Dreams

Reena parked her car, a brand new BMW in the garage. Her day was hectic. The sales weren’t working up to the standards and she was under more pressure from the top management to correct it. As she entered the house, she saw Ravi lying on the couch sipping beer and watching football. He looked at her, his face had an obvious question mark over it.

“So?” he asked. “I haven’t changed my mind Ravi” she grunted, throwing her bag on the table she went to the washroom.

“You cannot do this Reena! I mean HOW CAN YOU!” Ravi stressed as he followed her. “We are not ready for it! Don’t you get it?!” she made her argument while splashing water on her tired face. “I’ve had enough of this daily arguments Ravi! I’ve already taken the appointment, I’m getting it done tomorrow” she concluded the topic with a harsh tone. A distraught Ravi went back to the couch. It had been his bed for the past week.

Neither of them had dinner. Reena went to bed, anger still pouring out from her face. The fights have not stopped since the day they found Reena was pregnant. Ravi, who was overjoyed with the feeling of becoming a father was shocked when he heard Reena saying that she does not want the baby. She was due a promotion in the coming appraisal cycle and she could not miss it for a pregnancy leave!

Ravi had tried explaining it to her in every possible way and finally even pleaded her to not go ahead with it, but Reena was firm on her decision. As she went to bed that night, she taught how unsupportive her husband has become of her. And how her feelings are of no concern to him now. Her head was going blank thinking of the fights they had recently.

The next thing she knew was that he was on her way to the doctor early in the morning. Since the doctor was a 10mins walk away from their home she chose to walk there instead of taking the car. On her way, she went past a garden. The fresh breeze kissed her face gently. She checked her wrist watch, there was still good half an hour for the appointment. She thought to have a quiet time in the park.

Just as she sat on a bench, she heard a faint cry. She wasn’t sure if it was in her head or real. After trying to listen more closely she heard it again. She got up and tried to find the source. Some 15 meters across in the bushes. Checking in she saw it. A child, maybe 2-3yrs old, squatting, with its head between its legs, crying with all its might! She was shocked! She asked, “Where are your parents?” The child did not respond. “What’s your name? Are you lost?” she inquired again without any reply! She looked around to see if there was anyone searching for the kid. She could find no one.

As she went towards the child, it looked at her, opening its arms, she was taken aback, and it had no face, and said, “Maa! Don’t kill me please!”

A startled Reena suddenly got up. She was completely soaked in sweat, her breathing was heavy. Her eyes were like a dam burst open, tears gushing out without ant restraint. She sprung out from the bed ran towards the living room, and hugged Ravi with everything she had. An obviously surprised Ravi asked, “What happened baby? Are you ok?”

“I’m.. so …so sorry Ravi..it was all my fault” she sobbed. Ravi understood her wife’s emotions, he smiled and hugged her tight. The next morning the first thing Reena did was to call up the doctor and cancel her appointment.