The baby's cry reverberated of the room. The blaring sound was much awaited. The nurse handed over the just born baby to the mother. Tears of happiness and joy poured out of her eyes. The nurse informed her that the small baby was going to live a happy life. The nurse then took the baby of the mother's soft hands and handed the baby to the father. The father's face showed nothing close to happiness. He put the baby back into the cradle and silently walked out of the room. And he was never to be seen again.
The boy was recognized as Zaphia. He was brought up by his mother alone. At home, he had to do all the chores because they were missing a pair of hands. He used to wash his and his mom's clothes and do the dishes. His mother used to return home late. Every month, she used to return with a story in hand. The mother used to read one to him every night before they slept. Zaphia adored his mother above all humanity. Every weekend, his mother used to take him to the beach and watch the sun rise. It was a wonderful sight. They could see white ball of light rising from the horizon. This would be the highlight of the week. Then, his mother would bear his weight on her shoulders and run around the beach even though it pained a lot.
When he came of age, Zaphia was sent to school. He used to take his studies seriously. He believed that if he studied well, he could give his children a life his mother never gave him. He was the smartest student of his age. Everyday after school, he would run home and clean the house. When his mother entered the house, he would pounce on her like a dog does to its owner. He would tell her each and every interesting incidents which occurred in school and his mother used to listen intently. They used to continue this routine until Zaphia went to college.
The mother went to drop her son at the train station. The mother kissed him on the cheek and said, "I'll be waiting." With that, Zaphia boarded the train. The solitary mother stood there, waving in one hand and holding a handkerchief in another. After the train was no where to be seen, and all the other parents departed, the mother stood there and reminisced all the things they did together. With a tear in her eye, she left back home, knowing that no one would be waiting for her. All was gone.
During his first year, she used to receive a post card every week regarding his hospitality, events happening in college, friends he made, etc,. But then, the time between cards started increasing and increasing. It became two weeks, then four and then once in two months. And all of a sudden, she never received any postcards. She felt really bad. It was as if a opaque wall had been put between Zaphia and his mother. She felt lonlier the minute.
After a couple of years later, while returning home from work, she found the front door slightly open. Her fear bloomed. She could feel her heartbeat throbbing on her neck. She knew that if robbers broke into the door, she wouldn't have the strength to fight them. She quietly opened the door and the house was filled with darkness. She took the object closest to her, which was an umbrella and headed towards the hall. There she could see a silhouette of a man standing. She was about to throw the umbrella at him when the light turned on. It took her a couple of seconds for her eyes adjust but when it hit her, she immediately dropped the umbrella and rushed towards Zaphia. After she finished hugging him, she realized that he was holding a medal. Engraved on it was 'Student of the year'. She started smiling so much that her cheek started paining.
At night, they slept in one bed and the mother recited one of the stories she used to tell when he was smaller. But this didn't last long either. Soon, he got married and emigrated out of the country. The mother got lonely again. She used to receive some money and a postcard once a month with pictures of her grandchildren.
She quit her job and lived with the money sent by her son. Zaphia planned to come meet his mother along with his children but later cancelled it because of his promotion.
Soon, the mother became very ill and had to stay in bed. Zaphia took a month off and came to visit her alone. He switched off his phone and removed all modes of communication. They went back into the old times. This time though, he told her stories.
Then one day, the mother woke up somewhere she remembered being a long time ago. The sight was dark. Beside her was Zaphia. He said that he had a surprise for her. He turned the chair around and seated a couple of yards away was a woman he had only seen once and two children he had only seen pictures of. The children ran towards her and hugged her very tightly. She remembered Zaphia hugging her a long time ago. Then he turned the chair back to the initial position. She was facing the sea. They five sat facing the east and watched the sun rise. It was the same as watching it forty years ago. The golden sunlight rose from the horizon. It was a treat for the eyes. Then slowly, she turned towards her son and melodiously said, "I love you and thank you for everything," which she had been waiting to say for some time. She faced the rising sun and gently closed her eyes. She thought quickly of the things she could have done if her husband hadn't left her - the life they could have had. She thought of the dark abyss which will engulf her. And slowly her eyes closed, never to be opened again.
