The Bond

It was a beautiful day in Munnar. It was raining since last night and in the morning the city was covered with mist and fog making it look like heaven on earth. It was still drizzling and we were at the top station point with our other tour members. It was a long-awaited family trip to Kerala, God’s Own Country. Me, Shekhar and Aayush after a year were together on a holiday.

There were many stalls around and the view was mesmerizing from the top. I was having my hot cup of Kapi (Coffee) of Kerala and I saw happy Aayush coming back to me with his corn in one hand. The road was slippery as it had been raining for quite some time now. Suddenly Aayush slipped, “Mumma” he shouted as he slipped down the road and kept tumbling for some seconds getting off the road in no time and at the edge of the place that led to the valley down.

“Aayush” I screamed as I ran towards him dropping the cup of coffee I had in my hand. I went there panting and Aayush was still shouting Mumma mumma without stopping for a minute. My heart was pounding with fear. I knew this is going to be tough for me to see Aayush in danger but I have to help him anyhow. People around got alert and started following me. I ran and being a trekker I knew how to walk and get down off the cliff without getting slipped. I got down till I could see and hear Aayush shouting. I saw him. My heart sank. He was hurt on his head bleeding and at a very scary edge lying down. Vulnerable and scared. He looked at me, “Mumma.”

“Aayush. Don’t worry I am here. The edge was slippery and If I slip I would go down in the valley with Aayush. I had people around me. I yelled, “Can somebody get a rope please.” I was panting and was going numb seeing Aayush in such a plight.

A local vendor came with a rope. I tide it to my waist and requested every one with joined hands, “Please hold this as I get the Boy up. Please.” I pleaded to the crowd staring and standing there.

Everyone rushed to my help. The stronger men stood like pillars and held the rope tight. Two of the men came with me as I started walking towards Aayush.

“Stay calm Aayush I am coming.” I looked at Aayush who was tired of crying and bleeding.

I went down holding my heart in my mouth till I could reach out for his hand. I held it tight and Aayush held it tighter. One of the men held my waist for strong support and we made a human chain there. I pulled Aayush up. We pulled each other till we reached a safe place. I hugged Aayush as we reached there and cried. Aayush hugged me tighter. Everyone around us started applauding for the win. Here I was holding my world into my arms which was minutes before shattering in front of my eyes. I again heard, “Mumma Mumma.” Aayush was sobbing. One minute to realize Aayush never called me Mumma. Being a part of Tamil Iyer Family I was always Amma for him. I try getting closer look at the boy. The boy looked at me and said, “Mumma Mumma” I was taken aback it was not Aayush.

Someone screamed from the crowd, “Gautam mera bachchca.” A lady came and took the boy and started crying as she hugged and kissed him. I was surprised by all the things happening with me and stood there like a statue.

Someone put a hand on my shoulder and called me, “Sapna, are you okay?” It was Shekhar my husband and he was with Aayush my son. I was still stunned.

“Amma are you okay?” Aayush hugged me and asked.

“Sapna, you had a sprain in your leg and how could you do this?” Shekhar asked me with a surprise.

“I don’t know Shekhar. I thought the boy is Aayush and he slipped as I was not with him.” I answered him

“But Amma he is a 5-year-old toddler. And I am 12 now,” Aayush held me with my shoulder.

 “That’s what you call a Mother Aayush. A child never grows up for her.” Shekhar told him striking on his back.

Gautam’s mother came and held my hand, “thank you. You have saved two lives today.” She was inconsolable.

I gave her a big hug. I felt I should not say a word. She just needs a hug. Everyone around applauded for my stunt as a mother. Aayush joined in for the hug and so did Shekhar. I was smiling. I love group hugs.

No one can ever understand a mother’s love. A mother always feels that a child never grows up and always needs to be protected. Never judge her weak for her tears she can be as strong as a mountain when it comes to protecting her children.