At That Very Moment

My mom had died after suffering a great pain. The sorrow of her separation was mitigated by loss of suffering by death.I reached the village, the car stopped at the gate of my brother. All the children of the neighbourhood came rushing, “Madhu phua has come.” My nephew and bhabhi also came out of the house. Everyone was happy at my sudden arrival. Suddenly I felt that my blood vessels were numbed as if my legs were going behind. After crossing the stair cases, I found the easy chair; near the door was the machia. The whole atmosphere was the same; my bhabhi has not made any changes after the passing away of my father and mother. Near the vacant easy chair, suddenly my legs stopped and I forcefully prevented my hands from folding. I forcefully entered the room. Bhabhi has spread the cot in the yard, women and children surrounded us, from courtyard to door and every place was full. After a long time all have gathered together but even in the atmosphere emptiness was pursuing me. I realised my mom was staring at my every limb, I was shaken. My aunt quickly perceived my condition and said, “Madhu is remembering her dead mother.” As if somebody had pierced a needle in the wound, I started crying.—from this collectionHeart touching stories from renowned author Mridula Sinha, which will move you and make you emotional.