Zoya and Nilesh had talked about it a million times and today was no different.
“Are you sure about it?” There was a concerned look on Zoya’s face.
Nilesh kept the butter toast back on the plate and looked up. He had gone through this in his head many times and there was not an iota of doubt.
He stood up and walked around Zoya’s chair and warmly wrapped his arms around her, “My dear wife, yes, I am sure, and I know deep inside that you are too. We have waited for this for two years and now it is finally going to happen. I understand that you are a bit nervous but trust me, it will go well.
A tear rolled down Zoya’s eye and fell on her palm as she drifted into a flashback.
Nilesh and she were happily settled after getting married seven years back and were at the prime of their careers. Supported by loving parents and in-laws, Zoya couldn’t have asked for a better match for herself. Nilesh was a sensitive and caring partner who was also a great friend to her. They both bloomed in each other’s companionship and didn’t see themselves getting attached to the responsibilities of bringing up a child. Both were dividing their time between their professions and offering service to the community. Whenever they had some bonus time, they focused on spending it with their families and nurturing their personalities.
She recalled her first visit to the ‘Mother’s Care orphanage’ two years ago. It was Nilesh’s 40th birthday and both had decided to spend time there. Her ex-colleague, Niharika had recently joined the center as the Director of Operations and it was during one of their telephone conversations, Niharika invited her to the orphanage.
Somehow, she picked up Nilesh’s birthday as the day to visit the center.
On the day, they both arrived with a huge chocolate strawberry cake, drawing books, colors, and balloons. Nilesh was excited and so was Zoya. As both stepped inside the center, they were warmly greeted by Niharika.
“Thank you Zoya and Nilesh for choosing us to spend your special day with. I, the staff, and the girls were eagerly waiting for you. Come, I will show you around.” Niharika led the couple into the beautiful compound of the center.
Zoya had visited some children and senior care centers before but this was the first time she came to a girls only orphanage. As they walked past the garden, she saw little girls playing on the swings, shouting in joy and laughing together. It was a sight to behold for Zoya as the girls, dressed in pretty frocks and hairclips in their hair, flipped and flopped in all corners.
“How lovely!” words swiftly came out of her mouth as Niharika told them about the orphanage and how it grew. While Nilesh was carefully listening to her, Zoya was in a different zone and didn’t register much of what Niharika was saying.
‘What is this? A pang?’
‘Is it some pain?’
‘No. It is an adrenaline rush!’
'I think I am just feeling very very happy.'
Zoya was tossing in her thoughts. She had never felt like this before.
“Come, we’ll go to the infant care room. You can only look at the newborns from behind the glass. It is a sensitive zone.”
‘We understand.” Nilesh followed Niharika.
Zoya reluctantly followed them, she could have just stayed there for some more time watching the little girls play.
As she stood behind the glass of the infant care room, numbness in her hands increased. Her whole body felt heavy and for a second, she thought that she will not be able to move.
But did she really want to move?
She was watching eight of the most beautiful newly born creatures of the world. Their pink faces and innocent eyes perfectly complimented the little strand of hair on their heads. Some of them were deep asleep while others were rolling their eyes in all directions of the room trying to find someone - A warm hand on their back. A safe embrace. A gentle whisper, maybe a shoulder to rest their heads on. Someone, who was theirs!
By now Nilesh had sensed the unfamiliarity in the air around Zoya but he didn’t interrupt her. He wanted to be an observer of his partner and of his own emotions as he was silently sharing these never-before moments with his wife inside the center.
“It was your best birthday ever!” Zoya wiped her moist eyes and turned back at Nilesh.
“I agree. Come. It is time to go now. Let us bring our daughter home.” Nilesh lovingly looked back at Zoya.
The phone rang.
“Hi, Mom.” Zoya cheeringly answered her phone.
“Hello, Zoya. Are you guys still home?” her mother asked.
“Mom, we are just at the door.” Zoya followed Nilesh out of the door.
“Happy Women's Day, My Darling Daughter! I am so proud of you!”
Zoya could feel the heaviness in her mother’s voice as her own eyes became moist again.
“Happy Women’s Day to you too, Mom. You are the best! I will call you back in the evening” Zoya signed off.
As Nilesh turned on the car ignition, Zoya happily muttered, “Here comes Mama and Papa, my dearest Patrika!