The trill of the doorbell woke Krithika from her sleep. "Who could it be?" she wondered as she got up slowly to open the door. Age seemed to be catching up with her. She was seventy-five, an old woman, but she was still young at heart. She opened the door and in came her daughter Udhaya. "Amma!" she squealed with joy, "I have made it. I am now an I.A.S officer." Krithika's cup of happiness was now full. She looked at Udhaya with pride and said "I knew you would make it."

Krithika went down memory lane to the day she was to bring little Udhaya home. Krithika looked longingly at the little girl in front of her at the "Udhavum Karangal" - an orphanage in Chennai. She had the most beautiful brown eyes that looked at her so innocently that it tugged at her heartstrings. She had already made up her mind to adopt this child. Udhaya was three years old when Krithika brought her home, much against the wishes of her husband and sons. "Are you mad ", they had roared in unison. "Adopting a baby girl at fifty-five! Amma, this is too much." put in her son Naren. "Why don't you just donate an amount every month to an orphanage?" quipped her daughter-in-law Nanditha.

Her younger son Rohan remained silent as usual and his wife Ranjana remained silent too. Krithika looked at them and said, "Listen I have always put your interests before mine. Now, you all no longer need my help. So it is now that I can look to my own interests. If I find a meaning in life by taking care of an orphan child then I will do so. But I assure you that taking care of her will be my sole responsibility, and I will not expect any participation from any of you." Krithika had voiced her liking for the first time and her husband and children had to give in, but did so reluctantly.

Krithika brought Udhaya home on the fifteenth of August. Udhaya became the apple of her mother's eye. Her beautiful face and innocent pranks touched everyone. It was a pleasure to take care of her. Krithika got good support from her live-in maid, Saradha. But even the all-wise Saradha was apprehensive as to why she had to adopt a child. Krithika's tough husband seemed to enjoy the little child's happy play. Krithika felt years younger in the company of Udhaya. Her cup of happiness was full, in fact overflowing, when the tragedy struck in the Raghavan Household. Krithika's husband passed away on the fifth of September due to a heart attack. Krithika was shattered, her world revolved around her family, primarily her husband, and though he had a peaceful end, it was a big loss to her.

Krithika's sons and daughters-in-law came home for the ceremonies. Her husband was a simple man and he did not like anything elaborate. Hence, the ceremonies were conducted in a simple manner. Udhaya's adoption invited a lot of criticism, but Krithika took them in her stride. Her own children were not happy with her decision. Such opinions did not perturb Krithika; she felt that Udhaya was the soothing balm that God had sent to heal the wound that was caused by her husband's sudden demise.

Naren and Rohan returned to America with their families after the ceremonies with the promise of keeping in touch. Krithika wished her children well; after all they were her blood and were very precious to her. Days and years rolled by . Krithika now gave her full undivided attention in bringing up Udhaya. Money was adequate, as her husband had given her enough. She also got a lot of money from her husband's insurance.

Udhaya was growing into a charming and intelligent young woman. She always topped her class in academics and had flair in fine arts too. Udhaya graduated with Economics as Major. She bagged the gold medal and came first in the State. Krithika wanted her to become an I.A.S officer, as she was very patriotic. Her sons Naren and Rohan were both Engineers and they went abroad for higher studies and made it their home. Udhaya took her civil services exam and passed it in flying colours. It was through Udhaya that Krithika saw her dreams coming true. This relationship had brought a meaning to her life - given her a purpose to live.

"Amma are you listening." It was Udhaya calling out to her. Krithika came back to the present and looked at the young woman in front of her. Udhaya was an embodiment of her love - a child who she bore in her heart - one who was as precious to her as the children she bore in her womb. It was a fruitful bond she had nurtured over the years. Today she basked in the glory of having fulfilled a commitment she had made to herself.

Vathsala Narasimman

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