilled all exceptional qualities in her. Mai would accompany her everywhere. The best moments in Saie's life were associated with Mai, and the dull, dark phases, tears of pain and distress were hidden in Mai's laps. Be it a board exam, or a tournament, Mai's blessings meant a sure victory!

Their bond was more than a mother- daughter relationship. Once, in a family get-together, granny called Mai a 'step-mother'. Saie was infuriated with this, but Mai came to calm her down. When Saie had to leave for London for her further studies,although others laughed at this idea, Mai presented her a hand-woven shawl, so that she feels her Mai's presence in London. 

Later, Saie married a suitable man and was blessed with a baby boy a year after. She nurtured her son just as her Mai did! Mai never ever made Saie feel alone, and Saie never treated her Mai inferior as the other members did! The love was unconditional .

TODAY.....

Though, Mai made young Saie's life colourful, all the colours faded away with Mai's demise. Saie recollected all the old memories and precious moments. Saie consoled herself wrapping around the same shawl given by Mai and said....."She is always there with me!"