An unusual love story

Samanyu

Mithu felt a light tap yet again. This time she jumped up to look at the smiling face of her Dad. Mithu looked at him worried, "Daddy Samyu ma eppidi irukka? Romba pain la irukaala pa? Paavam paa Samyu..." before she could say any further Abhi smiled again and shushed her, "shhhhh.... Samyu is fine and..... so is the baby. Do you want to see...hmmmm....the baby?" Mithu's eyes instantly lit up, "What? Really? Baby porandhaacha? Boy ya girl aa Daddy? Ayyo edhavudhu sollungalen. En kutty manda vedikkudhu. Please?" Abhi hugged her tightly and said, "Naan sollardhavida Neeye vandhu paaru vaa?" That's when Mithu realized that Thatha was no where in sight. Abhi told her not to worry about Thatha and he held her hands to walk through the double doors. They passed through the labor ward where she had left Samyu and they walked into a more quiet area. Here there were several private room with doors closed. Abhi stopped outside door number 7 and gently knocked before opening the door slowly.

At first Mithu noticed thatha and Paati there. Then she saw the bed where Samyu was lying. Her bed was adjusted to a more seated up position. She looked towards Mithu and smiled. Mithu was glad to see that Samyu was not wincing in pain anymore. It was after that did she notice a tiny bundle in Samyu's arm. Mithu's face lit up and she looked up at Abhi. He smiled and nodded gesturing her to go towards the bed. Mithu walked up gently. Samyu smiled at her and said, "Miss Sangamithra, here you go. Meet your baby brother. Unakaaga thaan naanga ellam wait pannarom. Nee thaane ivanukku peru vekkanum? Innime Ivan un poruppu." Everyone chuckled but Mithu went to take a close look at the baby. He was the cutest little thing she had ever seen.

He was pinkish in color with jet black hair. His eyes were closed but when she held his hands, he quickly grabbed her little finger. Mithu wanted to laugh but for some unknown reason, tears started flowing down her cheeks. He looked just perfect. She wanted to kiss his chubby cheeks but instead she kissed his tiny foot which, instantly curled to her touch. She sniffled and then smiled saying, "Hi, naan thaan unnoda akka. Ennoda peru Mithra. Unnoda Peru enna theriyuma? Naan unakku va ha peru Samanyu. Naan Unna Manu kutta nu koopduven ok?" Samyu said, "Wow! Such a beautiful name Mithu kutty. He is such a perfect Samanyu." She then looked up at Abhi who wrapped his arms around Samyu and Mithu and kissed them each on their foreheads. Then they all said in unison, "Samanyu" only for the baby to twitch and let out a little cry.

Mithu looked up at Samyu and asked, "Unakku ippo valikaliye?" Samyu hugged Mithu and said, "Idho Ivan porandha udane ella valiyum parandhu pochu. Unnoda Daddy thaan ennoda adhigama azhudhu theriyuma? Avan porandha udane en mela pottutu aparam Daddy kitta doctor kudutha avana. Oru pakkam Avan azharan innoru pakkam ivar. Ennakku semma jolly ya irundhudhu" and the mother daughter duo chuckled. Abhi frowned at Samyu fondly and said, "Nee kashta padardhu paakum podhu enakku romba kashtama irundhudhu but seeing the birth of our child was unbelievably emotional. Ungala eppovume protect pannanum nu oru feeling." Mithu hugged Abhi and said, "Daddy it is ok to be emotional and cry nu Neenga thaane solluveenga. It's ok Daddy. I won't make fun of you ok?" Abhi hugged her tightly. It was a beautiful moment.

Although Abhi and Samyu were relieved at the normal delivery, their concerns about the baby had been lingering but, by God's grace, everything was fine and the doctor handed them a perfectly normal 3.5 kg 20 inches long baby boy, whose screams reached two floors down, at the cafetaria. He sure did have enormous lungs. Samyu stayed for observation at the hospital for a couple of days during which time, Mithra convinced not only Samyu but also thatha and Paati with the splendid idea of going home together. After a lot of deliberations, everyone agreed that Mithu's idea was indeed splendid.

The next day Daddy and daughter went on a shopping spree to make their home baby friendly. Although basic things such as cradle and bassinet, feeding bottles etc were purchased, Mithu wanted to decorate the bedroom wall, curtains etc and she decided that her brother was going to love Winnie the Pooh, just like she did. Hence the house was redone. She also made sure that Thatha Paati's room had fresh sheets, covers and towels etc just like her Samyu ma had taught her.

Two days later it was time to welcome home not just a brother but an entire family. The house that began with a single man adopting a little girl had now turned out be a one big happy wholesome family.

Brinda Subramanian

Are we ready for the Epilogue?