A Gentle Breeze

By Prabir Kumar Datta

In the early summer morning Sonia is sitting on a sofa in the balcony of her flat crafted with the rays of the rising sun. Her eyes are blankly fixed at the long trees at the end of the lawn and the part of blue sky peeping through the dense leaves. But neither is she enjoying the landscape, nor is the refreshing pure breeze bringing any pleasure in her. Rather an uneasy feeling all over her body and mind is making her very much uncomfortable in this early hour of the day. Yesterday for the whole of night she could not sleep due to huge turmoil in her mind and consequent chain of negative thoughts.

Inside the flat the two other members of the family namely, Bunty, her husband and Ria, their only daughter who has just crossed fifteen years are in deep sleep in two different rooms. Bunty is not aware of the events that took place at home last night and as such his prolonged relaxation in this Sunday morning is very much natural. But the fact that Ria is so cool after that dangerous exchange with her last night is causing immense amount of tension in Sonia.

Almost for the whole of the night Sonia was fighting with herself and could not decide whether she should share the matter with Bunty or not. The reason is that she is not even in speaking terms with her husband for a long time. The severe quarrels those were everyday routine of their household are not, of course, taking place nowadays, although that is not due to any truce between them, but rather the result of their tiredness in fighting. They are now staying as distant as possible from each other in different rooms. In their three roomed flat three members of the family lead lives in different rooms in their own way as if in three different islands.  Both the husband and wife, of course, meet all the needs of their only child, but try their best to avoid any close encounter between themselves.

Yesterday’s incidence surpassed all earlier problems and it was so severely shocking that it is now too difficult for Sonia to digest it even after so many hours. At the dinner table yesterday her daughter with whom she hardly gets any time to chat or speak frankly nowadays told, ”Mamma, I have something to tell you.”

Sonia thought that it would be either a request for money to buy a gift for her friend’s birthday party or something similar to that to which she was quite agreeable. She always has some amount of guilty feeling in her for having neglected the child who had to take care of herself when her parents go away to their respective jobs. She pulled her closer and told lightly,” Yes, I am always at your beck and call.”

She tried to make some humor but her daughter was pretty serious,     ” Please listen attentively what I tell. I want to give you some very important information.”

Sonia was a bit surprised and looked eagerly. After a pause, with lot of hesitation Ria uttered that horrible sentence, “ Mamma, I am carrying.”

“ What! “ Sonia could not believe her ears at first. The news that her fifteen year’s daughter who is still a school student is pregnant was so hard to accept that initially she thought that Ria must be joking. She scolded her,” Don’t be silly. You should not make such bad jokes with your mother.”

“Believe me I am not joking. It is hundred percent true. I also could be sure of that today only. If you do not rely on me you can verify with doctor auntie. She has tested me.”

Sonia did not know how to react, but the very next moment she had trembling sensation in herself apprehending the consequences of the matter. She is neither against mixing of her daughter with boys, nor has she any serious taboo about sex, but she could not imagine how her daughter became so careless in having conceived. She is still a minor and her whole life and studies would be totally ruined by this.

It took a few minutes for Sonia to settle after which she decided not to be excited and behave with her daughter just like friend giving her all support. She told softly, “This is really unwise of you. You have made me quite upset. But since something has already happened there is always a remedy. It is never too late to mend. Just be frank with me. I am always there to help.”

Ria laughed loudly,” Strange! Instead of scolding me you are assuring your help to me! Have you exactly followed what I am telling?”

“ I have definitely understood although I never expected this from you. Anyway, nowadays there are ample ways to get rid of such problems. I myself shall take you to the physician and arrange everything. “  Sonia wanted to be sympathetic.

But Ria reacted in most unexpected way,” What are you telling? Do you mean abortion? No way! I shall never do that at any cost.”

“ Are you mad? You are too young to be a mother at this age. You have a long career ahead. You cannot afford to destroy yourself like that. Try to understand that there is not much risk of abortion at this early stage. But we have to be quick.”

“Why are you again and again telling the same thing?” Ria said with irritation, ” Listen Mamma, very carefully. I am not going to do what you are telling. It is my life after all. If I can accept it, why are you so much worried? I just wanted to give you the information but did not seek your advice. If you like you can inform this to papa or else I myself will do that.”

Sonia tried her best to maintain her cool. Now she can understand that she has loosened the thread much more than necessary. She should have been cautious in time before allowing Ria to lead a life full of freedom at this early age. More than affection it has caused serious damage to her life. She again tried to persuade her,” Please Ria, You are not a fool. I am telling you because I love you very much. Just cooperate with me and all the problems will be solved.”

Ria told sarcastically,” What problem are you referring to. Do you call my child a problem? I don’t think so. I won’t go anywhere. I want to be a mother.” 

Then with a queer smile she left the hall and going to her room closed the door leaving a dumbfounded Sonia falling on the sofa helplessly. She could not even consolidate her thoughts now and the risks of a juvenile motherhood of her daughter baffled her severely. 

In such problems in household normally wives seek refuge from husbands, but that door is also closed to Sonia, because for the last so many months they have hardly shared anything other than the same residence. It is also not known whether Ria has told anything to Bunty so far. Of course that seems unlikely as by the time when Ria was telling this to her Bunty’s doors were already closed and have still not opened after that for the whole of night. While coming to the balcony she has seen Ria in deep sleep covering herself under a blanket. That sight has made her more fragile and she is wondering how that small girl is comfortably sleeping with a potential danger in her womb.

But something has to be done immediately as otherwise the series of consequences will put their entire family in dire disaster. Ria may be too young to understand the impact of this but she as mother can’t afford remain inactive, if necessary, by even seeking help from her husband ignoring all her personal ego.  After a lot of fight within her she at last decided to tell her husband everything.

Bunty was at the dining table fully prepared to go out. Although today is Sunday he hardly is expected to remain at home and is probably going to the club where he generally takes lunch in holidays. Sonia after a lot of mental rehearsal took a seat before him. Seeing the most unusual sight Bunty was very much surprised, raised his eyes, but said nothing. After waiting for sometime Sonia uttered, “I had something serious to tell you.”

“Is it ! Ok, then we shall sit in the evening. Now I am in a hurry.” Bunty gave a most official reply.

Sonia found that mere indication will not do. She will have to be more explicit. At any cost she has to keep the conversation on. At last shading all obscurity she narrated him the details of what happened last evening and fervently requested Bunty to cooperate.  At the outset he was reluctant to listen, but when he understood the gravity of the situation got up in excitement and told, “If she doesn’t listen we have to force her. After all she is still a minor and we are her parents. She cannot defy us after committing such a scandalous act.”

Sonia regained some strength when Bunty himself took the initiative to talk to Ria and followed him to her room where in the table she was busy with her studies with headphone in her ear. Seeing her parents she looked with much astonishment and exclaimed, ”What a surprise! Have you become friends again? Never seen you together like this!”

Bunty was serious,” Listen carefully, Ria. I have learned everything from your mother. Why are you not paying any heed to her?”

“ Hold on. Hold on. Let me understand first. You mean, you are pleading for mother. Are you OK papa?”

“Forget about jokes now. Try to be serious. Do you have any idea what grave danger you are in? You are lucky that as parents we are not reacting otherwise and instead want to help you. You must have to go to the doctors with us.”

“ No, I won’t.” Ria raised her voice. “I know why you are now persuading me forgetting all animosity between you. You are worried about saving your face and keeping yourselves clean. I have already conveyed my decision. I shall be a mother. If it is risky I shall prefer to die. I shall do whatever I like. Don’t ever come to rescue me.”

At this furious reaction both Bunty and Sonia got a bit scared. They never imagined this from their apparently shy daughter and found themselves now at the receiving end. All along they have fought between themselves leaving a helpless child Ria traumatized in between them. They have tried their best, although in their individual way to make her happy, but she gradually became so aloof and introvert day by day that the warm contact with her has been seriously impaired. She has been so far a good student, but what was going in her mind was never known to them.

Bunty softened his voice and told in an affectionate voice,” See Mamma, you are our nice child and intelligent too. We have looked after you so long with all our care and affection. We both love you so much that we can never misguide you.”

 That made Ria more excited. She shouted,” Why not. Tell also that you have given me food and shelter. You have given me birth. You have given me money and now I have to repay that. What have you done to me? You have only competed between yourselves in showing love to me and kept fighting all time. Have you ever thought of me? As I had no scope of choosing parents I got you. Now I know, you are even planning to snatch that from me and trying for a divorce.”

Ria kept on screaming leaving both Sonia and Bunty quite at a loss. They could not reply as Ria uttered each word from the core of her heart and was nothing but hundred percent correct. Suddenly a silence came down in the house when each one of them started groping for word. Sonia is now on the verge of breaking down seeing Ria so adamant. No ray of hope is visible to her. Her daughter is blackmailing them today hitting at their weakest point. 

In recent days Bunty was not at all interested in household affairs, but still he has a soft corner on Ria. In fact the prime obstacle in the way of their divorce is the question of possession of their only child whom none of them want to lose. Sonia is sure that Bunty is also badly searching for a way out.

 At last Ria broke the silence, “All right, I can agree to your request, but I have a condition.”

“Yes, yes. Tell that. We are ready for anything you want.” Almost simultaneously they told as if finding a faint ray of hope in a dark tunnel.

“Are you sure? Think well before you give me word.”

“ Definitely we shall keep our word. For you we can go to any extent.” Sonia gave immediate assurance. Bunty also nodded. Their prime objective now is to get rid of the present danger at any cost. Moreover they thought what best a fifteen year girl can want from them. She is their only love for whom any sacrifice is not big. 

But what Ria told made them nonplussed. After quite a long pause she started in the manner of giving a lecture,” You know very well that you have made my life hell by your constant fighting and shouting. Even you are now thinking of separation and trying to possess me by legal battle not understanding that I can have my opinion too. You have brought me in this world and cannot deny liability to provide me a decent life. You have no right to destroy my peace and all delights of life. Since you have ignored that responsibility I have now to claim my dues. I don’t want separated parents. I have the right to have them together.”

Ria stopped, heaved a sigh and told again,” So you must have to do what I will tell you now and the time limit to do that is just one month. Doctor auntie has told me that up to that time of pregnancy I can go for an abortion safely. But if you fail to keep your word I shall proceed to become a single mother and I am ready to face whatever consequence may come to me. Also in that case I’ll keep no relation with you anymore.”

Bunty  and Sonia were getting impatient and asked, “ But at first tell us what we have to do. Have we ever said that we shall not keep our word?”

Ria thought for a while and then said in a cool stern voice,” From today you have to live like my parents and a true loving couple. You will stop hurling ugly words against each other, dine together, talk naturally like all normal households, sleep together and give me a proper environment in house.”

 They never thought of this type of condition from their daughter. It is a fact that they used to quarrel, but in the recent past they hardly talk, not to speak of fighting. Dining together can be adjusted, but sleeping together which they have given up long ago appeared to be almost impossible. Both of them were hesitant what to say when Ria repeated,” You appear to be unwilling. Ok then, I won’t force you, nor will you request me anymore.”

Sonia shivered. All her efforts seemed to go astray. In a hurry to patch up somehow she told Bunty , “ Can we not try once?”

“ Impossible! I can’t do that. Do whatever you like. I am going.” Bunty got up and proceeded towards the door to go out. Sonia was clueless what to do. But next moment it occurred to her that the matter has to be solved anyhow and rushed to resist Bunty throwing away all her inhibitions and said ,” Please Bunty, don’t go.”

They discussed for a while and ultimately both were convinced that they have no other way than to accede to their daughter’s demand as the only other alternative is to face a lifelong problem. As if like two caged animals in front of their tiny daughter they were forced to make a firefighting by agreeing at least for the time being.

But Ria was too smart to be deceived like this. When they talked a few words between them to satisfy her, dined together silently and tried to pose to behave normally she observed closely and announced after two days,” I am taking back my promise because you are not keeping your words. You are simply acting in front of me while you promised to behave like true couple. Moreover you were supposed to sleep in the same bed, not separately one in the bed and other in the sofa as you did.”

Both of them were trapped now and at last they had to correct themselves. Under the strict vigilance of their daughter they had to talk naturally and even sleep in the same bed. It appeared to be extremely difficult at the beginning when they used to lie turning back to each other, but outside their room Ria made them talk, laugh and even sing together. Slowly the ice began to melt day to day through small interactions under strict supervision of an overenthusiastic Ria who hugged them off and on, laughed loudly on the slightest reason and made them give her company.

Once the initial stiffness in the relationship started softening it melted so quickly that talking between themselves in absence of their daughter also took place one day. It started at first with long arguments which slowly gave way to normal conversation and culminated to sex one night. Once it started it continued to repeat as if to compensate the loss they suffered for so many days.

Under compulsion imposed by their child they thus overcame the barrier which once seemed to be insurmountable. It appeared that they were lost in a dry desert devoid of rain of love from where the recent happenings have led them to the realm of beauties of life. Ria also has been watching her parents closely and is now quite happy to see the progress. After some days Ria reminded that it was their marriage anniversary tomorrow. They did not celebrate it for last many years and as such it did not occur to them, but Ria insisted, “We shall have a grand celebration within us this time. I want delicious dishes in the same way mamma used to prepare earlier and papa must assist her. Whole day there will be lot of fun and play.”

Sonia agreed,” I can do that. But will your father agree?” 

Ria was in nice mood today. He said,” Don’t worry I shall look into that.” 

Bunty is not avoiding them nowadays. He rather proposed merrily, ”In that case we shall have to buy new dresses. This time I shall sponsor the whole program.”

Ria clapped in joy and said with a brightened face, “Beautiful. Then mamma will sponsor a weekend tour to the sea beach.”

Sonia happily agreed. The day passed really in a grand way. They decorated the flat nicely, put on nice dresses, had lot of fun together and had delicious dishes prepared by Sonia and Bunty together. Ria took lot of photographs and uploaded to face book. At last she insisted, “Now you have to dance together.”

It is true that they used to dance together in all gatherings earlier and were famous for that among all known people. But for a long time that has been discontinued due to the declining of their relationship. Today after a long time they were hesitant at first but at the end of the day really enjoyed that forgotten taste of old days rather in much more degree with their daughter constantly cheering them up. At night in the bed when Bunty hugged Sonia passionately she was shivering in joy and reciprocated aptly. Both of them now were of the same opinion that it was only for their loving kid that they have regained their lost life full of happiness.

But the thorn that was pricking them from within was the danger growing day by day inside Ria. Next day in an opportune moment Sonia reminded her of the abortion. Ria smiled and said,” Oh, You are very impatient. I am fully conscious of my promise. It is still a week left to complete one month.”

Sonia pleaded,” See, we have kept our word. You, my sweet child, has given us so much that we are indebted to you. We were destroying our life and yours too, you saved us from ruins.”

Bunty also supported,” Yes, I never imagined that my daughter would be so much matured behind our notice.”

Ria stopped them,” Ok enough! You don’t have to so much formal and emotional. What I did was just for the sake of my own interest. You of course are good parents, but forgot that. Anyway we have some more important business. Let us make a plan for the trip to the beach that you assured me.”

So after long time one day in the next weekend they started for a family tour in their car to a famous sea side resort to spend two full days there. They played on the sand, took bath in the sea for long time and had sumptuous lunch in the resort.

Sonia was very much afraid to get into the water but Bunty pulled her there forcefully. Ria was looking like a doll in her branded shorts and tee shirt. Even Sonia had to put on the dress according to the choice of Ria. There were lot of leg pulling, fun and indoor games. Ria told Bunty, “ Papa, tell me how mamma was afraid of ghost when you took her to the forest.”

Those stories were part of their life when Ria was a child and every night before going to sleep had to be told a story. Sonia enjoyed, but frowned,” Why are you targeting me only. Shall I tell you something about you father? Do you know how foolish he was looking when he proposed me?”

Ria giggled,” Is it? Must be very interesting. Please tell me.”

Bunty was a bit uneasy. He wanted to avoid the topic and told,” Leave it now. I have to tell you a more important thing. Tomorrow we all have to get up very early in the morning. We have to go to enjoy the sunrise on the sea. People come here from distant places to see that.”

Sonia is a habitual late riser. She said,” I beg your pardon. You two go there. I will be in the room.”

“No chance. I must take you. Papa, if she doesn’t get up, tell me. I’ll pour water on her head. So better mamma, get ready in time.”

They had a long walk on the sand along the beach after the sunrise, had jasmine tea on the beachside shop and collected many sea shells. Each moment seemed to be so heavenly to them that they wished the vacation not to end so quickly even after two days were over. 

Back to the resort they had to now prepare for returning after the breakfast. But Ria was in no mood to return and was lying between his parents with her head on the lap of her mother and legs scattered on his father’s body. She told in a pampered voice, “Can you not extend your leave for two more days? I don’t like to return so soon. We have missed one good spot where there is a big fishing centre.”

Sonia was playing her fingers in the hair of Ria. She told affectionately, ”No dear, We have a very important work on return. We cannot linger that.”

Bunty also told, ”Don’t worry. We shall come here again with a long holiday and a better planning. This time it was arranged in a hurry. But at first we have to get rid of our present worry.”

Ria got up and looked straight to her father.” I don’t understand what you are telling. Mamma is telling about an important work and you are talking of worries. What do you mean really? Will you please clarify me?”

Sonia was for a long time thinking how to start the topic. Although they have spent two days in enough enjoyment and delight all along an anxiety was bothering her. She is still not sure whether Ria will now keep her promise. Until and unless she is taken to the doctor and operated successfully Sonia cannot breath freely. As the days are passing one by one the risk of abortion is increasing. 

Now getting a chance to raise the issue she tried to hit the nail on the head,” Look, your time limit of one month is now over. I don’t want to delay even one day now. We have to go to the doctor and arrange for everything  immediately on return.”

Bunty supported her,” You are right. Today itself I shall book the appointment with the doctor.”

Ria looked astonished, ”Doctor! For whom do you want a doctor? Is any one of you ill? You never told me.”

Sonia was a bit irritated. She did not like Ria’s joking in such a serious matter. She said,” What do you mean? How can you forget such an important thing? You yourself gave the condition and we have done our duty. It is now your turn to reciprocate. You cannot back out now.  Don’t take it so lightly.”

Bunty also told in a soft but serious voice,” Your mamma is right only. You must understand how much concerned we are for you. Please don’t be disobedient now.”

Riia burst into laughter, her voice almost chocked in laugh. She said,” Oh, Mamma, Papa, you are still child! What has happened to me? Believe me, there is nothing of that sort. How could you at all think that your child would be so bad?  Whatever I have told you are all bluff only. There is no need of any doctor, any appointment or abortion because I was never pregnant.”

Bunty and Sonia could not believe their ears. What is she telling! That means she has befooled them both so long! But still the doubt did not disappear completely. Sonia told,” How can it be? We have already confirmed with your doctor auntie.”

Ria laughed again,” It is the doctor auntie only who gave me the plan. Obviously she has also told you lie.”

“ Strange! But why at all did you do that?” Bunty exclaimed.

“ Perhaps  you didn’t know that you two had made my life miserable and I thought of committing suicide by taking sleeping pills. But before that one day I told the entire thing to the doctor auntie and wept before him. She consoled me and assured me of every help. It is she who advised me to do everything I did. I am thankful to her that her plan has worked so well. You can verify from him. Now at least relieve yourselves from all tension.”

Of course neither Bunty nor Sonia had any more doubt. They have lost the game to their fifteen year old small child but they never knew earlier that a loss can be so sweet. They hugged Ria with great love. A gentle breeze from the wide sea entered the room from the open window and swayed their hearts with inexplicable joy. 

By Prabir Kumar Datta