The Zodiac Sign

“I am sure we will get along well!" Gushed the newly-wed Salomi, to her Aunty-in-law, whom she had taken an instant fancy for. “Aunty, You are January born, and I am very friendly with all the Capricorn people, me being a Gemini!"

Aunty Leela smiled and nodded.

Salomi had married Biren, who had lost his parents 3 years back. The only elder in their family was Leela aunty, who took care of Biren after this tragedy, as he completed studies and joined a Bank as an apprentice.

Salomi was working at the same bank, in the same category, and in no time both of them became close friends and decided to get married.

Then Biren took Salomi to his house, “Salomi, Leela Aunty is my mother as well as father. Make sure that you take good care of her.”

Salomi believed a lot in Astrology and sun-signs. “I am a Gemini, so hopefully, if Leela Aunty is a Capricorn, or a Pisces or a Scorpio, I should be fine with her".

Biren listened to this, but did not reply to this statement, as if he ignored it.

After marriage, things were as comfortable for Salomi as when she was at her parents’ home.

Leela aunty and Salomi would talk for hours in the evening after Salomi returned from Bank, and aunty would teach her various food preparations, and tell stories of her young days.

Two years passed, and Salomi and Biren now had a chubby Baby Boy – Varun.

Incidentally, he was born on 10th of August. “It is God’s wish to send our little child on this day! " Biren said. Salomi nodded happily.

This was a very happy event in Biren’s family, and a distant great-grand-aunty said that she will come to bless little Varun. Aunt was very old, and it was difficult to bring her home, all the way from Jaipur. However, strong Vimala Dadi - who was in her nineties - reached safely home to see the little Varun!

Biren and Salomi heaved a sigh of relief. “Good that you reached safely to bless our little one!" Biren exclaimed.

Vimala Dadi replied, “This is such a happy day for the family. Leela, see, this grand child of yours shares even the Birthday with you!"

Salomi could not believe her ears ! Leela Aunty was a Leo and not a Capricorn after all!

That day Salomi could not think of anything else but Sun signs..”Am I wrong in my studies? Why did Biren tell me a wrong birth date of Leela Aunty ?"

In the evening Biren came to Salomi, “I know you must be shocked to know Leela Aunty’s real birthday. But I did not want to create a prejudice in your mind. People can be nice irrespective of their sun-signs and planets".

Salomi nodded and smiled. She had tears in her eyes. Today she had learnt a very important lesson of her life.