The Decision Of Love

Manushree hated the idea of sending her mother to an old age home, but she had no other choice. Her brother had decided to settle in London and her sister-in-law clearly stated that she was not taking the old lady abroad with her. Nor did Manushree's mother Janki, want to leave her country.

"At least I know the spoken language here Beti, I will not be able to communicate in that foreign land, I will die of helplessness there", pleaded Janki.

Manushree wanted to keep her mother with her. However, she herself was married and in Indian society, people do not accept the idea of staying in daughter's house for life. Manushree's brother was also against the idea."Why Bhai? When parents keep their daughters with them for there whole life, why can't daughters keep them?" , argued Manushree.

"You won't understand Manu, everyone will make a mockery of me. They'll say see this young man can't keep his mother, poor daughter has to keep the old lady", her brother said. "Then why don't you take her with you?",she argued again. "You know how the situation is between her and my wife. Besides this, she doesn't want to leave her country", said her brother stiflingly.

Finally, Janki said, "Drop me to the old age home".

That's it, the argument was over. Janki had said it herself although she never wanted to go to an old age home. A lady who had spent her entire life in taking care of her family would never be happy leaving her family and living with strangers. Manushree was well aware of this fact.

Janki's confession brought happiness to her son and daughter-in-law. They stood smirking at Manushree. They were joyous that Janki herself wished to live in an old age home."I am sure that you are going to make some new friends of your age there mom," said her son rotating the wheelchair in which Janki was seated. "Finally I am free from taking care and doing extra services for the old lady on the wheelchair," thought Janki's daughter-in-law.

The next day, Manushree, her brother and his wife stood in front of the "New World Old Age Home" along with Janki and her packed bags. They had come to drop Janki there.

Seeing her mother's helplessness a tear rolled down Manushree's cheek. Janki looked afraid and worried . There was a sense of loneliness in her eyes. The memories of her first day at school flashed in front of Manushree. She was as worried then as Janki was now, but Janki never left her hand.

Now it was her turn. That very moment Manushree decided that she was not going to leave her mother. "Wait, Bhai," Manushree said taking a stand.

"I don't care what you and your society think. All I know is that she is my mother, and I am not going to leave her," said Manushree with confidence.

The decision was followed by a long argument between Manushree and, her brother and his wife. However, Manushree stood rock solid by her decision. At last,- she took her mother to her house with her. Her in-laws and husband were not comfortable with the decision at first, but gradually they came to accept it. Now they are fine. Manushree's son is more than happy to receive love from both his grandmothers.

One decision made Janki's life peaceful before her death.