“Wake up Lazybones!” It was repeated for the nth time, with no response. “I don’t know what will happen to this child… never does she wake up on time, …. never with a smile, …. Never….” muttered on and on the exasperated Mother.
She had to get to her office in time for the global meeting, online but had to pack off her Darling daughter to school, before.
Things had changed so much in the past few years. It was unthinkable! Imagine a global meeting… but online? Sans travel, visas, tickets, hotel bookings and all that drama? She was spared all the arrangements to be made and compromises. And from the comfort of her own plush office, overlooking the Turf club and the sea, she could run the show.
But she was worried about Nisha, her daughter. Someone who enjoyed school, being with her friends, teachers, co-curricular activities, and the gamut of things in a regular school day, she had become reticent, after the schools went online.
“What’s for breakfast?” muttered the sleepy voice, as she came quietly and stood behind Amisha. Spinning around, she gave Nisha a quick hug and a kiss on the top of her head… “French toasts, Sweetie… your favourite!”
Relief flooded through her veins and nerves… she started humming …
I’m on the top of the world lookin’ down on creation
And the only explanation I can find
Is the love that I’ve found, ever since you’ve been around
Your love’s put me at the top of the world (Courtesy – Carpenters)
The cyclone took over the scene… as was witnessed each morning during the week. Tiffin to be packed, coffee, water, coconut water, mid-morning snack, evening snack, diet khakhra, etc, etc, Clothes, accessories, handbag, shoes… oh the shoes, had to be stylish yet comfortable and matching! School uniform, polish the school shoes, the socks without rundown elastic… when was she finally going to throw the ones sans elasticity out? (One day! She could hear her mind!)
5 to 8 announced her shrill alarm…. Purposefully chosen to cut through any reverie she might slip into. Round up Nishi, her bag, her lunch basket and run down to the school bus. The customary hug, kiss and “Love you, Darling!” done with and it was time for her to leave for her own office. Where was Rakesh? He had promised to be there today. Her husband and Nisha’s father.
As she was stepping out of the house, she caught a glimpse of herself in the oversized mirror in the drawing room. A smart, attractive lady understated, and chic was reflected. It perked her up and she skipped out humming to herself again.
The days her child was up and about, eating her breakfast, and off to school on time were her winners.
After having to helplessly watch her slip into depression, develop poor appetite, and withdraw, the intangibles of a normal child doing normal things was the most precious gift for her!
/////
The meeting was crisp, fruitful, and very effective. Her commanding, confident presence, a picture of efficient luxury, had soothed people round the globe. Directors, managers and even shop floor executives immediately took to her. They could iron out the troubles which had cropped up, get the team to see her broad vision, and chalk out the way going ahead. When she finally looked at her understated chrome and black Rolex, it winked back 6 o’ clock! Where did the day go?
Zooming back home, her mind was filled with visions of Nisha, munching her French toasts with relish. She wished she didn’t have to hurry her off to school early mornings. Fervently she prayed, it would have been a good day for her too. Hopefully she would have a smile! Maybe a tale about the naughty kids at school, who wouldn’t have done their homework and spin a new excuse for their teacher. That always amused her. “It’s much simpler to complete the HW mom, rather than the tall, grossly unbelievable excuses, they cook up!” she would mutter and laugh.
“Hello Sweetie!” she said as she rushed in through the drawing room. Silence! “Hi! I’m home!” she squawked in the chirpiest tone she could muster. Now the panic stirred, deep in her belly… and slowly snaked up, reaching higher to suffocate and strangulate… ‘Oh! What could have happened? Where was Rakesh? Such an irresponsible man! An irresponsible and utter failure as a husband… and now as a father too!’ Panic met rage uncoiling within her….
“Hey Gorgeous! How was your day? No need to panic… she is fine! Just in the washroom. So, tell me… did you win another multi billion deal?” He approached, smiling. “Thank God!” was all she could muster.
“Hi Mom!” said Nishi as she clung to her mother’s back, emerging from the bathroom. That warm cuddle, the confident and joyful voice, at one stroke banished the coiling serpents of panic and anger. “I had such a funny day, you know….” As her soft voice went on to narrate the escapades of her classmates and teachers, Amisha heaved a sigh, hugging her treasure to her heart!
The joys of home and family maybe intangible but they make life Heaven or Hell for everyone! What do you say?
