‘I wonder what grandma would be doing now?”’ I wondered as I walked back home from school.

I was just very tired and I rang the doorbell. No one opened and then I realised my mum was in the hospital because my grandma had become very sick.

I was sure that mum would have given the key to Mrs Shah. She was our neighbour, a very kind old woman. I liked her because she was very polite and kind, and always gave me a pack of chocolates to eat whenever I came to her house with mum and dad.

I rang the doorbell and she opened the door and said, “Ah! It’s you Fatima, I knew you’d come and I am so glad to see you.”

I replied “Me too, aunty. Mum has actually gone to the hospital…”

“Yes, your grandma is very ill, that’s why. She told me to take care of you till she returns. So finally you have a chance to munch some chocolates at my place!”

I was delighted and went inside with her.

I sat on the sofa but something kept bothering me. I just felt that something is not right. I was very anxious to see my grandma. I simply loved her. Her smile was so sweet and delicate. I really, really wanted to see her.

Mrs Shah asked me, “You look sad. Is something bothering you, my dear?”

I replied, “Yes, I am thinking about grandma, she was fit and fine some days before. I wonder what has happened to her?”

“Yes, I even feel that there is something missing,” said Mrs Shah.

I just began to ponder over something. Grandma was living alone in her cottage. We used to visit her once a week. She was my paternal grandmother and dad was her only son. I felt pity on grandma as dad never realised her importance He gave her monthly expenses and all that she needed, but the most important thing she wanted was his time. That she didn’t have very often. Now she needed us the most.

I quickly asked Mrs Shah if I could make a phone call to my dad and she replied in affirmative.

I dialled my father’s number and said, “Dad, you must have known by now that grandma is very sick and is admitted in the hospital. Dad, I think your mother needs your attention as you are her only son. After the death of grandpa, she has been living alone and has never asked us for any favours.

“I realise that all of us have ignored her. We have been so busy in our lives that we have almost forgotten about her. Dad, she is the reason you are here and if she would not have been there, then neither you nor I would have been born.

“Dad, I think it is time for all of us, especially you, to take some steps for her happiness. After all, she is our responsibility,” I finished emotionally.

There was silence at the other side. I said goodbye and hung-up the phone. I was sure that dad would understand.

I asked Mrs Shah, “Could we go to the hospital to see grandma?”

Mrs Shah agreed and then she took me to the hospital. As we entered the hospital, I ran straight to the patient’s room mum told me about. There I saw grandma lying on the bed and mum was sitting by her side.

Grandma was wearing an oxygen mask. Suddenly, the door opened and dad rushed in.

“Mum, I am here, don’t worry, you’ll be just fine,” said dad as he grabbed her hand.

“I am really sorry mum, all this time I did not realise your importance. You are a great woman. I love you so much. I totally forgot about you and remained busy with my office.”

Grandma’s eyes started to blink and her cherry lips curved into a faint smile. She slowly took off her mask, and almost whispered, “I love you, all. Remember, you can only succeed in this world by making your dear family happy.”

As she said this, dad cried holding her hand because he realised the very moment that what he was missing in his life. And it is never too late to start afresh.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 17th, 2018