A second chance

From diapers to frocks, skirts to jeans and salwars-kameezes to sarees, she grew up to become an enthralling personality. Being the only ...

From diapers to frocks, skirts to jeans and salwars-kameezes to sarees, she grew up to become an enthralling personality. Being the only child of her parents, she was the apple of their eyes. She excelled at school and college. Her brilliance in academics, excellence in sports and distinction in other activities made her a popular figure. But never was she a source of envy. On the contrary, her gentleness was acknowledged by all. Elders loved her, friends adored her and juniors idolised her.

As a bubbling graduate, she was all set to conquer the world. She always dreamt of doing something good, something which could bring happiness to others. Angelic as she was, her mere presence anywhere could achieve that. She conquered a man8217;s heart and brought bliss to his home. He was a pilot, always reaching for the sky. Then war broke out and the inevitable happened. A buoyant girl, barely out of her teens, was widowed. She too had dreamt of reaching for the sky, but circumstances made her life a pipe-dream.

She overcame the tragedy. Her character was such. Though she portrayed a faint-hearted personality, resolution and courage were her strong-points. Her parents were totally shattered. They cried their eyes out, even as the cynosure of their eyes comforted them. She took up a job as a teacher and her school welcomed her. The staff had a soft spot for her, and the students regarded her as a role model teacher. A couple of years rolled by.

He was the principal8217;s son and had been at school with her. Later he went abroad for further studies. He was working there and had come home on vacation. He was quite perturbed when he learnt about her. They met. Deep in his heart was a feeling of pity for her. Subsequent meetings were more frequent. She too felt comfort in his company. Gradually, she became his passion. Time passed and he had to leave. He was crestfallen at the very thought of it. She hadn8217;t thought of it either, and expected the initiative from him. She too possessed the power to act, but there was no first step. He went back.

He called up his mother from overseas. Pleasantries were exchanged. Then there was silence, the cause of which the mother could fathom. He wanted to know about her. There was silence again. He wanted to speak to her. The silence persisted. He put across his decision8230;.. he wanted to marry her. This time the silence did get broken. The mother said that she had resigned and left. He queried 8230;8230; who was the man ? A pilot, came the reply. They could reach for the sky, reach together of course. This time there were no war-clouds.