“Ma, please take your pills on time.”
“Rashmi, I’ll manage, don’t bother —”
“Hush, please, you have just recovered from pneumonia,” Rashmi whispered, and she reached out to clasp my hand. It felt like yesterday since my little girl walked into my room with her prized science project.
“Fret not, I have a nurse round the clock to assist me.” Her close embrace left me feeling weak at my knees. How can I forget the day she received her coveted scholarship, her childhood dream? Since the day my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She had vowed to find a cure for it. In my heart, I prayed every day, and I knew she would succeed.
“Ma, I know you are worried. But once I have completed the stem cell research program. I’ll meet you soon thereafter.”
“That’s been my only lifelong wish,” I sighed.
“I’ll look forward to your video calls,” I reminded and she acknowledged it with a swift nod.
The Airport was a beehive of activity and a flurry of announcements that had travellers on their toes. Followed by digital screens beaming flight status and timings incessantly. The air was filled with anticipation and renewed hope of a better tomorrow.
We walked into a nearby cafe, intending to find Rashmi’s batchmate. Several minutes passed after we ordered freshly brewed caffeine. Amidst the sea of people that thronged the place, Rashmi felt a gentle tap on her shoulder.
Rashmi turned around and exclaimed, “Sunita, I have been waiting for you for ages.”
Sunita rolled her eyes. “If not for the rush hour traffic, I’d be here sooner.”
A wave of relief swept over me as I watched in silence with an amused grin that played on my lips. They continued to converse animatedly for a couple more minutes. I instinctively knew that they both would look out for each other at the research institute despite their demanding schedules.
Time was of the essence, and these precious few moments will be treasured.
I quickly pulled out a gift package and cleared my throat. Before handing it over to Rashmi with an eager smile.
“Well, I guess it’s a —” Rashmi opened the gift. “It’s awesome, I’d love wearing this pendant.”
Rashmi, wide-eyed, opened the heart-shaped pendant that had a family portrait of her parents holding her as a baby.
“This is the best gift I’ve received,” Rashmi confessed.”I’ll always wear it around my neck, keep it close to my heart.”
I hugged her tightly before they waved their goodbyes. Eyes brimming with tears, as I saw their silhouettes grow smaller and merge with the crowd.
I stood at the airport, watching them walk away, not knowing when
or if I’d see them again.
