Children

Ramesh, Mahendra and Sujana were waiting outside the labor room of a maternity hospital full of anxiety and tense. Ramesh’s wife Sudha was in labor.

Ramesh and Sudha were young couple working as domestic helpers in the household of Mahendra and Sujana. They lived in the outhouse attached to the main house. Ramesh got married recently after working for 5 years for that family. Both were very loyal and trustworthy. They were like part of that family.

Mahendra was a well to do businessman into his early fifties. The couple was very kind and well known for their social service and charitable nature. Unfortunately, they did not have children. They have been trying in many scientifically possible ways but to no avail. Best of the gynecologists could not help them, nor their prayers to all Gods. Sujana would be saying sometimes in her frustration,” How can God be so cruel and depriving us of children. Surely, we are paying for our wrong deeds in some life.” Mahendra would console her and would try to lighten her mood. “Come on Sujana, God is very busy intaking care of the entire universe. May be in that, he overlooked our requirement. Be patient and surely our prayers will be answered. “It is this positivity that kept the couple going.

When they came to know that Sudha was pregnant, both Mahendra and Sujana were very happy. When it was told by the doctor that she was carrying twins, their happiness was doubled. They were taking care of the pregnant Sudha as if she was one of the family. Mahendra told Sujana jokingly,” See God is sending two children into our house. They may not be our own, but we can always take care of them and enjoy and experience the joy of having children in our lives and home.”

Ramesh and Sudha overheard the words of Mahendra and also were moved by the kindness with which they were taking care of them. They both took a decision and came to the Mahendra couple. “Sir and Amma, we have a submission. Accept it only if you like it. We both want to gift one of the children to you.  It is only out of gratitude and respect for you. We do not have any ulterior motives.” Mahendra and Sujana were speechless.  They had no words to express their feelings. Finally, Mahendra recollected his composure and said to the would be parents,” The gesture of offering the child to us in itself is very thoughtful and praiseworthy. We will always remain indebted to you for your kindness. But we have a proposal. Let us not separate the mother and child and also not bring in difference in the upbringing and perception of the two children. Both the children will be brought up by us but will have your name. We were hesitant to tell you this before, but now that you are ready to sacrifice and give away one child, I am sharing this thought with you both. “With tears in their eyes both Ramesh and Sudha fell on their feet.

That was the reason why even Mahendra and Sujana were anxiously waiting outside labor room. Finally, to everyone’s joy, Sudha gave birth to twin girls. Mahendra and Sujana were true to their commitment and took good care of the girls and treated as their own children. They took care of their education. One of the girls, Rachana became a doctor, while the other, Radhika was a lawyer.

Ramesh and Sudha also, as promised, left the girls in the care of the Mahendra and Sujana and never crossed their limits as domestic helpers.

The outlook of Sujana and Mahendra also evolved overtime and they started looking at every child as their own child and were happy. Mahendra was also involved with support to orphanages and when he retired from his work, he set up a trust with his properties and wealth and the two girls as the trustees. Both Radhika and Rachana were instrumental in turning to reality, Mahindra’s dream to set up the trust where many more children are brought under the protective umbrella. The girls had flatly refused to take the properties of Mahendra and said “We are blessed to have four parents, who brought us up to be successful human beings, standing proudly on our feet. We do not want your wealth but would be happy if it is put to a good use in transforming the lives of many more children.”

Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for future (John F. Kennedy). Let us protect them and invest in them.