Part 13 – Her Heart Therapist

Karan stood up quickly from his chair.
“Madhu Kapoor?” Karan asked Rajeev, shocking him with his reaction. Karan took a minute to come out of this revelation.
“Rajeev can I ask you a favour?”
“Please go ahead.”
“I personally know Madhu. She is related to one of my former patients. Please handle this matter very very delicately and responsibly. I know you would do it for any case that comes in your hands. Its my earnest request in this particular case.”
“My dear, you have my word. And I will keep you informed regarding this case.”

Karan called up Madhu,

asking her to accompany him for shopping as his mother’s birthday was near. After purchasing a shawl and few sarees, both were relaxing in a garden. Precisely the garden was situated in the interiors of the city.
“Karan, I feel you should have brought Samiksha along. Then this time would have been romantic rather than boring.”
“Na that isn’t true. In the long run, I will be the recipient of blessings from not two, but three lovely ladies in my life, what say?”
Madhu smiled at Karan, smiling at the greenery and floral blessings around them.

“And how is life. Hope your health is fine and so is everything else.”
“Yes Karan, I have been blessed with such a beautiful family. Cannot ask for anything more.”
“Glad to hear that. I ran into one of my close friends lately. Dr. Rajeev Sinha.”
Madhu cleared her throat, trying to hide her uneasiness. Seeing her fidgeting with fingers Karan asked,
“Are you fine?”
“Yes of course. May we leave now. Its getting late.”
“Sure. But if you can lend me few more minutes?”

“Tell me.”

“I have always looked up to you as my mother, regardless of what I am to you.”
“Karan, why did you say that. You know how much regard I have for you. No need to mention the relation you have with my daughter has made me the happiest mother on this earth. She couldn’t have got a better partner. God has blessed me with a son in your form.”
“Is it so?”

Madhu stared at him.

“Then will I have the privelege of handling your grievances, if at all you have any?”
Madhu continued staring blankly at him. His glance was different, as if trying to figure out something. Not to mention, his aquaintance with Dr. Rajeev had already alarmed her.

“You can pour out your heart

to your son without the fear of being judged. You do consider me as your son and am asking you this considering the chastity of our relationship.”
Tears started rolling out of Madhu’s eyes and she tried to find handkerchief in her purse. Karan handled her his and looked deep into her eyes. She rested her head against his shoulder and talked with a restraint.
“Mahesh and I love each other. When Samiksha’s mom passed away, I could not stop myself from satisfying all needs of Samiksha. She was a motherless child, craving for love and affection. Instantly I took her in my arms and accepted her as a gift from the Almighty Himself.

Madhu lifted her head, and continued.

“My mother told me that I have a life too. Even I will get married one day. How my future husband might look up to Samiksha was unpredictable. It took me seconds to declare to her that I will never marry and take the full responsibility of Samiksha. My decision was challenged by my family for obvious reasons. But I had made up my mind. I shifted to Mahesh’s home regardless of what people will say or think. As time flew, a bond started blossoming between me and Mahesh. We were drawn to each other unknowingly and became a support system for one another.

“Samiksha did not know

about this. In fact we both decided to keep it concealed from her. She might not have understood the depth of our relationship. She loved me a lot and grew very fond of me, but her mother was, and is still in her heart. When she was matured enough, I asked her once, casually, what if Mahesh remarried? She will get a mother legally. She lashed out on me and warned no one can ever take her mother’s place in her life. I was shocked at her behaviour and tried to pacify her.

“But she told me

once and for all. That her real mother was dead and no other woman can ever replace her or take that place. I and Mahesh got the clear message and we decided to keep our relationship undercovers, forever. Neither me nor Mahesh ever again brought up this topic. We love each other Karan. And this bond is not just . .”
Karan kept his hand on hers.
“You have said enough. My respect for you has grown ten folds today. You have done something, only an angel would. You gave up your whole life, the precious years of your youth in bringing up the girl, who was only your sister’s daughter. She can never ever pay back for what you have done for her. Not at least in this birth.

“Given chance, you were free to marry and get settled happily like any other girl of your age. And even you could have declared your love for Mr. Mahesh. But you chose to become her guardian angel and sacrificed for her. I wish she understood the depth of your love and the intensity of your feelings.”

Thereupon

both of them sat in silence for a minute.
“Karan, I have conceived. And I want to abort this child at earliest. You cannot imagine the trauma I am going through. I feel I have cheated Samiksha. Betrayed her behind her back.”
“You have sacrificed your life and youth for her. What else can you give her? On the top of that you are blaming yourself for the circumstances. In my opinion Samiksha should know what you and her dad share. And she should accept this wholeheartedly. She has to.”

“No Karan.

What if she hates me. She might start hating her dad too. She will be all alone then.”
“Even now you are thinking about her well being. Let us give this a thought.”
Karan paused for sometime and continued,
“I won’t let you sacrifice your happiness and continue with the turmoil you have lived through, by being in this hidden relationship. I don’t see anything wrong in living a happy life with the one you love. Please. Let me handle this.”
“No Karan what if she hates you too.”

“These are just suppositions. We must give a try to situations before haunting ourselves with the results of our actions. Go home and relax. Throw all the garbage of worries right there,” he pointed towards a dust bin. “Go to your home peacefully. You wish to give birth to this symbol of care and love right?”
“But Karan”, she sobbed again and Karan took her hand into his.

“Do you trust this son of yours?”
“More than God.”
“Then go home with peace in your heart. We will not only keep your child safe but also make Samiksha realise what she has lost over years in her life.”
“May God bless you Karan. You have come in my life as a blessing. I would never thank you enough for what you are doing by just existing in my life.”
“Mothers don’t thank their sons. Happiness is your right too and I will leave no stone unturned in bringing smiles and joy to your life.”

Finally Madhu left the garden with a new ray of hope in her heart.

https://pieces-of-life.com/

https://www.instagram.com/calm_mind_in_the_chaos/