“Sumit get
ready we have to catch the train” told Sumit’s Mom
“Yes Mom…I
am ready”, told Sumit
Once again
Summer Holidays are here. Every year Sumit visits his Nani’s place in summer
holidays. But his last years’ experience
at his Nani’s place stopping him to visit this year.
“Mom…can we
do one thing….as you know my 8th internal board exams will be there
this year….can I stay back at Ravi Chachu’s place and focus on study rather
than going to Nani’s place?” asked Rabi crossing his fingers for a nod from his
Mom.
“No Sumit, I
cannot allow you to stay back, as you know your Nani is suffering from cancer
and it may be your last meeting with her. Your Sushil Mama told me that Nani
wants to meet you one last time. You have to come with us.” told Sumit’s Mom.
Sumit
understood that “who” actually wants to meet him. They started the journey in
time.
Sumit was the only child of his parents. Usually Sumit feels happy to get
to his Nani’s place, but this time he was sad. He knew how next one month of
Summers is going to be for him. Last year’s memories flashed back in his mind.
At Sumit’s Nani’s place its quite hot during summers and electricity hardly
available for 3-4 hours. So most of the time during night Sumit & his father used to
sleep on the terrace. His Sushil Mama (Mother’s younger brother) used to sleep
in the Mango garden as he used to take care of more than 100 Mango trees owned
by them. Sumit also wanted to sleep in the garden, but was not allowed. One day
Sumit’s father had to go to town for some urgent work. In the night Sumit’s Mom
asked Sumit not to sleep alone on the terrace. But Sumit loved sleeping on terrace. During summers the sky full of stars with various constellations
always fascinated him.
“Sister
Don’t worry. Let Sumit sleep along with me at Mango garden. He will enjoy it.
What’ say Sumit.” told Sushil Mama.
“Yes
Mama…that will be fantastic” told Sumit happily. Sumit’s Mom agreed to that.
In the night
Sumit had long chit chat with Sushil Mama. After sometime he slept. Suddenly in
the midnight he heard some noise. He wake up and found Sushil Mama was not
there. He noticed that the gardner’s room is open and someone is there inside.
He went to check that. He found something which he had never dreamt of. He
found his Sushil Mama watching porn movie on the small TV and drinking handia
(rice beer). He saw that for some time and got back to his sleeping place. He
was surprised but curious also.
After sometime he saw his Sushil Mama coming
out of that room. He pretended to be asleep. Sushil Mama slept besides him and
aksed,”Sumit, you liked the movie.”
Sumit was
surprised,” What Movie Mama” he asked.
“Don’t tell
me lie, I saw you watching the movie which I was watching. You were hiding near
the window. Its not good for children of your age. Why you did so? I think you
have watched such movies earlier.” Told Sushil Mama.
“No Mama, I
have watched it for first time. Sorry, I should not do the same. I will not
repeat it.” Told Sumit.
“Arre don’t
worry. I will not tell the same to anyone. But you have to do something for
me.” Told Sushil Mama.
“Oh yes Mama
tell me what I have to do.” Told Sumit in anticipation that Sushil will not
tell anyone.
“OK.
Actually you have to do whatever I am telling you. Put off your clothes first.”
Told Sushil
“What Mama?
What are you asking me to do?” asked Sumit
“Do what I
said. Else I have to inform about today’s episode to your parents.” told Sushil
“No Mama.
Please don’t tell anyone. I will do whatever you will say.” Told Sumit
That
night Sumit saw the worst face of the animal called Human Being. He was abused
by his own uncle. This trend continues for next 4-5 days till the arrival of
Sumit’s father. After few days summer vacation got over and Sumit came back to
the town with his parents. He was afraid of telling about the incident to
anyone as he thought no one will believe him. Sushil Mama is favorite of
everyone. He took responsibility of the family at very early age after death of
Sumit’s Nana. He decided to keep quiet and forget it.
Suddenly
Sumit’s thoughts got disturbed as there was a big jerk and he fall from his
birth. Something hit on his head and he lost consciousness.
When he
opened his eyes he found himself on hospital bed. His Sushil Mama and few more
known faces were there.
“Sumit, how
are you?”asked Sushil Mama
“I am OK
Mama. What happened? Where are Mom & Dad?” asked Sumit
“Sumit,
there is a bad news. The train by which you all were coming had met with an
accident. Your Mom & Dad are no more. You were also in Coma for last two
weeks. Be strong. I know how it feels to lost your near & dear ones.” Told
Sumit
Sumit was
speechless, he was not even able to cry. His world seems to came to an end
abruptly.
After
sometime he got discharged from the hospital. Sushil Mama brought him to his
Nani’s place.
“ Sumit
beta, you are a strong boy just like your Sushil Mama. I know you will be
better than your Mama in taking responsibility. You will now stay with us. You
are the only memory of my daughter now.” Told Sumit’s Nani and started crying.
“Don’t worry
Mom we will take care of Sumit. He will study in the village school in day time
and will be with me in the night time understanding the Mango business. Last
Summers I found he was good at grasping the basics. What’ say Sumit?” told
Sushil Mama smiling
Sumit was
again speechless. He wants to shout and say NO loudly but somehow he can’t. He
thought he missed the chance of saying anything to anyone. If he could have
told to his mother gathering some courage, things might would have been
different. He might not came to Nani’s place this summer. But destiny had
something different for him. Now he know one thing…its going to be A Never
Ending Summer for him….till he speaks out…but to whom…he missed the chance
already.
