Change of Heart

Chetan peeped through the ajar door of his son’s room. His son, Vishal, was sleeping peacefully with trophy lying by his side. This was awarded to him by his school Principal for cracking the prestigious IIT Entrance Examination. Chetan stroked his hair gently. Suddenly his gaze fell on the table where lay a toy airplane that Vishal loved. When he met him for the first time at Lata’s place, Vishal was five years old and Chetan had developed instinctive and instant aversion for the boy. The only reason– he was Lata’s son from her first marriage. Persuaded by his mother, Chetan had gone to meet Lata and at the entrance, he had seen the boy with a toy airplane in his hand. He had felt like going back. Otherwise also his failed marriage with Pooja, who was always fighting and indulging in violence, had led to mutual divorce and now he was scared of marriage.

His mother had dragged him inside Lata’s house, though he felt restless and reluctant. Lata’s parents were very cordial, and Lata too seemed a simple and serene woman. But fear lurked in his mind. He had no intention to take this small boy to his home, if he married Lata. So, he decided to discuss this issue with Lata when they were left alone to exchange pleasantries. Lata too didn’t show any interest in taking Vishal with her after marriage. She said “Vishal is born out of a loveless marriage. He reminds me of my ex-husband who was a drunkard, a gambler and a womanizer. My parents will take care of him or he will be sent to residential hostel” So, a simple marriage ceremony was performed and Lata became his wife.

Lata proved to be an ever-smiling placid woman and never talked about Vishal, which initially surprised Chetan but soon they became parents of a baby boy and life moved at its leisurely pace. The new born grew quickly and his lisping often brought tears of joy and bliss in Chetan’s eyes. The day he addressed Lata ‘Mama’ somehow made Chetan think of Vishal. He started feeling guilty of robbing Vishal of his mother. His conscience haunted him, and he longed to meet Vishal. Lata failed to comprehend the mood swings of her husband.

One day, he told Lata that he was going on some official tour and went to meet Vishal at his residential school. The boy, now eight years old, looked aloof and frail. Chetan stayed there for two days, befriended the boy and persuaded him to come with him. Vishal reluctantly agreed as Chetan brought him to his home.

Lata was surprised at this change of heart of her husband. She herself had been secretly crying and feeling guilty of depriving Vishal of mother’s love and care. Initially, Vishal remained reticent but gradually Lata and Chetan’s love won him over.

Chetan was brought back to the present as Vishal hugged him in sleep, and Chetan planted a kiss on his forehead.

Dr. Ritu Kamra Kumar