By Andrea A Sen
“Yeah, I’m doing fine. I’m really busy. Call you back later.” And Jack cut the call. She sighed from the other end of the phone. “Yes mom I’m eating well. You don’t have to worry. I’m not a kid anymore. I’m going to keeping the phone. Will call you later.” “But Jack-” the call ended. She kept the phone down with a sad smile and went on to do her kitchen work. The next day Jack had an important meeting with his client and he was getting late but his phone rang while he was walking to the room. It was his mom. He was annoyed that she called him always for no particular reason at all. He picked up the phone and said, “Mom, I’m already late for my meeting. From now onwards stop calling me for no reason.” she asked with a wry smile, “I understand but do you remember what day it is today?” “No, I don’t and I don’t have time for this right now.” And he cut the call. She kept the down and thought to herself “I hope you are doing well.”
The meeting went well and later that evening he went for a walk. He went to a cake shop as he was craving for something sweet. As he was selecting a cake he heard the cashier getting angry at a boy as he didn’t have enough money. “But I really want the cake. Please could you give a discount?” The guy lashed out at him, “That’s not possible. Why don’t you understand kid?” So Jack came up to the cashier and paid for it. “Here I have paid for it.” The kid thanked Jack many times and said he was really grateful for it. Jack then asked, “For whom is this cake for and why do is it so important to buy it?” The kid replied with the brightest smile on his face, “It’s my mom’s birthday today. She always does something special for my dad, sister and for me every time. So this time I want to surprise her with something special. She always helps me and cooks the best food which I love the most. I love my mom so much, that’s why.” Jack was really happy to hear that but suddenly realized that it was his mom’s birthday that day. Her words ran through his mind – “Do you remember what day it is today?” He felt guilty that he never once talked to her properly for 3 years after he moved to the city to work. He knew his mom wanted to know about him, hear his voice as she was lonely too as his dad passed away 5 years ago. He then bought some cake rushed out of the shop and to a florist to buy his mom’s favourite bouquet of flowers. He called his manager to take leave for next 2 days as he wanted to go back to his hometown to his mother.
The next day when he went back home his mother was astonished. “Why did you come back suddenly? Wouldn’t it be a prob-” He suddenly hugged his mom. “I’m sorry I never called from my side. I’m sorry I always cut the call. I’m sorry that I always shout at you and tell you I’m busy. I’m sorry for being harsh. I’m sorry for forgetting your birthday though you always remembered mine and wished me. You also took care of me through my darkest and my brightest times. I’m sorry.” He bawled his eyes out just like a little child. She said, “It’s fine my son, I just want you to know that I love you no matter where you go.” He nodded. He gifted her the cake and flowers and was elated and thanked him. She called him in and said, “Freshen up. I’ll cook up your favourite dish tonight.”
He smiled and thought, “from my childhood till this moment, the woman that always stood beside me and at end of the lane of every chapter of my life, the woman that cared for me and never gave upon me, one of the most important person and indispensable part of my life – my mom.”
By Andrea A Sen
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