THE HEARTFELT PROMISE

It all started when my mother drew her first breath as nature stretched awake from her winter's slumber.

- BY DAMAYANTI BHATTACHARYA

She had a rather dusky complexion, which had a beauty of its own. However, in a house where fairness was praised, her beauty was often seen to be a flaw. Especially her grandparents, they were deeply disheartened as they heard that their first grandchild was a granddaughter. They had always dreamt of a grandson, luck just wasn't on their side this time.

Despite the judgemental stares and disapproving comments made behind my mother's back, she never gave up. She was a fighter, aiming to prove herself worthy and succeeding in becoming independent on her own. She believed from the bottom of her heart that there is no other achievement like being independent. Her parents named her, "Chhaya", a name which doesn't reflect a darkness that dims, but rather a shadow of silent support and comfort in times of need.

My mother, Chhaya, was a very calm and composed child. She never really created chaos, being comparatively well-kempt than other infants. It wasn't really a hassle for her parents to manage her, which they were thankful for. However, their lives took a turn as after about three years from her birth, my grandmother gave birth to twins- both of them were boys and their skins carried the grace of moon's reflection on the sea.

My grandparents and relatives were extremely overjoyed, this news was something else! They handled my uncles like precious porcelain, providing utmost care and warmth. They were like a symbol of the silver lining every cloud has. They didn't really come to the realisation of how special and loved they were since they were just newborns, but they were clearly happy and content by the surroundings they were in. The family members reached towards the light, forgetting my mother, the comforting shadow. But Chhaya?