The Guardian of the Stone

The sweet sound of Family

The next day, Maya completed her last project, and then she went to her office. She said, "Mr. Raj? Bring our goal achievement book. Let's see what the next achievement is." Raj said, " Ma'am, I have mailed you the achievement. You can check it out." She nodded her head, and Raj left. Maya clicked open the file from mail, and then her eyes widened as she stared at the image of the Vajra Shakti on her computer screen. She felt a sudden jolt, as if a spark of electricity had run through her body. Her mind raced with questions: "What is this? Why am I having this feeling?" She couldn't explain the sense of familiarity, the feeling that she had seen this artifact before, even though she knew she hadn't. She tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. But the sensation lingered, refusing to be dismissed. Maya's curiosity was piqued; she needed to know more about the Vajra Shakti. She began to read the accompanying text, her eyes scanning the page with a newfound intensity. The Vajra Shakti, she learned, was an ancient artifact rumored to hold the power of the gods. It was said to be able to wield the element to control the very fabric of nature. Maya stood up, and she got printed out of mail and left for her private apartment. She called her parents and said, "Mom, Dad! I am leaving for my house. Today, I won't be coming home." Her dad, Ramesh, said, " But, beta... today is our anniversary." Maya said, " Oh. I am sorry, Dad mom, I couldn't send you your gift and cake, I will send it soon." Her dad gets angry. Maya's mom, Sunita, spoke up, her voice filled with a mix of understanding and gentle reprimand. "Maya, beta (child), we want you to give us time, not all these materialistic things. We can understand your feelings, your passion, and your work. Then why can't you understand ours? We're not asking for much, just a little attention, a little presence in our lives. We're your parents, Maya. We've given you life, and now we want to share in your journey, in your successes and struggles." Sunita's words struck a chord in Maya's heart. She realized that her parents weren't asking for material possessions or grand gestures, but for something far more precious - time, love, and connection. Maya felt a pang of regret for not being more present in her parents' lives, for not prioritizing the people who mattered most. She knew she had been so focused on her research and career that she had neglected the ones who had always been there for her. With a newfound understanding, Maya nodded, determination in her eyes. "Mum, Dad, I promise to do better. I'll make more time for you both to share my life with you and to listen to your stories. I love you both so much, and I don't want to miss out on any more moments with you." Maya disconnected her call, and she sat inside her car, went to bakery shop, and bought Cake. She went to her home and rang the bell. Sunita opened their door, and she saw Maya standing outside with a box. Sunita said, " Child (Beta), you really come?" Maya said, " I'm sorry, Mom! I understood my mistake, that's why I have come here first." Ramesh said, " Sunita, ask her why she has come when her work is important to her?" Maya's eyes sparkled with a mischievous idea. She took a deep breath and, with a playful smile, began to sing a soft, melodious Hindi tune. "Papa kehte hain bada naam karegi, Main tere bina kuchh bhi nahin kar paungi Par tumse pyaar karungi, ye dil bhi karega, Papa, mujhe maaf kar do, yeh dil keh raha
("Dad says I'll make a big name for myself, But I won't do anything without you."
But I'll love you, my heart will do, Dad, please forgive me, my heart says.") Ramesh's expression softened, his eyes misting with emotion. He couldn't resist the charm of his daughter's sweet voice and the heartfelt lyrics. Maya's singing was like a warm hug, enveloping him in love and apology. As she finished the song, Raj's face broke into a gentle smile. He opened his arms, and Maya rushed into a tight embrace, her head on his chest. "Papa, I'm sorry," she whispered. Ramesh stroked her hair, his voice filled with warmth. "Mujhe maaf kar diya, beta. Ab ghar kab aa rahi ho?" (Translation: "I've forgiven you, child. Now, when are you coming home?") Maya said, "Right now, Papa, I have started a project, and it's important. Ramesh nodded understandingly, "Okay, beta. Finish your project, and then come home. We'll be waiting for you. But don't work too hard, okay? Take care of yourself, too." Maya smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "I will, Papa. I promise. And I'll be home before you know it. I just need to finish this project, and then I'll be free to come home and spend some quality time with you and Mum." Ramesh smiled back, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "We're looking forward to it, Maya. And don't forget, we're always here for you, no matter what." Maya nodded, feeling grateful for her parents' unwavering support. "I know, Papa. And I'll make sure to keep that in mind. Now, I should get going. I have to head to the library this evening for some further research." Ramesh nodded, "Okay, beta. Be safe, and don't work too late. We'll talk to you soon." Maya hugged her parents tightly, feeling a sense of love and connection wash over her. She knew that no matter where life took her, her parents would always be there to support and guide her. With a smile, she headed out the door, ready to tackle her project, and then set off on her trip home. Here's a continuation of the scene: Sunita smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "Now, now, my dear. If father-daughter bonding is over, then mother is waiting for her daughter! Let's go cut the cake and have dinner. I've made your favorite dish, Maya." Maya's face lit up with a mix of guilt and love. "Maa, Papa, I'm so sorry. I took you both for granted. I promise to make it up to you." Ramesh and Sunita exchanged a glance, their faces softening with understanding. "We know, beta," Raj said. "We're just glad you're here with us now." Maya took their blessings, touching their feet with respect. "Happy anniversary, Maa, Papa. I love you both so much." Sunita's eyes misted with tears as she hugged Maya tightly. "We love you too, dear. Now, let's go celebrate our special day together." As they walked towards the dining table, Maya felt a sense of gratitude and joy wash over her. She knew she had taken her parents for granted, but she was determined to make it up to them, starting from this moment. The cake was cut, and they sat down to enjoy their dinner together, the warmth and love of their family bonding filling the air.

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