Always Have. Always Will

I WANT TO INTRODUCE YOU TO SOMEONE

The heat waves were making the already unbearably hot weather even worse. This year saw the longest dry spell in Jaipur's history, and the nearby areas were also affected. People were dealing with health issues due to it—especially the kids—were dealing with health problems. Omkar Singh and Asha Singh were traveling to one of the long-standing children's hospitals that their family had founded.

"Don't worry you have already called some good doctors from the city; things will be fine now." Asha Singh attempted to soothe her husband Omkar Singh, who appeared agitated and perspired even in the air-conditioned vehicle.

"I am only worried about the children Asha Ji, this year the weather is merciless, I don't want our people to suffer like this". He spoke without turning to see his spouse. "Rama Shankar, make it fast what is taking you so long?" He asked his driver. 

"Sir, we are about to reach in the next 10 minutes". Rama Shankar who was working for the family from last twenty years replied.

Omkar Singh and Asha Singh are a couple in their Seventies. Omkar Singh was the head of the royal family of this province and one of the most influential political MLAs was worried about the school-going kids who were falling ill due to dehydration and heat stroke. This incident occurred in one of the schools that their family funds, where twenty pupils passed out from heat exhaustion. He was more concerned about the children than his political reputation, though the circumstances would greatly affect it., even though ACS was installed in the classes, it came to his notice that those were not working for the last two or three days.

They arrived at the hospital at last. Senior physicians and hospital employees were waiting to greet them at the door. "Welcome Omkar ji and mam, it's a pleasure to see you both here," said the hospital's dean.

"How are things going Nilesh ji? Are we able to control the situation?"

"We are trying our best sir; we have our best teams from Delhi as well who are helping us to control the situation and finally looks like things are manageable".

"We would like to see the wards and meet the kids in person," said Omkar Singh.

Once they entered the general ward, they could see kids lying there, the kids looked in better condition now compared to when they came here, dehydrated and almost unconscious. "Rama Shankar call Mishra ji and ask him to meet me in my office in the evening," Omkar Singh told to his driver, Mishra ji is the principal of the school from where these kids have fainted due to high heat.

After checking the ward and meeting with a few parents he got satisfied and Nilesh took them to his office. Meanwhile, Asha Singh just stayed glued to her place when she saw a particular face in front of her eyes. 'Am I dreaming or is she here?', she thought. Her mind goes back to when everything was normal in their family and her elder daughter-in-law was still there with them.

5 Years Ago

"Rama why did you call me and whom are you talking to?", Asha Singh asked her daughter-in-law while entering her room. "Mummy ji! Look, who got time for us after so long?"

Asha Singh looked at the tab screen and saw her favorite and loved grandson Atharva at the other end who looked embarrassed and smiled at them.

"Hey, Dadi ma! How are you?" he said when he saw her.

"Dadi ma Ke bache! Now you have time to call us. It's been almost a year since you left us all." Asha Singh got a little emotional. She missed him a lot and was always worried about his well-being.

"Sorry Dadi, there was so much going around and..."

"And?" asked Rama Singh, Atharva's mother. Although she knew the reason but didn't know it could affect him so much.

"Mom, you know Dad, right? He does not like it when you talk to me, and I don't want you to face any issue there, especially when I am not with you" he said with a pang of guilt.

"Atharva, there is nothing like this. Your dad is a little angry after what you did but will not remain angry for long, and now when you are getting so much love and appreciation for your work. I am proud of you Beta." Her eyes got moist saying this and Asha ji touched her shoulder to calm her.

"Mom! Ok now both of you stop being so upset. You know how it makes me feel?" Rama and Asha ji wiped their tears and looked at him with a smile.

"Alright. Tell us how you're doing today and when you intend to return home.?"

"I am planning soon but not alone." He said while getting a little shy.

When he said that, Asha ji and Rama were both taken aback. Asha ji asked, "Don't tell me you got married and bringing your wife with you to take our blessings?"

"WHAT?? No Dadi, how can you even think that?"

"Oh, Thank God! Or else we would have got a heart attack" they laughed.

"Well not wife but there is someone I would like you both to meet and know."

"REALLY!! Wow, Mummy ji! These kids are growing up so fast" Rama looked at her mother-in-law and they both laughed and started teasing Atharva together.

"Yes, Rama. Who would have thought this little boy who was once roaming around the corridors in just his undies is now getting us introduced to a girl." They both laughed.

Atharva got annoyed with their teasing, "Oh please Dadi, I was a kid, and I don't even remember any of it. Anyways if you guys want to continue like this then thanks, I must go now."

Listening to this they both stopped laughing, "Uff! Ok fine don't spoil the mood now. Tell us about the girl. I am so excited!" Rama looked at her mother-in-law in excitement and she was eager too.

"Well, her name is Mahika, she is studying medicine and I love her." He said everything in one sentence.

"Love?? Since how long you guys have seen each other" Rama asked Atharva getting a bit serious.

"Not much Mom, just 6 months but seems like I have known her since forever."

"Does she belong to a royal family?" Asha Singh asked this time.

"No, but how does it matter? For me, she is my princess!"

Both Rama and Asha looked at each other, they knew it was not going to be easy. 'This boy cannot do anything that does not involve any drama' Rama thought.

"Are you both not happy?" he asked when he didn't get any response from them.

"No beta nothing like that. Show us her photo let us also see what your princess looks like." Asha Singh said to make the atmosphere a little lighter.

"I will send the pics on WhatsApp Mom. I am sure you both will like her. I will call you both later now I must go, I am getting late for my shoot now. See you!" with this Atharva disconnected the call.

"Rama, I am getting worried for this boy now. He is always so rebellious." Asha Singh said to her daughter-in law looking a little worried.

"Let it be Mummy ji. Who knows if it is temporary or permanent." Just then Rama's phone got one notification from Atharva. When they saw the picture, they realized it wasn't a passing thing.

Now

The innocence and the smile that could melt even the rock was in front of Asha Singh's eyes that she saw that day in that photo. She knew it was not a mistake, this is Mahika... Atharva's Mahika.

________________________________________________________________________________

Hello Lovely readers!

How do you like the first chapter of this book? 

Please give your support with your votes and comments!

With love,

Your Author

You can find me on Instagram : @Ankz_Scribbles