The dreaded day had finally arrived. With a mix of love and reluctance, she gently roused Anmol from his peaceful slumber, knowing that this marked his very first step into the world of education. Oh, how she wished she could keep him wrapped in her embrace forever, shielding him from any harm. But deep down, she recognized the significance of granting him his right to education, despite the ache of separation that tugged at her soul.
Accompanied by her husband, Ayesha embarked on a bittersweet journey to deliver Anmol to the doors of his first school.
After returning, she busied herself with domestic chores, ensuring she would be there on time to retrieve Anmol at the end of his momentous first day.
But then, the radiant day grew dark and brooding. The distant rumble of thunder and sudden flashes of lightning stirred a sense of foreboding within Ayesha. She rushed to the balcony where each raindrop heralded an impending downpour, transforming the serenity of the day into a torrential deluge.
Ayesha’s attention was consumed by worry for her son. Observing the water levels rise and contemplating venturing out to retrieve him from school, her husband’s voice reached her through the telephone, pleading her to wait until the storm subsided.
Yet, a mother’s love knows no bounds. Armed with umbrellas and an unwavering determination, Ayesha braved the waterlogged streets. The short journey transformed into an arduous odyssey, leaving her breathless and soaked to the bone upon reaching the hallowed gates of the school.
And there, Ayesha’s eyes fell upon her son, safe and content in the company of newfound friends. A surge of relief flooded her, prompting her to conceal herself, not wanting to disrupt the delicate harmony of the moment. Though her heart longed to embrace him, she refrained, conscious of her own saturated state.
The rain, which once held enchantment in Ayesha’s heart, now bore a different meaning. It evoked a sense of anxiety she had never known before. As she waited patiently at the reception area, memories flooded her mind—images of her own childhood days when rain beckoned joy-filled moments of racing paper boats and dancing in puddles. In those moments, her mother’s warm embrace and a cup of nutmeg-infused tea awaited her. Now, caught in the remnants of the storm, she found herself sneezing, a gentle reminder of the dampness clinging to her.
As the rain gradually subsided and a rickshaw puller finally agreed to transport them home, Ayesha enveloped Anmol in her arms, their reunion a mix of relief and concern.
Upon returning, curiosity tugged at Ayesha’s heart, compelling her to gently ask her son, “Did the lightning not frighten you, my dear?”
Anmol’s eyes gleamed with a blend of wonder and wisdom as he replied, “No, Mumma. My teacher told us that the lightning was nothing more than God capturing beautiful moments with his camera.” Ayesha’s heart overflowed with gratitude for the teacher’s comforting words, bringing solace to her son amid the storm.
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