Maria's Hope

Maria was alike Mrs. Thurlow of the famous short story "The Ox" by H. E. Bates. She too attended the square of her life on a broken bicycle, each day. In the morning she washed clothes for the Chopra's. In the later time of the day she brought groceries for the old couple in the 4th lane. She managed her lunch at a dhaba during midday, in exchange of washing dishes there for an hour and a half. In the evening she ran errands for the Gupta's. It was though difficult to keep body and soul together yet Maria was sturdy enough to keep days passing with a bright smile on her newly wrinkled face. She never took a day's off from her work unless she wanted to meet her grandchildren in the next village.

It was one of her planned visits to her daughter's place. Even before she entered their house, she heard the daughter being abused and reproached for having assented for her mother's visit. These rantings sparse ignited her for a long time. The knock on the door made little footsteps be heard outside and merry cheers of the little ones filled Maria with good hope.

Grandma and the grandchildren had a nice time together. Stories and humming lullaby filled the house. In their excitement the children wanted their grandma to spend the night with them. Maria too wished to stay but her daughter complained about the beddings and that she wouldn't be comfortable. She even promised to meet her soon.

Maria eagerly wanted her daughter to meet her soon. She wasn't keeping well for few days. She hadn't even been to her work. A little boy in the neighborhood wanted her bicycle. She said that it was her only possession which she would give to her grandson as inheritance. She shooed the boy away.

Next day again the boy showed up. He went near the cycle and knelt to touch the spokes. He was also looking around furtively. Maria was not around. He wound the paddle and enjoyed watching it move voluntarily. But Maria. . . wouldn't she drop in to chase him away?Sensing things unusual , he peeped in through the door left ajar. Maria laid sick on the couch. He ran into her room as she beckoned.

The boy bent to hear her. She said that she would leave the place for good. If he takes a post to the next village at the address mentioned, he could own her bicycle on return. Joyous lad made a speedy sent off to the address. Maria's daughter received the message. She wanted to see her mother at once. At the same time she thought that in whose custody would she leave her children. She sought help from her husband. He went through the message and said that her ailing mother was actually sending such posts only to get some money out of them. She should rather ignore than receive such posts with care.

A daughter can never choose to separate her links from her mother. She felt the urge and requested for his permission. He only said that her visit would be disappointing and regretful. Anyway she reached the shanty. It was as peaceful and quiet as a church. She took careful steps into the hut. Maria was lying with gaping stare. Her body was icy cold. She could not even feel how excited she would be if she saw her daughter there. she found a note held tight in her clutch. The grip on it was too firm. She forced loosened two fingers to bring it out. She read it intently. . . . . . .

Every penny that I could save in the box kept below the mattress is for my grandchildren. This house as you would call is yours and I have left all documents with the little boy who brought the post for you. You may search for him around for I do not know where he stays. I wanted nothing in my life and took nothing I swear. Tell my little grandchildren that grandma loves them.