Second Love

Sejal saw her child to say goodbye & running inside the school gate. She was happy as it was her first day at school. She came home & made herself a cup of hot tea & sat by the window. A silent tear slipped through her eyes. She remembered the words her family said – please stop being foolish- abort the child. Please marry someone… & she smiled at herself for being so strong & going against all odds & bringing Pari into this beautiful world.

3 years ago…

Rajdeep & Sejal knew each other for little over a year now. Both knew what they deeply felt for each other. One day they were sipping coffee at the CCD. Rajdeep went down on his knees & proposed her. That was the best day of her life.

He said, “Sejal…my sweetheart, I am sure you know I am already in love & committed. Still would you like to be my 2nd love? I assure you the best possible life & all the happiness till my last breath. Will you be mine? Will you marry me?”

Sejal smiled & willingly became his 2nd love. She stretched her hands & he slipped the ring in her gentle fingers.

The next few days were difficult one’s convincing her family. Sejal’s parents could not accept Rajdeep. They felt Sejal’s life bordered on insecurity. They were worried for her future. But Sejal already made up her mind and was all set to tie the knot with Rajdeep. Sejal’s family had no choice but to agree to the alliance. On the other hand, Rajdeep’s family welcomed her with open arms. Soon the wedding bells were ringing for the much in love couple.

Sejal’s life was filled with happy moments & love. Her rapport with her in-laws was just awesome. Rajdeep showered his love with flowers, chocolates, dinner dates & gifts. Their life was filled with love & passion.

It was 8months since they got married & life was indeed beautiful till the time Rajdeep received the call. It was time for him to go... time to leave Sejal just to return back after few months. Sejal was not happy though, just accepted the life she had chosen…after all she knew she was his 2nd Love any day.

Rajdeep packed his bags & was ready to leave. She steeled herself & bid him Goodbye with a smile as she knew this memory will be etched in his heart when they are apart. As the car moved out of the lane, she sobbed like a child & her mother-in-law tried to comfort her. She was just inconsolable. She fainted in her arms. Rajdeep’s mother immediately called for the medical help.

Few minutes later….

The doctors arrived & did a complete check up of Sejal. They had good news to share. Sejal was expecting. She was nurturing Rajdeep & her first child. Her happiness knew no bounds as being a mother is nothing but a blessing. She could not wait to share this joy with Rajdeep. She impatiently waited for him to reach his destination. The moment he reached & called to inform them about his safe arrival, Sejal broke the news to him. He was elated. Happiness doubled as the family was all set to welcome the child.

The next 1.5 months were memories to cherish for the lifetime. Rajdeep called Sejal every night & was eager to see her, kiss her & shower her the love & affection which all moms deserve…but he had to wait.

A week later…Sejal received a call

Sejal: Hello

Voice on the other side: Maa'm, I am Mr.Arora calling from Kargil. We regret to inform you that Rajdeep breathed his last 5minutes ago. He was hit by the bullet while trying to save our country men. We will be sending his mortal remains shortly. Jai Hind.

Sejal was silent…she broke and she collapsed. She knew she has to be ready to see this day. But never did she expect it so soon. She was shocked. She cried out loud…Rajdeep…Rajdeep…Raaaaaaj

His mother came running & shook her. She wanted to know who called & what actually happened. Amidst sobs when Sejal broke the news of her son’s demise it shook her completely. She was shattered…devastated & now broken to even share it with her husband.

In next 24hours everything changed. Rajdeep was given an honorable farewell by his motherland.

Life took a 360 degree turn for Sejal. Her parent’s worst fears had come true. They saw their pregnant daughter widowed.

After the initial 15days of emotional turmoil, Sejal’s mom suggested she abort the child as it is difficult to handle life all alone as a single mother in this cruel world. Sejal was adamant. She revolted. She wanted to bring in Rajdeep’s best & last gift to the earth. She pulled through the 9 month period with determination to bring up the child on her own.

When Pari was born, there were celebrations all over the house. The child was welcomed with warmth of her grandparents. While everyone rejoiced, they were equally pained by seeing a fatherless child. Life of the little child seemed a concern for Rajdeep as well as Sejal’s parents.

Rajdeep's parents suggested Sejal to get married again & live a happy life. She was too young to face the whole world all alone. She needed a companion, Pari needed a father. But Sejal was all set to fight the battle alone.

She reminisced Rajdeep’s words…. “I am sure you know I am already in love & committed”- Yes she knew his love for his country & commitment to his duty. “Still would you like to be my 2nd love?” – And she was ready to be his 2nd choice after his motherland. “I assure you the best possible life & all the happiness till my last breath”- Yes, he lived up to his words. He gave her all the happiness in the world in their 8 months of togetherness. “Will you be mine?’- Yes she willingly & happily lived as Mrs. Rajdeep though for a short while. But what he gave her was irreplaceable – Pari… her sole purpose to continue living her life. Her mission was to give their child all happiness & comforts she deserved…apart from her DAD.

Soon it was time to pick up Pari from school. She went to fetch the little one who had stories to tell about her new school. Sejal spent quality time with her. Her life was busy as a doting mother…a single mother…a proud one. The day she married Rajdeep she learnt only one thing – to be BRAVE.

Today she is an independent, brave, single mother & walking life path all by herself. She wanted Pari to grow up to respect her dad who lived a short meaningful life which spelt sacrifice for his country, duty towards his countrymen & brave enough to see death.

Salute to all Single Moms.

Salute to all Jawans of our country.

JAI HIND.

Happy Woman’s Day to all women who choose to live life the way they want & make their own choices.