TRUE LOVE

                     True Love

         Sarala and Sagar were married for five years. It was a sweet and happy marriage except for their childlessness.  Since both were employed with good companies, and were very busy,  the matter of childlessness did not seem to bother them much, though it lurked in the corner of their minds.  It seemed to appear before them at unexpected moments, like when watching a cute child's advertisement for some product or when they had to attend birthday parties of young children.

      When their parents visited them, it was the most important matter as they pestered the young couple to get medical check ups done.  Though Sarala and Sagar protested ineffectively at first, finally they had to give in.

      It was devastating to both of them   when the results came.  Sagar had some defect which destroyed his innate desire of becoming a father.  He lost his cheerfulness and interest for his professional work.  Sarala was also upset but seeing the plight of Sagar, she recovered quickly and tried to comfort him in anyway she could.  Sagar still was depressed and gloomy.

     After a week or so, Sagar decided to have a frank talk with Sarala. He spoke quite directly.

       " Look Sarala,  if I had known about my weakness, I wouldn't have proposed to you at all. Now that I have learnt about it, I have decided to divorce you so that you can find another healthy person and get married. I am sure both our families would help us out.  I am very sorry you had to live with me all these five years fruitlessly. Tomorrow itself, I will meet our company's advocate and ask him to recommend a good lawyer. "

       Sarala listened to him patiently with tears in her eyes. When he finished, she said softly, " I understand your intention but am very sorry because I can't take up your offer. I am your wife and I will continue to be your wife till my end.  No more discussion about this. '

       Sagar could not be convinced. He tried to persuade her for several hours but it was of no use.  Sarala, in exasperation, asked him...”What would you have  done if the report said that the fault was in me? "

       Sagar took a few minutes to answer.  . Then he replied in a firm tone.
       " I would have suggested that we adopt a child. "

     Sarala grabbed the opportunity.    "That's  what we are going to do now. "

      Sagar was happy  but at the same time worried about Sarala.  He said,  
" See, that is a different solution altogether. It is your birthright to fulfil your desire for motherhood. And NO ONE has a right to come in your way. So, please, please accept my suggestion.  We can talk to the elders on Sunday. '

       No, he could not make Sarala see reason and listen to his idea. Finally , Sagar shouted, ' But, why???"

       For which Sarala replied , " Simple. You are suggesting this because you love me. And I am not leaving you because I love you. For just one physiological reason, I am not a fool to leave such a beautiful and fine relationship for the sake of an unknown, unpredictable motherhood. You are my husband, friend, guide, philosopher and also a child. So, not a single word more about this. This is the end of the chapter of this topic. Good night. "

Next morning ,  when Sagar woke up from a disturbed sleep, he saw the smiling face of Sarala. She was actually beaming. To Sagar's questioning look,  she said, " I just received a call from my gynaecologist. She asked me to go to her clinic to fill up an application for adopting a child. We are going there in the evening. "  

Sagar could not say anything except nod his head in acceptance which brought a gleeful shout from Sarala.

***************************************

( This  story is already  published on Pratilipi platform.)