Legacy of Love
By Lokanath Mishra
Sudam Babu’s life was a whirlwind of responsibilities and duties. As a state government employee, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He had married young, and as a result, he became a father-in-law at the ripe age of 44 when his beautiful daughter , Kajal got married. His son’s marriage followed suit when Sudam Babu just turned 50. His son married to a very beautiful girl named Kumudini.
The family was quite close-knit, and Sudam Babu took great pride in his children and their spouses. One day, his wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law decided to visit the nearest temple together. As they walked towards the temple, their youthful appearances caught the attention of the neighbors and devotees. Many people couldn’t help but comment that the three women looked like sisters rather than a mother and her daughters-in-law.
The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on Sudam Babu. He had become a father-in-law and then a grandfather in what felt like the blink of an eye. Life had moved so fast, and now his children were grown with families of their own. Despite the challenges that came with aging, Sudam Babu felt a sense of contentment knowing that his family was happy and thriving.
Tragedy struck when Sudam Babu passed away at the age of 58. The family was devastated by his sudden demise, and his wife was heartbroken. She struggled to cope with the loss of her partner, and her health began to decline rapidly.
Six years after Sudam Babu’s passing, his wife also left this world behind. The family came together to perform the funeral ceremonies for both Sudam Babu and his wife. Their daughter, along with her husband and children, attended the ceremonies, paying their last respects to her beloved parents.
As the family stood together, they remembered the happy times they had shared with Sudam Babu and his wife. They recalled the sacrifices they had made for their family and the love they had showered upon them. The funeral ceremonies were a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.
Despite the grief that surrounded them, the family found solace in the memories they had created with Sudam Babu and his wife. They knew that their loved ones would always be with them in spirit, guiding and protecting them from beyond. As they bid their final farewell, the family knew that they would carry the legacy of Sudam Babu and his wife in their hearts forever.
Kajal visited her parental home after her mother’s passing, wearing simple sarees and feeling comfortable and at peace. She had come to her parents’ house after six months of Dasah of her mother, and it was a difficult time for her. Her father had passed away since more than six years ago, and now her mother was also gone. Kajal felt a deep sense of loss and emptiness in the house.
As she entered the house, her sister-in-law, Kumudini, greeted her warmly, but their conversation quickly turned into a heart-to-heart discussion. Kumudini expressed her feelings about Kajal’s past behavior, revealing the pain and bitterness she had accumulated over the years.
“Didi, you used to trouble me a lot,” Kumudini said, her voice filled with emotion. “You would complain to Mummy about me, and she would always take your side. You would take my belongings without permission, and I would feel disrespected.”
Kajal was taken aback by Kumudini’s words. She had never realized how her actions had affected her sister-in-law. She felt a deep sense of regret and apologized sincerely.
“Bhabhi, I’m so sorry,” Kajal said, tears streaming down her face. “I didn’t realize how my actions would affect you. I promise to change and make amends.”
Kumudini’s expression softened slightly, and she nodded. “Didi, this gap will heal slowly. If you respect me, you’ll get respect from us too. A parental home isn’t just about the mother; it’s also about the brother and sister-in-law. If there’s mutual understanding, a parental home stays with you for life.”
Kajal hugged Kumudini and cried, seeking forgiveness and a new beginning. “Bhabhi, please forgive me,” she said. “I’ll never behave badly again. I want to earn a place in your heart and make our relationship strong.”
Kumudini smiled slightly and patted Kajal’s back. “Didi, let’s forget the past and start anew. I’m willing to work on our relationship and build a stronger bond between us.”
As they hugged each other, Kajal felt a sense of hope and renewal. She realized that a parental home was not just about rights but about love, respect, and mutual understanding. She was determined to make amends and build a stronger relationship with Kumudini, and she knew that it would take time and effort.
But Kajal was willing to work hard to rebuild their bond and create a sense of belonging in her parental home. She knew that it wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to make it happen. With a newfound sense of purpose, Kajal started her journey towards healing and rebuilding her relationship with Kumudini.