Happily Ever After?

Niveditha's temporary separation from her mother initially left her feeling a bit uneasy, as she was accustomed to their close bond, at least from her side although her mother abandoned her for someone else. But with time, she began to adapt to this new phase in her life. We had both reached a point where we felt ready to take the next significant step in our journey together which was our marriage.

We decided to involve a priest and asked my mother to assist in arranging our wedding. This step marked a substantial milestone in our relationship, and it signified the progress we were making as a couple. We wanted to celebrate our love and commitment to each other with a meaningful ceremony that would bring us together for a lifetime. We never said it out loud but deep down both of us were missing our fathers, and Mom was missing him too.

Involving the priest and setting a date for our wedding was an exciting move forward. It symbolized our deep love and the promise of a future together. We didn't want anything extravagant or overly elaborate; we simply wished for a beautiful and heartfelt wedding that would unite us in matrimony.

As the days passed, we found ourselves increasingly excited about this significant event in our lives. Our love had grown stronger, and we were eager to take the vows that would bind us together forever. The support of my mother and the involvement of the priest made this moment even more special, as we prepared for the beautiful journey ahead as husband and wife.

With the wedding date set, there were plenty of preparations to be made. My first task was a visit to the bank to withdraw a portion of my savings, which I planned to allocate for the wedding arrangements. It was essential to ensure that our special day would be beautiful and memorable.

However, I also had a surprise in mind for Niveditha and my mother. I wanted to use the remaining funds to purchase a larger house, expanding our current cozy space to accommodate our growing family. I envisioned a comfortable and welcoming home where we could build our future together.

Although our current home was suitable for the three of us, our upcoming marriage signaled that our family would soon grow. To be completely honest, neither Niveditha nor my mother had requested a larger house. They were happy with what we had. The decision to purchase a new home was a personal one, driven by our excitement about the bright future ahead and my desire to provide a more comfortable and roomy space for our expanding family. I could easily picture a little baby boy or girl crawling around the house, curiously exploring and sometimes putting things in their mouths. My mind was brimming with excitement for the coming days, and anyone who saw me would instantly grasp my happiness and anticipation. So, the idea of a new, larger home was born out of love and joy for the family we were about to build together.

This surprise meant a lot to me, as it was a symbol of my commitment to our life together. I wanted to provide a wonderful place for Niveditha and our future family, a place filled with love, happiness, and endless possibilities. It was a significant step in preparing for our life as a married couple, and I couldn't wait to see the joy it would bring to Niveditha's eyes. And I couldn't stop imagining how proud my mother would be of me.

Our first task was to find a suitable spot for the wedding ceremony, and we were fortunate to secure a picturesque location near the lake where Niveditha and I had spent countless cherished moments together. The generous owners of this beautiful place kindly granted us permission to use it for our special day. It was a meaningful choice for us.

In addition to the lovely venue, we received a heartwarming offer from Madhura Chachi, who had grown very close to Niveditha and considered her like a daughter. Madhura Chachi graciously offered to provide catering services for the event free of charge. Her gesture was incredibly kind and generous, and it touched our hearts deeply. With these pieces falling into place, our wedding preparations were off to a beautiful start, filled with the love and support of those around us.

While my mother and Niveditha embarked on a shopping trip to a nearby village, staying at a relative's house for a few days, I assumed responsibility for all the wedding preparations. This allowed me to focus not only on the upcoming wedding but also on our future home. The busy month ahead promised change, growth, and the start of a beautiful journey together as a married couple.

In South Indian tradition, there is a ritual where the bride is brought to the groom's house after the wedding, and a satyanarayana pooja is conducted. I wanted this special pooja to take place in our new home. Amid the whirlwind of preparations, we almost missed the fact that our wedding was just around the corner – it was only one day away.

On the morning of our wedding, all the ladies gathered to perform the "Mangala Snanam," the holy bath, symbolizing our entry into a new phase of life. The excitement was palpable, and I could see the joy in the eyes of the two most important women in my life. That very night, we became husband and wife, and now it was time to reveal a surprise – our new home.

As we walked back home from the wedding venue, I took a different route, leaving some people concerned. They wondered if I had forgotten the way to our house, but I brushed off their worries, keeping my plan a secret. The reason for this mysterious detour would soon become clear, I thought, as we moved forward into the next chapter of our lives.

We arrived at a beautifully decorated house, a sight to behold, adorned with a multitude of flowers and lanterns, creating a heavenly atmosphere. This place, especially for me, felt like heaven on Earth. When my mother and Niveditha laid their eyes on it, they couldn't believe what they were seeing. They looked to me for confirmation, and I simply nodded. Overwhelmed with joy, they embraced me, their tears of happiness matching the surprise and delight that filled my own heart.

Our family had transformed into a tightly-knit unit. My mother and Niveditha got along famously, and Niveditha often shared how the void left in her heart due to her mother's absence had been filled by our loving bond. As a year passed, I received a well-deserved promotion at work. This achievement prompted us to consider expanding our family, knowing that the time was right for the next chapter of our lives.

One morning, Niveditha woke up feeling nauseous and complained of dizziness. My mother had a hunch about the cause and suggested we confirm it. We called a nearby doctor, and when the news came, it was the most wonderful revelation: "You're going to be parents." It was a dream come true, and at that moment, we felt that nothing could dampen our happiness.

The anticipation of becoming parents filled our home with joy and excitement. Niveditha's pregnancy journey became a beautiful chapter in our lives. I was by her side, supporting her through every step of the way. We started decorating the nursery, choosing baby names, and discussing our hopes and dreams for our little ones became our daily rituals all in advance. (Like almost 4months before the baby's arrival)

That is when I thought to pen down my thoughts, and current feelings in my diary.

Dear Diary,

Life has been a journey filled with ups and downs, and I've learned to accept whatever it has thrown my way without questioning it. There have been moments of sadness, loneliness, and darkness, but they have all been beautifully replaced by the presence of three incredible beings in my life: Maa, Niveditha, and our soon-to-arrive baby.

To say that I am overjoyed and grateful would be an understatement. Words alone cannot capture the depth of happiness that fills my heart. I cherish every moment with my family, and I'm thankful for their love, support, and the happiness they bring into my life.

As I look ahead to the future, I don't ask for more, for I already have the most precious gifts life can offer. Instead, I humbly request the strength and courage to be an even better husband, son, and father. I want to take care of them, protect them, and ensure that their lives are filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

With the gratitude in my heart, I am ready to embrace the challenges and joys that the future holds. My family is my greatest treasure, and I am committed to cherishing and nurturing this precious gift that life has bestowed upon me.

Mohan

The year 1965 brought with it an unforeseen hardship for our family. India was hit by a severe recession caused by a lack of monsoons, which led to devastating droughts and widespread suffering, particularly food shortages. The consequences of this calamity rippled through the nation, affecting everyone, including our family. As companies struggled to survive the economic downturn, they began to lay off employees to stay afloat. Unfortunately, I found myself among those who lost their jobs. It was a harsh blow, and we faced the stark reality of struggling to put food on the table. Even if we managed to get by for a month, we had no idea how we would sustain ourselves beyond that.

I vividly remember one particularly challenging day when I was lost in thought as I wandered around our village. My mind was heavy with the burden of our uncertain future. As I strolled, a newspaper headline caught my eye. It proclaimed that other countries were inviting immigrants to seek employment opportunities. This small piece of news sparked a glimmer of hope in my heart. Along with several other men from our village who had also been hit by the economic crisis, I began to consider the idea of seeking work abroad.

The decision to leave our homeland was far from easy. The very thought of leaving behind my pregnant wife and my mother was terrifying. But in my heart, I believed it was a necessary step to provide them with a better future. I knew it wouldn't be easy, and the prospect of being separated from my loved ones weighed heavily on my mind. I discussed this proposition with my mother and Niveditha, and at first, they were hesitant, their eyes reflecting the natural anxiety of parting from a husband and son. They had their reservations and concerns, but as time passed and we shared our thoughts and feelings openly, they came to understand the depth of my intention. They recognized that my decision was driven by love and the unwavering desire to secure a brighter life for our family.

In the face of uncertainty, and with a heavy heart, I made the difficult choice to embark on a journey to a foreign land. Leaving my beloved family behind was a heart-wrenching moment, one filled with both hope and anxiety. I carried their love and support with me as I crossed borders and oceans, each step taking me further away from them, in pursuit of the promise of a more stable and prosperous future.

The journey to an unknown land was filled with trials and tribulations. I joined a group of determined individuals, all with their own stories of seeking a better life from different places. Together, we embarked on a journey into uncharted territory, not knowing what lay ahead but clinging to the hope that somewhere out there, our struggles would be rewarded with a brighter tomorrow.