Morning, sunshine and fun ... all welcomed me as I left my bedroom for the dining room. My mother was packing her stuff and was busy giving the necessary instructions to the maid. On the other hand, my dad and grandma were trying to play their roles so that my mum could leave with the least worries of the home and all of us, who were to stay back!

On enquiring, I was told that since my mum’s uncle wasn’t feeling well, she had to go to pay him a visit. I had been hearing stories of the deep, profound bond that my mother enjoyed with her uncle, therefore it was absolutely understandable that she would go to look after him when he was very ill.

I also offered my help and assured mum not to be worried about me at all. I told her that I would act very responsible and will not bother my grandma at all. My mother listened to my assurances, again rendered many instructions regarding meals, school, wardrobe, general mannerism, etc.!

I listened to all of it without actually registering a single word. I knew everything as she habitually repeats the same instructions daily as well!

During the school’s long six hours, I kept thinking about the fun that I would do on reaching home. I knew I was going to miss mum, but also was very sure that the upcoming two days would be really relaxing. Mama was too finicky about unnecessary things … I will live as I liked for at least two days!

Instead of the just one bell, I rang the doorbell thrice! I knew no one would scold me as mum was not at home. My maid opened the door with a smile and didn’t utter a single word!

“Wow! This is life!” I told myself. I threw my heavy school bag on the lounge’s sofa and dropped my shoes and socks there. Later, I asked my grandma to get my meal served in the lounge as I wanted to lie on the sofa and have my meal there — right in front of the television. I fell asleep while watching TV and someone picked my plate without actually bothering me. I loved the environment like never before.

At dinner, I demanded burgers instead of the regular food — and my dad ordered whatever I wanted. I had to stay up late that night as no one woke me up from my afternoon nap and I got up really late in the evening, so I had a lot of homework left to be done.

“Anyways, life has to be like this,” I kept reminding myself.

In the morning, there was chaos in the kitchen. My grandma, dad and the maid were all preparing breakfast and lunch for me. I felt terribly special! I opened my lunch box excitedly at the school — the sandwich smelled yummy. I took a big bite, I thought I liked it … but the bite became smaller and smaller till a quarter of it was left in the lunch box, maybe for the home time! It was okay but whoever had made it, had garnished it lavishly with salad leaves and green chillies. I never liked the smell of the ‘greens,’ therefore my mum always made a separate sandwich for me, different from that for the rest of the family.

I went home. Again relaxed on the large sofa and asked for the lunch. This time my grandma turned out to be very much like my mum! She announced that the meals were to be eaten at the table! I was also informed that the plate that I had left yesterday was broken!

I was hungry so I went straight to the dining table and had my lunch. It was okay, but again the ‘greens’ were lavishly added. I managed it with a lot of yoghurt.

At night, I felt pain in my tummy. I told my dad. He was quick in giving me all the necessary medications that we had in our first aid cabinet. I didn’t feel better but was scared to let daddy know as then he would have taken me to the doctor!

In the morning, I called mummy; she asked me that what had I eaten earlier and I reported the diet I had the previous day. My mum quickly told me that the mild ache in the tummy is because of the spices, especially the green chillies. She told me that chilli never suited me.

On reaching school, I realised that I was wearing the regular school uniform instead of the sports suit! It was my P.E. day and the teacher won’t allow me to play without the proper sports uniform. I felt so sad about missing the sports activity. I then realised that my mum had been the one responsible for getting me ready for school on time and taking care of my things and timetable.

I missed her terribly as I sat in the classroom and watched all my friends enjoying in the ground — I could not blame anyone as no one actually knew about me and my needs as much as my mum did.

On returning home that day, I was literally counting the hours when my mum would be back. I went straight to my room and kept all my things properly. I lay on my bed and slept. I didn’t want food, I didn’t want to watch television, I didn’t want anything — all that I needed was my mum. Now I had come to know that life without mum is not adventurous at all! I terribly need her. I wanted to hug her and thank her!

Dear kids, hug your mum! She doesn’t need ‘Mother’s Day’ gifts; she needs your love, obedience and warmth! Show her that you really value her endeavours to make your life comfortable.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 12th, 2018