Not Just A Story

"What exactly did Dad tell you over the phone?" asked Lily for the third time to her brother Ron.

"Not much. Only that mom is very sick and her condition is worsening and so she wanted to have a last glimpse of us", replied Ron with a tear in his eyes. Lily too was in tears.

Lily and Ron had stayed away from their family and village for their job and busy life style in the city. They had such a busy schedule that they hardly had any time to visit them in the last four years. Their mom, although a strong lady, couldn't hold her passion for long and broke down. Her health and mental condition declined still she refused to tell anything to her children and call them back. It was only when she realized her end was near that she wanted to meet her children for the last time.

So Lily and Ron walked homewards with their hearts heavy and happy at the same time. Heavy and sad for their mother was ill and happy because they were returning home after four long years. Suddenly they heard someone hailing them from behind. They turned and saw their mother. Surprised they ran towards her. Then, hugging her for a long time they asked about her health. She smiled and replied, "Don't worry sweethearts now that I had a glimpse of you I'm no longer in any pain. I went to pick you up from the station but got a bit late so I started homewards and found you. So let's walk back together." Saying so they resumed their journey.

On their way, they started conversing with their mom—stories of four years all at one go. Their mom, smiling, listened with great enthusiasm. Ron told her about his new boss being quite better and cooperating than the previous one while Lily assured her that after shifting to a new house she now lives comfortably. Their mother relieved to hear about her children's well beings, smiled and advised them that no matter what the situation is, they should always stay happy. She said, "Happiness is the key to a healthy life, my dear children. Always remember difficulties can only be overcome with a smile in face and not a scorn."

Confused by their mom's sudden advice, Ron asked, "What kind of difficulties are you talking of, mom?" "Any difficulty, my child. Life is full of difficulties, dear. Death, sorrow, separation, heart break all should be overcome with a smile. Always remember dear time heals all pain. So, give Time some time," replied their mother smiling. To this Lily become a bit afraid and asked, "Mom, could time ever heal the sorrow of death and separation?" Seeing Lily afraid, Mom brought her close to herself and assured her, "Yes, dear. Time can heal every pain. Even that of death. When I lost my mom twenty years ago, I too felt the same, that I could never overcome this pain. But see Time healed all my pains. In the same way, my dear, when I die….." Before she could finish saying Ron and Lily cut her off saying, "We don't wanna lose you mom. We won't be able to bear it," and hugged their mom. Seeing her children's fearful eyes, the mother put her arms around their shoulder and said, "Everyone has to bear this pain of separation, this loss dear. But I will always stay in your heart, won't I? And I will always be beside you, my dear." Ron and Lily who had never seen their mom speak like that, became confused and a bit afraid. But then they thought, perhaps her bad health and weak mental condition due to separation from her children made her say so.

On reaching their house, they saw a gathering of many people of their village on their lawn. Unable to figure out the matter, they turned to ask their mom. But she was no where to be seen. Surprised and afraid, they pushed through the crowd only to find their father sitting on the floor, crying and beside him, laid, covered in white shroud, their mom's dead body.