The Birthday Party

Source: www.teddybearcollection.blogspot.com

She yelled at him. It had become a daily ritual. “Raj! For Pete’s sake, why can’t you keep an eye on Kuhu once in a while? She has crawled under the bed!”

The day had started for Reena, like it always did. With a lot of chaos interspersed with the mess Kuhu created, accentuated by her heavenly gurgles. She went about, tripping over a fallen book as she cleared the toys and got ready to leave for work. With the mess cleared, she rushed into the kitchen to get breakfast and her lunchbox ready, throwing a stony stare at Raj as she went by. “I am going to get late again today” she muttered under her breath, as she spilled the warm milk onto the floor and saved the feeding bottle from crashing into pieces. As usual it was past nine when she left the house with Kuhu in tow. 

It was but a fifteen minute drive to work. Quickly she dropped the obliviously happy munchkin at the day care center and stealthily entered her office, hoping fervently that her boss Mr. Mudit was not around. “Reena! This is the third time in a week that you are late, and it is just Wednesday!” she heard the devil scream from behind. She turned around with an apologetic look plastered on her face which she knew would melt Mr. Mudit’s anger. “Sir, Kuhu ….” “Yeah, I knew it had to be that” he cut her, but in a much calmed tone. “Try not to repeat this ok?” he said, giving a warning look like he did every day. “If only Raj would help her with the morning chores” she groaned as she made her way to her desk. 

The morning went by in a jiffy, save her lunch visit to check on Kuhu, she hardly got a minute away from work. The kiddo was busy gurgling, making a mess of everything around her. Things were normal. Heaving a sigh, Reena suddenly remembered the chores she had to get done. Buy groceries, pick up the laundry and get Raj a couple of tees. His wardrobe seemed so outdated these days! That sealed it for her, she had to steal an hour away from work and run to the closest mall. 

As she heaved the bags, Reena’s phone rang. It was her mother-in-law calling. It must be three, thought Reena; it was the same time every day.  “Beta, how are things? How is work” asked Sheela. “Hectic as usual Ma, I just stepped out to buy Raj some clothes, he still has those faded tees, can you believe it!” After a pause Sheela replied “I understand beta, but did you have to take time out of work? It could have been done some other day…” “It has been long overdue Ma… you are coming tonight right? And baking Raj’s favourite chocolate cake?” Again there was a pause… a much longer one this time. “Yes Reena, we will be there and I’ll get the cake”. Happy, Reena cut the call, only to hear it ring again. This time it was Raj’s and her college mate and best friend Neil calling. She discussed the surprise birthday party she had planned with him. It was going to be a small gathering, all of Raj’s closest friends and family. He would be pleased she thought.

It was five by the time she picked up Kuhu and made her way back home. On reaching, she got Kuhu settled in and went about cleaning the place, to get it ready in time for the party.  She felt Raj’s eyes smiling as she went past him. “It’s just too messy” she said quickly, hoping that he wouldn't guess what she was up to... An hour later she and Kuhu were ready, in time when the door bell rang. Ma, Pa, Neil and his family were all there.  She knew Raj would be happy. The morning irritation was forgotten.

Sheela gave her a tight hug and placed the cake on the table. Slowly, she looked up and saw her eyes glisten in the reflection from the photo frame. Her son looked back at her with a smile, as he always had ever since that ill fated day, six months ago. Turning around, she saw teary eyes trained on the wall behind her…she was not alone. A loud yell from the kitchen broke the silence; Reena was jumping up and down ecstatically “Raj! Kuhu just said her first word, did you hear that??” her screaming was interjected by Kuhu’s babbles “Mamm Mamm”…. 

We tell ourselves stories in order to live… in order to come to terms with the emptiness the loss of a close one leaves behind in our life, thought Sheela. This, was Reena’s story. 

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This post was written for Women's Web's Muse of the Month writing theme for January 2014.